Biblical Scholars Just Trying to Find Truth
The Jesus Seminar had its semiannual meeting and The Times printed the seminar’s conclusion that the Resurrection, as stated in the Bible, is not historical truth, but legend (March 11). I predict that you will be deluged by letters from indignant Christians complaining that you are, once again, taking potshots at their religion.
In the past 100 years there have been tremendous advances in biblical scholarship. Archeological finds, the discovery of long-lost documents, advances in linguistics and many other fields have opened our eyes to the truths contained in the Bible.
Unfortunately, this information is withheld from parishioners. Ministers and priests conceal these facts either out of ignorance or, more likely, intentionally, out of fear that they might create nonbelievers.
It is scandalous. There is no other field where new knowledge is suppressed. Biblical scholars use the scientific method and publish their theories for all to see and criticize, and invite alternative theories until, at last, the truth is known. The Church, on the other hand, conceals all such information and even discourages any discussion of the subject.
What is worse, Christians do not want to know. They refuse to even entertain the idea that the Bible is not the inerrant word of God and absolutely literal in its meaning.
The members of the Jesus Seminar are not trying to destroy the Bible. They are deeply religious people. They are just trying to discover the truth about the Bible.
DARRYL O. DICKEY
Reseda
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