The historical-critical method, much like its cousin the theory of evolution, is simply a theory. Both are similar in that neither theory is static. The theories change with the times and in the face of valid challenges. Following are examples of the basic changes of how the historical-critical method changes outlooks and beliefs on major sections of Scripture:
Its treatment of the Pentateuch:
1. Originally two documents: "J" and "E" documents.
2. Two documents merged at time of the kings.
3. "D" document added at time of Babylonian Captivity
4. "P" document added after Babylonian Captivity
(The last two allegedly added as part of political struggle in Palestine. "Added" sections to Moses' law seen to give validity to political position(s) of redactor(s)
5. Original "documents" originate from "oral traditions"
6. "Oral traditions" based on tribal legends
Its treatment of Isaiah:
1. Two different people wrote what is today known as Isaiah (called Deutero-Isaiah)
2. Today many feel that three different influences can be found in Isaiah (Trito-Isaiah). (Thomas Cahill, author of Desire of Everlasting Ages appears to go along with this theory.)
Its treatment of the Gospels:
1. Mark written first
2. Matthew written from Mark and document labeled "Q" ("Q" never found)
3. Luke from Mark, Matthew, "Q" and other documents
Terms to know in Biblical Interpretation:
1. Historical-grammatical method: An honest look at the manuscripts that have survived through the ages. This method seeks to come as close to the original manuscripts as is possible through analysis and comparision. Seeks to solve variants in the context of literary and grammatical analysis.
2. Historical-critical method: A method that seeks to solve variants and "contradictions" in an historical context. Sees the Bible as an evolving work of an evolving religion. Seeks to dismiss miracles and prophecy with the use of Reason.
3. Autograph: Term used to refer to the original documents written by the Prophets and Apostles. None are known to exist.
4. Variant Readings: Refers to the collection of manuscripts that are available to us. Very few from before 300AD (New Testament) and about 100BC (Old Testament) exist today. Variants among the hundreds of manuscripts exist, but affect less than 1% of the text. Many of these are usually spelling, copying or grammatical errors. No variant reading affects any point of doctrine!
5. Redactor: a fancy term for editor. Historical-critical scholars contend that the Bible was pieced together from various manuscripts by redactors.
What warnings from Scripture do have concerning tampering with God's Word?
1. Deuteronomy 4:2--
2. Deuteronomy 12:32--
3. Proverbs 30:6--
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