Unraveling the Impact of Higher Criticism: A Concise History and Relevance

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Earliest Days of Christianity
   • 2.1 Lack of Higher Criticism
   • 2.2 Questionable Authorship of Hebrews
3. Text Criticism in the Era of the Latin Vulgate
   • 3.1 Jerome's Role in Text Criticism
   • 3.2 Limited Impact of Higher Critical Questions
4. The Emergence of Higher Criticism in the 17th Century
   • 4.1 Benedict Spinoza and Challenging Authorship
5. Herbert Marsh and the Relationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke
   • 5.1 The Dependency on Mark as a Source
   • 5.2 The Existence of Mystery Documents
6. Friedrich Schleiermacher and the Lost Sayings of Jesus
   • 6.1 The Speculation about the Early Church's Source
7. Johan Eichorn and Further Questions on Authorship
   • 7.1 Expanding the Inquiry to Other Books of the Old Testament
8. David Strauss and the Denial of the Supernatural in Jesus' Actions
   • 8.1 Critical Examination of Jesus' Words and Deeds
9. Julius Wellhausen and the JEDP Theory
   • 9.1 Refining Spinoza's Ideas on the Authorship of the Old Testament
10. Response to Higher Criticism
    • 10.1 Positive and Negative Views of the Bible
    • 10.2 Political and Social Divisions
11. Conclusion: The Importance of Understanding Higher Criticism

The History of Higher Criticism in the Bible

Throughout the history of Christianity, the examination of biblical texts, known as higher criticism, has played a significant role in shaping the understanding of the Bible and its origins. While the earliest days of Christianity did not involve higher criticism, questions regarding authorship and the reliability of biblical books eventually emerged. This article delves into the history of higher criticism, exploring scholars who contributed to this field and the impact of their ideas.

Introduction

Understanding the history and impact of higher criticism is vital in filtering through the various perspectives surrounding the Bible today. The theological disagreements caused by higher criticism have not only influenced religious groups but also contributed to the current divisions within the political and social realms. By comprehending the origins of these divisions, it becomes easier to navigate the theological landscape and form individuals' own opinions regarding the Bible.

The Earliest Days of Christianity

In the earliest days of Christianity, higher criticism was not a prevalent practice. The focus was primarily on the clarity of authorship and the belief that the Bible's books were written by specific individuals. However, the authorship of Hebrews, one of the books in the New Testament, was the only one with substantial uncertainty. Consequently, Hebrews was commonly referred to as anonymous.

Text Criticism in the Era of the Latin Vulgate

During the era of the Latin Vulgate, higher criticism began to surface, albeit with limited impact. Jerome, a prominent figure during this period, engaged in textual criticism by examining Latin translations. However, his critical questions did not gain significant traction or influence the overall conversation.

The Emergence of Higher Criticism in the 17th Century

Higher criticism gained substantial momentum in the 17th century with the contributions of Benedict Spinoza. This Dutch philosopher skeptically explored the authorship of the first five books of the Old Testament, challenging the traditional historical views. Spinoza's theories planted the seeds for further inquiry but remained relatively dormant for a while.

Herbert Marsh and the Relationship between Matthew, Mark, and Luke

In the 18th century, Herbert Marsh, among other scholars, examined the relationship between the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Marsh observed a distinct connection between the three, suggesting that Mark was the earliest Gospel and served as a source for Matthew and Luke. However, he also noted that Matthew and Luke did not seem to rely on each other, leading to the speculation of additional documents used in their writing.

Friedrich Schleiermacher and the Lost Sayings of Jesus

Friedrich Schleiermacher, a German scholar, made significant contributions to biblical studies. One noteworthy aspect of his work was his belief in a long-lost source containing the sayings of Jesus. While Schleiermacher did not attribute this source to Mark, he supposed that Matthew and Luke might have had access to it. This idea added another layer to the growing field of source criticism.

Johan Eichorn and Further Questions on Authorship

Building upon questions raised by Spinoza, Johan Eichorn expanded the inquiry into the authorship of various books in the Old Testament. Eichorn's investigations went beyond the first five books, challenging the traditionally held beliefs about authorship in other Old Testament texts. This extension of higher criticism created fertile ground for more scholarly discourse.

David Strauss and the Denial of the Supernatural in Jesus' Actions

David Strauss, a pivotal figure in the 19th-century higher criticism movement, presented the view that there was nothing supernatural about Jesus or his actions. He critically analyzed the accounts of Jesus' words and deeds, attempting to provide alternative explanations for them. Strauss's ideas further stimulated debate within the field of higher criticism.

Julius Wellhausen and the JEDP Theory

Julius Wellhausen's work in the early 20th century refined Spinoza's theories on the authorship of the first five books of the Old Testament. Wellhausen's influential JEDP theory proposed that multiple authors and editors were responsible for these books, challenging the traditional view of singular authorship. His theory continues to shape modern biblical scholarship.

Response to Higher Criticism

The rise of higher criticism in the 19th century sparked various reactions within the Christian community and the wider society. Individuals with a positive view of the Bible defended its supernatural origins, while others rejected any possibility of the supernatural and approached the Bible differently. The divisions caused by higher criticism played a significant role in shaping political and social dynamics, leading to distinct "tribes" with differing theological perspectives.

Conclusion: The Importance of Understanding Higher Criticism

In conclusion, familiarity with the history and impact of higher criticism is essential for individuals seeking to engage with the Bible critically. Regardless of personal beliefs or conclusions drawn from higher criticism, comprehending its influence allows for a more nuanced interpretation of the Bible and the ongoing theological debates. By understanding the origins of these divisions, it becomes possible to navigate the contemporary religious and political landscape more effectively.

Highlights:

• The history of higher criticism in the Bible dates back to the earliest days of Christianity.
• Scholars such as Benedict Spinoza, Herbert Marsh, Friedrich Schleiermacher, and Johan Eichorn contributed to the development of higher criticism.
• Higher criticism raised questions about the authorship and reliability of biblical texts, leading to divisions within the Christian community.
• The rise of higher criticism influenced political and social dynamics and contributed to the formation of distinct "tribes" with differing theological perspectives.
• Understanding higher criticism is crucial in filtering through the theological landscape and forming one's own conclusions about the Bible.

FAQ:

Q: What is higher criticism? A: Higher criticism refers to the examination and analysis of biblical texts to determine their authorship, sources, and historical context.

Q: Did higher criticism impact the understanding of the Bible? A: Yes, higher criticism has played a significant role in shaping the understanding of the Bible, raising questions about authorship, reliability, and interpretation.

Q: How did higher criticism contribute to political and social divisions? A: Higher criticism influenced theological perspectives, which, in turn, shaped political and social ideologies. This led to divisions between groups with different views on the supernatural and the interpretation of the Bible.

Q: Are the conclusions of higher criticism universally accepted? A: No, higher criticism has sparked various reactions, and there are differing opinions on its findings. Individuals hold a spectrum of views, ranging from a positive belief in the supernatural origins of the Bible to a complete rejection of the supernatural.

Q: Why is it important to study higher criticism? A: Studying higher criticism allows individuals to engage with the Bible critically and navigate the ongoing theological debates more effectively. It provides a deeper understanding of the historical context and diverse perspectives on biblical texts.