Quote:
Originally Posted by HPLovecraft
A critical study of the bible, i.e., biblical criticism? Using critical methods to search for authenticity and truth in the writings, and trying to find rational explanations when none are adequately found? The field has little to do with "denouncing" the religion, although it seems you are ready to believe it as such.
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You stumbled across one of the main problems with higher criticism: They are looking for what they reasoned they should find.
If you reason that Jesus was just a man then everything that happened must have an explaination that requires no God like powers. So you come up with theories which fit your beliefs. Another religion with a vaguely similar story becomes a source for the scriptures; You question the date of the book because myth is a lot easier to add over time; You question the faithfulness of the transmission of the books for the same reason; Any historical detail that isn't verified by an independant text(not found in the canon) is proof to you that the text is in error; If you find some text that counterdicts the biblical text it is proclaimed as accurate regardless of its origins;ect...
And of course what you believe about the New Testament effects what you believe about the old Testament. Basically you'll end up being right somewhere with some theory unless of course the Bible turns out to be the inspired Word of God. Then you'll have been horribly wrong.