The Bible As History

I see several reviews here that attack this book for daring to acknowledge the historical accuracy of the Bible. Those reviews say more about the bitterness and intolerance of the reviewer than they do about "The Bible As History." After reading all of them, I wonder if they're more fueled by fear than their smug arrogance: if the Bible proved to be historically accurate...then what if the rest were true? (Those arguments are best left to the many other books out there). Anyway, if you're intrigued by archaeology and the Bible, I would definitely recommend this book. Written by a German journalist and originally published in the 1950s (I believe), it's a book that badly needs to be updated or at least perhaps someone should undertake a second volume that's as well written for the general masses as this one. The discrediting of Kathleen Kenyon's attempt to discredit the Bible should be addressed, along with the discovery of bone boxes of Jesus' Jewish judge and the amphitheatre step with King David's name on it should be added to this incredible story. What I loved about this book was the early history of archaeology in the Middle East and how many people literally used the Bible as a map to locate entire lost cities under the sand. It's as fun as it was fascinating to read. As more and more discoveries are unearthed there every few years--and all of them only attest to the Bible's impregnable authenticity as a record of history--a book like "The Bible as History" becomes as essential as it is enjoyable to read and keep on the shelf. If the athiests weren't so afraid of what the sand and stones still yield, they might even enjoy it too.

This book links the events of history with those of the Bible and demonstrates and validates the historical accuracy of the Bible. As a student of the Bible I often try to put myself into the time and circumstances of the events in the Bible. This book does just that - it fills in the political and sociological background for many of the Bible events. I thought is was truly fascinating and left me certain that much is still waiting to be found in the ever changing sands of the fertile crescent.

. . . Dr. Keller ended the Introduction to this volume with these words and appropriately so. The Bible stands as the greatest work of literature and history this world has ever seen or will see. It is the all-time bestselling book. There is more tangible physical evidence for the Bible than for any other work of literature. Those who contend otherwise simply have not studied the Bible, relying on hearsay and speculation instead; or refuse to believe its truth; or ignore the crushing weight of historiographical and archaeological evidence the 20th century has produced in corroboration with the Biblical accounts. Dr. Keller's work addresses the last issue: fitting the pieces of peoples past with where and when the Bible said they existed. "The Bible as History" was the first volume documenting the many archaeological finds in Palestine and the Middle East supporting the Biblical text. Prior to its first publication in 1955, there were no such works--only stacks of assorted reports from archaeologists from their digs. Since 1955, the book has sold over 10 million copies in 24 languages. In the meantime, Biblical archaeology has evolved as a hard science, yielding fresh data by the day. This work traces all major discoveries relating to the Biblical text from Genesis 1:1 to the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. The chapters are arranged chronologically to coincide with the Canon. There are three sets of black and white color plates and many illustrations and maps throughout the volume.The book reads like a detective story. Dr. Keller begins his sleuthing from the Biblical text and works forward through history to attach archaeological finds to the verses. In doing so, he never gives the answer away prematurely, but entices the reader along until he or she truly realizes the impact of the magnificent discoveries. At times, the data contradict what the Bible says. Dr. Keller lays all the facts bare even if they seemingly controvert the Bible. Every ancient race of people, every historical figure, every geographic place of significance finds mention in this book. "The Bible as History" provides a thorough survey of Biblical culture. This is a marvelous work written lucidly for the lay reader. It will make the Old and New Testament worlds come alive for the reader. Its critics invariably suffer from a lack of objectivity, a lack of interest in the subject, or are unable to face the hard truth that "The Bible is right after all!"

Intelligent, revealing, and as fun to read as an archeological mystery novel .. this is a must for anyone regardless of one's religious standpoint, for this "novel" deals with reality, not metaphysics. It is one of the most enjoyable books in my library.