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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
Aug 49 min read

Has Historical Criticism Proved the Bible False?

The Origins and Methods of Higher Criticism


Higher criticism, also known as historical criticism, emerged prominently in the 18th and 19th centuries. This method seeks to investigate the origins, sources, and historical context of biblical texts. A key figure in the development of higher criticism was Julius Wellhausen, a German biblical scholar whose theories profoundly influenced the study of the Pentateuch—the first five books of the Bible.


Wellhausen proposed that these books were not written by Moses but were compiled from various sources much later, around the 5th century B.C.E. He suggested that the texts contained different traditions, which he labeled as J (Jehovah), E (Elohim), P (Priestly), and D (Deuteronomic). This Documentary Hypothesis posited that these sources were combined by editors over centuries.


Critics of higher criticism argue that its methods are speculative and lack concrete evidence. For example, the theory that different divine names (Jehovah and Elohim) indicate separate sources is problematic. Ancient writers, including those in the Hebrew tradition, often used multiple names for God to convey different aspects of His character. Psalm 23, for instance, refers to God as Jehovah (verse 1) and Elohim (verse 4), reflecting different attributes rather than different sources.



Evaluating the Claims of Higher Criticism


One major critique of higher criticism is its reliance on literary analysis without substantial archaeological evidence. Critics often divide the text based on stylistic differences, yet even modern authors vary their style depending on the context and purpose of their writing. Moreover, the repetition of events does not necessarily indicate multiple authors. Ancient Near Eastern literature, including the Bible, often uses repetition for emphasis and clarity.


Gleason L. Archer, Jr., a noted evangelical scholar, highlighted a fundamental flaw in higher criticism: it begins with the presumption that the Bible is purely a human product. This presupposition leads to conclusions that dismiss the divine inspiration of Scripture. Archer pointed out that Wellhausen's school of thought did not sufficiently demonstrate their assumption that Israel's religion evolved naturally like other ancient religions.


The Jewish Encyclopedia (1909) identified additional weaknesses in Wellhausen's theory. It challenged the assumption that religious rituals necessarily become more elaborate over time, noting that this is not supported by evidence from primitive cultures. Furthermore, it critiqued the idea that older sources must represent earlier stages of ritual development, which lacks corroboration from other ancient ritual codes, such as those of India.



Archaeological Evidence and the Bible


Unlike higher criticism, archaeology provides tangible evidence that can be tested and verified. Archaeological discoveries have often confirmed the historical accuracy of the Bible, vindicating its accounts against skeptical criticism. For instance, the existence of the Hittites, once doubted by critics, was confirmed through archaeological findings.


The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran in 1947 significantly impacted biblical studies. These scrolls, dating from the 3rd century B.C.E. to the 1st century C.E., include parts of every book of the Hebrew Bible except Esther. They demonstrate the remarkable consistency of the biblical text over centuries, countering claims of significant alterations.


Further supporting the Bible's historical reliability is the discovery of the Tel Dan Stele in 1993, which references the "House of David," corroborating the biblical account of King David's dynasty. Similarly, the Pilate Stone, discovered in 1961, confirmed the historical existence of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who presided over Jesus' trial.



The Impact of Enlightenment Philosophy


Higher criticism flourished in the context of the Enlightenment, which emphasized human reason and often rejected supernatural elements in religion. Scholars like F.C. Baur and Julius Wellhausen approached the Bible with a naturalistic worldview, presupposing that miracles and divine intervention were impossible.


Rudolf Bultmann, a prominent 20th-century theologian, epitomized this approach by advocating for the "demythologization" of the New Testament. Bultmann argued that modern readers could not accept the supernatural aspects of the Bible and sought to reinterpret them in existential terms. However, this approach presupposes a naturalistic bias and dismisses credible historical evidence for events like the resurrection of Jesus.



The Limits of Historical Criticism


Historical criticism has not provided a definitive refutation of the Bible. Instead, it has often led to divergent and contradictory theories. The assumptions and methods of historical criticism are not universally accepted, even among scholars. Postmodernism has further complicated the landscape, as many scholars now recognize that all historical inquiry is influenced by the presuppositions of the researcher.


