Why is it that when an archaeologist finds something, it's automatically associated with the bible?

Question

They think they found the Ark. Great. I am a Classics Major, and have participated in Archaeological digs. I appreciate any bit of history. Aha! Keyword there- history. Just because you found something that could be an ark does not prove God exists. I'm sorry. The bible was written by man, therefore is loaded with flaws and corruption. It is mans interpretation of what was supposed to be God's word. Therefore, it is WRITTEN HISTORY. Of course some of the stories hold truths, because they were written by men! Of course they will include something like a MASSIVE FLOOD. It still doesn't prove God exists. It could prove there was a massive flood(which we already know has happened on several occasions..melting of the ice caps, perhaps?) and "Noah" built it to stay safe. And, maybe Noah did exist. Do you know him personally? I don't. He could have been a raving lunatic listenign to voices in his head, or had seizures (remember your nice 'friend' Saul? I mean Paul? Those were seizures!)

*reposted a few times in diff. forums to get diff. answer* :)

lmao...god doesn't have hands? I'm tryign to decide if you are serious with your answer or not!

Answer 1

Archaeologists sometimes like to associate their work with something famous in the popular consciousness, such as biblical events, in order to make their work more appealing to a mass audience. It gets their name out there. Helps to secure funding for future research. I was taught that it is better to refer to "Palestinian Archaeology" rather than "Biblical Archaeology" because the geographical term is more descriptive and less biased or value laden.
One bad part about publicizing finds in terms of famous biblical figures or events is that sometimes people read about discoveries in the "holy land" and other places and end up trying to use "biblical" archaeology to prove that God exists, or that the bible is a literal history. If you really believe in God, you shouldn't have to have archaeological data back up your mythologies. Another bad part about the practice of liking finds to the bible is that is confuses people about the point of archaeological investigations, and also the likely outcomes of research.

Answer 2

If I didn't know better, I would think that archeology was the science dedicated to proving the bible according to what is written here. Some people have a lot invested in finding biblical artifacts. the problem is that these artifacts don't have notes attached to them explaining their significance.

So a lot of items are misconstrued in accordance with the archaeologist's agenda. Like an archaeologist finding clear signs of prolonged human occupation inside inhospitable caves (I forget the name). in the middle East. these, according to him, must have been left behind by Jews hiding from the Romans. yet a lot of the artifacts were Roman. So all that was proven was that there were various layers of artifacts, some Roman and some Jewish. He tried very hard to match up the findings with stories in the Bible. Didn't quite fit, but he didn't really care.

Answer 3

OK! But, I think the Interest here is that the Bible said the Ark Existed BEFORE they found it. So, many Real Archaeologist want to know the truth about History and seek the information. This not saying they Believe or Dis-Believe the Bible. Just, they really want to know, that all. Hope you understand what I saying.

Answer 4

I always get annoyed by this as well since Biblical Archaeology is a completely separate genre and shouldn't really be associated with other areas. Since we know a bit about The Bible as a historical document (dates, authors..etc), associating a find with the Bible could be a way of relative dating (and I don't mean the Alabama type)- I mean a way by which you associate a cultural historical object with a specific time period by comparing it to a similar object with a known time period. This would be a faulty practice though, as are many non scientific dating methods. I also agree with another poster who said that it could be a way to gain publicity for a find. Unfortunately, the field of Archaeology itself was founded on faulty Biblical pseudo-science. Thankfully, today, it is more grounded in science than in theology.

Answer 5

Of course it was written by man. God doesn't have hands, silly. You apparently are not educated about the doctrine of inspiration. "All scripture is God-Breathed and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be mature, thoroughly furnished to all good works". The bible in the original languages has no errors. The errors come from faulty translations into English and other languages. God exists more surely than you do. I'm a student of bible doctrine (in the original languages) and if you are reading the bible in English, you don't have a clue what it really says.

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.

Answer 6

I hear archaeologist discoveries giving evidence that support Native American legends, the Bible, Evolution and everything else in between. I don't think archaeologists are trying to prove that God exists at all. They may find things that suggest that certain stories may have actually happened, but I don't think anyone can prove anything for certain. It's merely interesting information.

Answer 7

Keyword, HISTORY, it might not prove that God exists but it doesn't disprove it either. As for the Bible being written by man, who has found any flaws or discrepencies as of yet. Scientists are also human, therefore prone to mistakes themselves.

Answer 8

To answer your question, after plowing through the rhetoric, archaeological finds are associated with the Bible because the Bible is the most well-known history book of that era.

Answer 9

The bible is one of the earliest history books that anyone has ever read. Only Christians will align it with anything they find and try to lay claim to it. But who is to say that everything beyond this technological age isn't flawed or currupt written in current text books.

Answer 10

A great Archaeological will never give up hope. If you surpass what man say and dig deeper, you will find that God does exist. You have to believe in who you are looking for, Noah was saved because he listened to that voice. Jesus came to saved us, not to destroy us. I know God exist because I searched for Him and found Him and Jesus saved me! God is waiting for you to found Him, He gives you that choice, I hope and pray that you do.