Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-2020

Abstract

It goes without sayings that biblical studies, and especially New Testament studies, comprise a field that isan inch wide and a mile deep. This is no accident. Indeed, the Bible is the most significant and widely readbook in human history, and it has served historically as the primary basis for much of western politics,philosophy, literature, art, and ideology over the last two millennia, let alone Christian theology and religion.This does not mean, though, that all readings of Scripture pass muster in terms of sound exegetical analysis.While an ancient text may indeed “speak” to a later reader or community in ways that confirm or challengereaders’ proclivities, this does not mean that all subsequent interpretations or inferences are of equal valuewhen subjected to scrutiny. This is why critical scholarship is needed. Conventional interpretations in everygeneration and situation of biblical scholarship deserve to be challenged and/or confirmed with the besttools of critical analysis available, yet a view being considered “traditional” does not necessarily obviate itslack of validity or veracity.

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