The Bible as History [Englisch] [Taschenbuch]

Many biblical events and names seemed to be a fiction for
expert-schientists. But Mari along with its bibliotheque was excavated
in the 50s in the last century and brought to light what nobody
expected. "As a result, narratives of the Patriarchs, which had been for
a long time regarded as merely pious tales were unexpectedly transferred
into the realm of history!" A doubtful procedure!I wonder whether this
is always the correct method to come to terms with reality when you dig
out your interpretation of truth and then after you like to impose it on
the biblical statements. An archaelogist may be seeking to prove or
disprove the biblical account. Although he should be very careful with
this. Remember the laughter of 19th century archaeologists and
historians about the Bible`s claim to know something about the so far
totally unknown Hethites! The Bible proved again as a reliable source of
historical record. Why? Perhaps because it is void of scientific
rfeasoning! It seems, in general more humbleness would suit the
scientist better otherwise they risk themselves to be ridiculed. It is
absolutely clear that the book of Daniel was written after the events
occured which are described in it, they say. Logical indeed, but
scientific prove? Wait and see! They also said: The Bible books are
later written as Bible believers state, what we have today is the result
of much editorial work through the times! - like the book of Isaiah
found in a Dead Sea cave in the 20th century, written before Christ and
showing no difference to the book of Isaiah we had already handed down
from generation to generation two thousand years, which besides proves
that there was no falsification of holy scriptures. Who would have dared
to falsify!
Archaelogy and finding the truth in stones! Indeed a thrilling
experience it can be, even more so when the Bible maintains the field.
Becasue this asks more challenging questions! Something which must be
embarrassing for non-believers. "Nevertheless the events themselves are
historical facts and have been recorded with an accuracy that is nothing
less than startling."
Who cares may you say, but it is hardly imaginable that the Bible, if it
always proves to be correct in its historic statements can be ignored in
its other statements. In so far this book could be a good start to
introduce oneself in the world of biblical statements and its
implications for daily life.
It is apparent and not really astonishing that there is more that can be
added to the accounts of the biblical reports in the times since the
Romans wrote history, which they did literally. Also there are more
remnants which can tell the story. Therefore you get in this book a more
detailled prescription of things around the time when Jesus lived
compared to the times of King David. But this is what the reader is
expecting. Would it not be interested to find more than just the prove
in the ruins of Caesarea maritim that Pontius Pilatus really lived and
that his mentioning in Josephus` records is not a later addition of the
Christians? Of course the book begins with digging up the Old Testament
and the coming of the patriarchs, not with creation, because this is not
in the field of archaeology, the author could have thought. At least
creation is a very wide field! Almost all the Bible books are mentiuoned
and refferred to, simply becasue all of them have historic relations and
even such ones which have a vis a vis in stone. A thick book, but easily
readable, ending with the found of the Dad Sea scrolls and the
astonishing story of the method of rebuilding the biblical landscape by
the modern Israelites. Economic planning with the help of the Old
Testament! The Jews appreciate it and they are successful with it!
The author makes clear that everything is submissed to actualization-
everything except the Bible it seems. Therefore this edition will not be
the last one and questions we have now, could better be answered then
and peculiarities that make no sense and evoke doubts could be
elucidated later.
No doubt, this book is worth rading, even for Bible critiques, because
you get a good lesson on history of the ancients, or, instead you can
read the Bible, but then you miss the erroneous ways of scientific
research and the entertaining story of its correction.

. . . Dr. Keller ended the Introduction to this volume with these words and appropriately so. The Bible stands as the greatest work of literature and history this world has ever seen or will see. It is the all-time bestselling book. There is more tangible physical evidence for the Bible than for any other work of literature. Those who contend otherwise simply have not studied the Bible, relying on hearsay and speculation instead; or refuse to believe its truth; or ignore the crushing weight of historiographical and archaeological evidence the 20th century has produced in corroboration with the Biblical accounts. Dr. Keller's work addresses the last issue: fitting the pieces of peoples past with where and when the Bible said they existed.

"The Bible as History" was the first volume documenting the many archaeological finds in Palestine and the Middle East supporting the Biblical text. Prior to its first publication in 1955, there were no such works--only stacks of assorted reports from archaeologists from their digs. Since 1955, the book has sold over 10 million copies in 24 languages. In the meantime, Biblical archaeology has evolved as a hard science, yielding fresh data by the day.

This work traces all major discoveries relating to the Biblical text from Genesis 1:1 to the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The chapters are arranged chronologically to coincide with the Canon. There are three sets of black and white color plates and many illustrations and maps throughout the volume.

The book reads like a detective story. Dr. Keller begins his sleuthing from the Biblical text and works forward through history to attach archaeological finds to the verses. In doing so, he never gives the answer away prematurely, but entices the reader along until he or she truly realizes the impact of the magnificent discoveries. At times, the data contradict what the Bible says. Dr. Keller lays all the facts bare even if they seemingly controvert the Bible.

Every ancient race of people, every historical figure, every geographic place of significance finds mention in this book. "The Bible as History" provides a thorough survey of Biblical culture. This is a marvelous work written lucidly for the lay reader. It will make the Old and New Testament worlds come alive for the reader. Its critics invariably suffer from a lack of objectivity, a lack of interest in the subject, or are unable to face the hard truth that "The Bible is right after all!"

That would be a more appropriate title for the book. Basically, the system is that the author introduces things that are spoken of in the Bible, he explains what may have happened according to the historical record, then he further explains how there's no way that what he has just presented is feasable. It's a lot of convaluted nonsense that gave me a head-ache half of the way through it; as I had no more strength for plowing through the rest, I threw it in the garbage. I'd purchased it as a gift for a friend, but decided I'd rather keep the friend. If you are a scientist, his inability to commit to a hypothesis will annoy you. If you are a Biblical scholar, the fact that there is absolutely NO representation of "The Bible as History" will vex you. Don't waste your time on this.