You might be interested a book I used recently taking an Old Testament survey class, its called "An introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures" by Michael Coogan. He brings forth a good bit of external evidence for aspects of things, and by no means glosses over textual difficulties or contradictions, but provides a good historicity.
I'm in seminary now, and one of the most challenging aspects is the fact that scripture when looked at closely can be quite discontinuous, and yet it can be quite rich and rewarding to learn more of the nuances of the writings and how they relate to the outside evidence.
I'll only evangelize breifly...I believe that much of the Bible doesn't necessarily claim to be perfectly historical, but a prophetic interpretation of events such that they can be understood by the Israelites or early Christians.
I believe the bible to be completely true, and exactly what God intended us to have. Does that mean it contains nothing confusing or contradictory? No. Does that mean we always understand it or that it never seems to contradict what we know of the world? No. But it means that there's a reason we have it, and a reason it is the way it is. God uses His divinely inspired and perfect Word to communicate with us, just not always in the ways we think or understand.
Best of luck and God bless, I'm by no means an authority, but if you have questions, feel free to PM or post to me!
I'm in seminary now, and one of the most challenging aspects is the fact that scripture when looked at closely can be quite discontinuous, and yet it can be quite rich and rewarding to learn more of the nuances of the writings and how they relate to the outside evidence.
I'll only evangelize breifly...I believe that much of the Bible doesn't necessarily claim to be perfectly historical, but a prophetic interpretation of events such that they can be understood by the Israelites or early Christians.
I believe the bible to be completely true, and exactly what God intended us to have. Does that mean it contains nothing confusing or contradictory? No. Does that mean we always understand it or that it never seems to contradict what we know of the world? No. But it means that there's a reason we have it, and a reason it is the way it is. God uses His divinely inspired and perfect Word to communicate with us, just not always in the ways we think or understand.
Best of luck and God bless, I'm by no means an authority, but if you have questions, feel free to PM or post to me!
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