(September 18, 2013 at 9:12 pm)DeistPaladin Wrote: On the other hand, we need to rely on experts in our life because it's just not feasible for us to try to learn everything. We need a mechanic to tell us what's wrong with our car. We need a doctor to tell us what's wrong with our health. Generally, when there is a consensus, I tend to accept it unless I find reasons to have doubts.Good in theory, but the problem is frequently determining the scholarly consensus. People frequently claim to have it on their side. But do they?
One problem is defining "scholar." There are a lot of really smart people, both believers and non-, with advanced degrees in Biblical studies. Are these all scholars? If so, are they being polled on every question for which scholarly consensus is claimed? I don't see such polls presented as backup for such claims.
IMO when people speak of scholarly consensus, they frequently mean consensus of people who've published books on the subject for general consumption in the last ten years or so. Is that a reasonable requirement to be considered a scholar?