Evangelical scholars acknowledge that while some historical-critical questions remain unresolved, this does not imply the inaccuracy of the Scriptures. Rather, it reflects the limitations of our current knowledge. For example, questions about the authorship of certain biblical books or the precise dating of events are areas of ongoing research and debate.



The Reliability of the Bible


The Bible has demonstrated remarkable consistency and reliability over centuries. The manuscript evidence for the New Testament is unparalleled among ancient documents, with thousands of manuscripts available for comparison. This wealth of evidence allows scholars to reconstruct the original text with a high degree of confidence.


Moreover, the Bible's internal coherence and the fulfillment of its prophecies provide strong evidence for its divine inspiration. The prophetic accuracy of books like Isaiah and Daniel, written centuries before the events they describe, cannot be easily dismissed. Isaiah's detailed prophecies about the suffering servant (Isaiah 53) and the fall of Babylon (Isaiah 13:17-22) were fulfilled with remarkable precision.


The New Testament also contains numerous prophecies fulfilled in the life of Jesus. For instance, the prophecy in Micah 5:2 that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem was fulfilled in Jesus' birth (Matthew 2:1-6). The prediction of Jesus' suffering and death in Psalm 22 is strikingly accurate, describing details such as the piercing of His hands and feet (Psalm 22:16).



Archaeology vs. Higher Criticism


Archaeology has repeatedly supported the historical reliability of the Bible, often refuting the speculative claims of higher criticism. For example, critics once doubted the existence of the ancient city of Nineveh, mentioned in the book of Jonah. However, extensive excavations in the 19th century confirmed its existence and provided detailed information about its history and culture.


Similarly, the discovery of the Ebla tablets in the 1970s provided evidence of a sophisticated civilization in Syria that predated Abraham. These tablets include names and places mentioned in the Bible, corroborating its historical accuracy. The Ebla tablets also contain laws and customs similar to those found in the Mosaic Law, suggesting continuity with the biblical narrative.


The archaeological record also supports the historicity of the Exodus. The Merneptah Stele, dated to around 1208 B.C.E., contains the earliest extrabiblical reference to Israel, indicating their presence in Canaan. While direct evidence of the Exodus remains elusive, the overall archaeological context aligns with the biblical account.



The Role of Faith and Reason


Faith and reason are not mutually exclusive but complementary in the study of the Bible. While higher criticism often adopts a skeptical stance, dismissing the supernatural, evangelical scholars affirm the reliability of the Scriptures based on historical evidence and reasoned analysis.


The Bible itself encourages believers to engage their minds in the pursuit of truth. Jesus affirmed the importance of loving God with all our mind (Matthew 22:37), and Paul commended the Bereans for examining the Scriptures daily to verify his teaching (Acts 17:11). This example underscores the value of critical thinking and careful study in the life of faith.



The Enduring Truth of the Bible


Despite the challenges posed by higher criticism, the Bible remains a reliable and authoritative source of truth. Its historical accuracy, manuscript evidence, fulfilled prophecies, and internal coherence all attest to its divine inspiration. While some questions may remain unanswered, the weight of evidence supports the trustworthiness of the biblical text.


Historical criticism has not proven the Bible false. Instead, it has often revealed the biases and limitations of the critics themselves. The Bible, rightly interpreted, continues to stand the test of time, offering a solid foundation for faith and life.



"BIBLICAL EXEGESIS: Biblical Criticism on Trial," seeks to firmly establish and defend a conservative approach to biblical exegesis while meticulously exposing and critiquing the fallacies and biases prevalent in modern biblical criticism. The central thesis posits that liberal-moderate biblical criticism, incorporating literary criticism, rhetorical criticism, narrative criticism, form criticism, tradition criticism, redaction criticism, structuralism, poststructuralism, canonical criticism, and historical criticism, are fundamentally flawed and speculative. It highlights that these methods, often presented as objective and scientific, are indeed reflective of broader ideological systems such as secular humanism, the Enlightenment, and German idealism, which have significantly swayed Western academia and thought over the past four centuries. The book argues that these critical methodologies constitute an ongoing assault on the Bible, reinforcing scholar biases and distancing biblical interpretation from truth. The ultimate goal is to equip readers with a clear understanding of conservative exegetical principles and methods, demonstrating how these approaches are grounded in an unswerving commitment to the authority and inerrancy of Scripture, thereby offering an antidote to the subjective and ideologically skewed practices of modern biblical criticism. It is also a warning: Biblical criticism has opened the gates to a flood of pseudo-scholarly works whose influence has been to undermine people’s confidence in the Bible.



