Hector Avalos - Interesting Essay.

[Minimalist]

http://www.bibleinterp.com/articles/lite...7930.shtml

It is no secret that I have proposed to end biblical studies as we know it. Biblical studies, as we know it, is still largely a religionist and apologetic enterprise meant to serve the needs of faith communities. It is still part of an ecclesial-academic complex.

Having presented a detailed case in my book, The End of Biblical Studies (2007), my purpose here is to show how concerns over biblical illiteracy are historically recent and cyclical. The historiography of biblical illiteracy is omitted in the comments of Philip Davies (“Whose Bible is it? Anyone’s?”), Stephen Prothero, and Elisabeth Schüssler Fiorenza.i However, knowing this history has implications for the future of biblical studies. My main point is that biblical illiteracy should not always be regarded as a bad thing.

I, of course, fully agree!

[Jonah]

I think the author has a very interesting point. In the Bible studies that I have participated (albeit youth Bible studies), they were geared more towards the apologetic crowd. They were always more focused about keeping the strong believers in the church and were less concerned about the less zealous bunch.

Surveys repeatedly show that Christian populations, when left to their own devices, do not seem too interested in Bible reading unless convinced otherwise by their authorities. As it is, note the paradox of publishers citing inflated sales figures for Bibles as proof that the Bible matters, and religion professors complaining that few people are actually reading the Bibles being sold.

It's pretty interesting how Christians rarely read their own holy book, and they claim that the Bible is the true, living word of God. I wonder what would happen if they read some of the Old Testament?

[Minimalist]

The embarrassing parts they pronounce either "symbolic" or "obsolete." It would appear that far too many of them think their godboy was lying when he allegedly said:

Matthew 5:18 (King James Version)

18For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.