Do Historical Matters Matter to
Faith? Offers the reader, as
stated in the introduction, a challenge and an invitation to consider
that the Bible is a historical narrative, the account of real actions
that happened in real places in real times. The book covers a very
wide range of topics relating to this thesis:
- Biblical, Systematic, and Historical Theology
- The Old Testament and Issues of History, Authenticity, and Authority
- The New Testament and Issues of History, Authenticity, and Authority
- The Old Testament and Archeology
Since
the topics cover a very wide area, it is not always possible to give
an in-depth treatment to any one topic. However, I didn't find this
to be a problem. There are numerous references and if one topic is of
many interest it can be followed up in other sources. I liked the
fact that I could sample all the areas and then go in-depth on those
the interested me.
My
particular favorites were the chapters on Isaiah and Daniel. I found
the chapter on Daniel particularly fascinating. Little is known about
the history of Babylon and Nebuchadnezzar, beyond that found in the
Bible chapter. However, the more we learn, the more the chapter
appears to report on real events.
My
favorite section was the fourth section on archeology, particularly
the chapter on excavations at Khirbet Qeiyafa. The descriptions of
the site were very well done and reinforced for me the idea that not
all ancient sites have been well explored and the more we learn about
them, the more they support a historical model. Personally, I believe
that the Bible is a historical record. I was delighted to find so
many excellent chapters in support of that proposition. Even if that
isn't you belief, the book is well worth reading. It will make you
think and may change your mind.
I
reviewed this book for Crossway.
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