Mike Thigpen, an Old Testament scholar and former executive director at the Evangelical Theological Society, joins Jacob Wright, a theology professor at Emory University. They explore the provocative questions of why the Bible was written and its role in shaping Jewish identity, especially after historical defeats. The discussion delves into biblical authors as potential revisionists and highlights the importance of recent archaeological findings. Additionally, they emphasize understanding the divine context in scripture and the educational challenges faced by today’s theologians.
The Bible was written to establish identity and continuity for the Jewish people amidst historical challenges like exile, influencing its interpretation.
Understanding the narrative structure of the Old Testament reveals authors' theological priorities, prompting critical engagement with the text and its various interpretations.
Deep dives
The Importance of Understanding 'Why' the Bible Began
Considering why the Bible was written offers vital insights into the intentions of its authors and how readers should approach the text. The way an author crafts their narrative can reflect their intended audience and the message they want to convey. For example, a text meant for scholarly or youth audiences may require distinct interpretative lenses. Acknowledging these factors enhances comprehension and allows readers to engage more meaningfully with the scripture.
Controversial Perspectives on Biblical History
The discussion highlights that the Bible serves as a historical record for a nation that faced defeat and turmoil, particularly during events like the exile by Assyrians and Babylonians. Professor Wright suggests that the biblical text was created to establish a sense of identity and continuity for the Jewish people despite losing their sovereignty. A key point is that the Bible attempts to unify a fractured nation through its narratives and traditions, emphasizing values like education and community over military prowess. This perspective invites reflection on how history influences religious texts and their relevance.
Selective Storytelling in the Old Testament
The narrative structure of the Old Testament is deliberately designed to emphasize specific themes and characters, often at the expense of others. The selective portrayal of events is important for understanding the nuances of the authors' intentions. For instance, greater emphasis is placed on King Ahab's role in idolatry than on King Omri's political influence, which may reflect theological priorities over historical accuracy. This approach emphasizes the necessity of examining how history is told, not just the facts presented.
Engaging with Alternative Views
Exploring alternative perspectives on the Bible, such as those presented by Professor Wright, encourages deeper critical engagement with the text. Understanding opposing viewpoints can enhance readers' abilities to articulate their beliefs and strengthen their faith. This conversation also highlights the importance of being prepared for encounters with differing interpretations of scripture, especially in academic settings. Ultimately, it fosters a culture of inquiry and strengthens the capacity for meaningful dialogue about faith and biblical understanding.
Usually we ask the question of how we got our Bible, but we rarely consider the question of why we got the Bible? Why did the various Biblical authors commit their contributions to writing and preservation? We’ll answer these questions and more and will look at a controversial new book, Why the Bible Began: An Alternative History of Scripture and Its Origins, by Professor Jacob Wright, of Candler School of Theology at Emory University — we’ll discuss with this with our former colleague and good friend, OT scholar, Dr. Mike Thigpen.
Dr. J. Michael Thigpen is Professor of Old Testament at Phoenix Seminary and former Executive Director of the Evangelical Theological Society.
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Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California.
To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.
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