The Impact of Archaeology on Understanding Israelite Origins

This chapter explores how the rise of archaeology in the 19th century challenged traditional views on the biblical narrative of Israelite origins, highlighting the nuanced relationship between history, archaeology, and the Bible. Dr. Kent Sparks discusses the value of Scripture in theological discussions and introduces new theories on Israelite origins in his upcoming book with Oxford University Press. The chapter also delves into the challenges scholars faced in reconciling biblical accounts with historical records, especially regarding events before 1000 BC.