"BIBLICAL CRITICISM: What are Some Outstanding Weaknesses of Modern Historical Criticism?" is a compelling and groundbreaking text that dives deep into the murky waters of modern biblical criticism. This authoritative volume, penned by F. David Farnell and Edward D. Andrews, seeks to robustly challenge and dismantle the speculative methodologies that have long dominated the field.


The unique structure of the book is designed for a progressive reading experience. Edward D. Andrews opens the book with a series of engaging chapters that lay the essential groundwork. He skillfully ushers you through the historical origins of secular humanism, the Enlightenment, and German idealism. From questioning the mysterious Q Document to tackling the alleged Synoptic Problem, Andrews writes in an approachable manner, making complex issues accessible and laying the foundation for the deeper explorations to come.



F. David Farnell then takes the reins, building upon this firm foundation with in-depth scholarly analyses. He goes on to dissect various forms of criticism like the Grammatical-Historical and Historical-Critical methods, taking you further into understanding the biases and fallacies that plague these approaches. Farnell’s chapters are not just for the academic; they offer a more comprehensive look at topics that Andrews has made readily understandable.


Whether you’re a serious student of the Bible, a scholar, or someone who simply wants to understand the limitations of modern biblical criticism, this book will equip you with the tools you need. You'll come away with a refreshed confidence in the reliability and authority of Scripture. And far from being a dry academic treatise, this book invites you into a lively conversation about the critical issues affecting our understanding of the Bible.


Here's what you can expect to find:

  • A detailed history of High Criticism and how its secular roots have shaped its evolution.

  • An accessible entry into the world of biblical criticism, with chapters from Edward D. Andrews serving as a guide to the deeper dives that follow.

  • Rigorous scholarly examination from F. David Farnell, who adds layers of complexity to the foundational topics introduced by Andrews.

  • Critical evaluations of popular critical methodologies, exposing their biases and limitations.


This collaborative effort between Farnell and Andrews harmoniously combines foundational knowledge and advanced critique, making this a must-read for anyone interested in the integrity and interpretation of biblical texts. Experience the book that challenges the status quo and brings the weaknesses of modern historical criticism into the light.



"INTERPRETING THE BIBLE: Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics" is a seminal book crafted by Edward D. Andrews to guide students, ministers, and anyone interested in understanding the Bible more deeply. This book is unique in its approach, as it not only delves into the principles of biblical interpretation inherent in the Bible but also paves the way for readers to interpret, teach, and preach God's Word with profound insight.


Understanding the Bible goes beyond surface reading—it requires a careful analysis of its genres, historical context, and language. This book serves as a foundational guide for such an examination, requiring no prior understanding of biblical languages or hermeneutics, yet empowering the reader with a working knowledge of biblical interpretation.


"Biblical Hermeneutics," as Andrews elucidates, is both a science and an art, forming a crucial component of theological sciences. This truth is particularly salient for conservative Protestantism, which holds the Bible as the sole authoritative voice of God to mankind.


In "INTERPRETING THE BIBLE: Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutics," Andrews sheds light on the multifaceted nature of biblical interpretation. He instructs readers on how to discern the various biblical genres and understand the original meanings intended by the Bible authors from a conservative grammatical-historical perspective. But more than that, he guides readers on how to apply these timeless truths to their own lives.


This book is more than a guide; it's an invitation to journey deeper into the realms of biblical understanding. It is a must-read for anyone who seeks to broaden their comprehension of the Bible, interpret its sacred teachings accurately, and apply its profound wisdom to everyday life.


About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).


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