Lesson 13 - Introduction to Historical (Higher) Criticism

PPT Handout Link

Hello, everyone!

Last Thursday night we began our introduction to Historical Criticism.  During the class I asked you to imagine yourself as one of your children or grandchildren who had just arrived at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for class.  I also asked you to imagine you had chosen to take an elective course called "Introduction to the New Testament" taught by Professor Bart D. Ehrman. (a professing agnostic, if not atheist)

Using the first chapter of Ehrman's book "Jesus, Interrupted", I proceeded to give an opening lecture on the importance and impact of Higher Criticism on the generally naive views of the text of not only the New Testament, but the Bible overall.  As an average, unaware Christian student, I would fully expect you to be taken by surprise by many, if not most, of the content presented.  I think it would be safe to assume that most college students who profess Christianity would be taken by surprise and shocked by the content of the lecture.  Thus, we find ourselves appropriately situated for the study ahead.

Our children and grandchildren, not to mention ourselves, are generally unprepared intellectually to encounter  the strong opposition to the Christian faith that is so readily presented in the university setting.  And just like what we have done through our study of Science and Lower Criticism, we will look deep into the objective evidences available in Higher Criticism which will serve to further solidify our Christian worldview and intellectual case for faith (justified trust) in God.

Next Class

Please make sure you bring your Bible's with you.  We are going to begin studying the parallel passages given in the various gospel accounts.  We will spend time looking at the similarities and differences between them.  We will also take time to make note of any questions or concerns you may have with their respective accounts.  I think it will be a very informative study; one which will better prepare us to understand the defend "...against the arguments set up against the knowledge of God."

I look forward to our time together!

Blessings!

Ricky
worldviewstudy@gmail.com