Is the Bible True?: How Modern Debates and Discoveries Affirm the Essence of the Scriptures

by Jeffery L. Sheler

Book Overview

In this authoritative book, renowned U. S. News & World Report religion writer Jeffery L. Sheler sifts through the claims and counterclaims of contemporary biblical studies. After carefully... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 006067542X
• ISBN13: 9780060675424
• Release Date: October 2000
• Publisher: HarperOne
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

integrity in print

Being a skeptic, I am always intrigued by writings from both sides of the debate regarding the historical accuracy and validity of the so called holy scriptures. I have come across so many writings from believers and non believers alike. I have read material from detractors who are obviously filled with hate and a naturalisic bias, as well as writings from ignorant and intellectually lazy Christians who refuse to investigate and deal with the genuine and honest questions that are raised when their beliefs are challenged. I was very curious as to the position that this particular writer would take. I found the writer to quite refreshing in his honesty and scholastic approach. His writings came across as neither reflecting any of the two aforementioned positions. He presented the material, both in the affirmitive and negation, in a non-ranting,unprejudicial manner, while giving the reader room to draw their own conclusions. Though proponents of both sides may not like this approach along with their subsequential conclusions, readers who are seeking truth (as they understand it to be)on these matters will be happy to see that honesty and integrity can still be found while dealing with such controversial topics. A must for any honest seeker who has no "particular axe to grind" in such matters.

Thorough Homework and Pleasant Presentation

Nicely done throughout, in my opinion. I found Sheler's journalist perspective and persona a help and not a hindrance. He seemed at all times to honestly give multiple sides their due, then provide a reasonable analysis from there. Throughout, cruxes of the matter(s) were explained articulately for the reader to reflect upon. The two sections on archaeology and the Dead Sea scrolls were very informative since I had never delved into either area before. He managed to inform without getting too specialized or getting too dummied-down/generalized. I've already read a few historical Jesus/Jesus Seminar books before, and feel that section was also fairly and thoroughly done without seeming as heavy-handed as that material usually does. The coverage of the various "quests" gave he helpful terminology and the brief overviews of the Jesus Seminar scholars gave me some background information for the names I have frequently seen in bibliographies. I had only recently heard of the "Bible Code" and after reading his section on that feel confident enough to not sweat further inquiry in that area. If you're interested at all in understanding any of these Biblical studies areas in layman's terms, I think this book would be very interesting and helpful.

An encouragement to my faith

I really enjoyed this book. I was prepared for it to be full of sloppy thinking and predjudiced conclusions. I commend the author for his evenhanded evaluation of the Bible. I was especially encouraged by the section on archeology. This book should cause anyone to want to read the Bible directly regardless of thier religious views.

A good update and balance to sensationalist skepticism

Recently I have read a number of books in the "holy bloodline of Christ" genre (The Templar Revelation, The Hiram Code, The Tomb of God, etc.) in which the authors engage in cavalier exegesis of the Bible while accepting, uncritically, virtually every skeptical perspective on the historicity of scripture. This book is a great book on its own terms, but it is a wonderful balance to these other popular and skeptical books attacking the normal understandings of Biblical history. The author has the intelligence and the courage to include the perspectives of scholars in the evangelical tradition, thereby avoiding the uncritical canonization of scholars in the traditions of orthodox "higher criticism." I especially appreciated his chapter on the Dead Sea Scrolls. This is one of the best books that I have seen for laypeople seeking to understand issues of Biblical criticism.

A very respectful look at "objective" evidence of the Bible.

This book takes the approach that the Bible can (and perhaps should) be considered in the same manner as any other ancient text. The author points out that this often is not what happens; rather that (often in the service of their own prejudices) scholars hold a double standard which demands more of Biblical text than other contemporaneous writings. The whole presentation of this book was refreshing in the respect that it paid to the three major monotheistic religions of the Middle East, and especially so the Christian tradition. Whereas many current writers seem intent on "debunking" religious belief, this book can, and does, strengthen one's faith. The archeological and historical support for Biblical scriptures is presented in a manner that can be understood easily, historiographical issues are raised and discussed, and when the evidence simply is not there (in either direction) the author says so. As a Christian, I appreciated Mr. Sheler's respect. As an educated man (doctorate and practicing psychologist) I appreciate the intelligence Mr. Sheler brought to the table. This was a very difficult task that was done well!