I know a lot about the Bible. I will go to any university to study religion. But what is involved in becoming an official "Biblical Scholar"?
2006-12-20 16:26:10 · 13 answers · asked by doryfish 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You are probably already a Bible "scholar" by virtue of your study thus far. I suppose you are thinking of being recognized as an authority or "expert". There is no one program that will give you a "Bible Scholar" badge. Many schools don't even agree on what Bible scholarship is.
Usually an authority in any field isn't recognized until they've published articles in scholarly journals, demonstrating their mastery of the subjectamong peers. Some people set up shop on their own, but the surer route is to be taken seriously is to get a few degrees from an accredited university. You'll have to study archaeology, anthropology, history and ancient languages, not just theology. There are too many "scholars" who know their Bible but don't know anything ABOUT the Bible.
Get familiar with the Documentary Hypothesis, the Synoptic Problem, the primary source texts (Septuagint, c. Sinaiticus, c. Vaticanus, Textus Receptus). Even if you're a fundamentalist, it's good to know how other scholars think. Read what you can on your own to get an idea of the territory, then shop for a school that can provide the appropriate courses. Good luck!
2006-12-20 17:33:27 · answer #1 · answered by skepsis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Earn a doctorate degree in Biblical Studies, then devote the rest of your life to studying the Bible. At some point, you may have enough insight that someone will refer to you as a "Biblical Scholar". Then you'll be one.
2006-12-20 16:33:14 · answer #2 · answered by guitar teacher 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the real biblical Scholars read a lot more than the bible and study and question history and idealogy more than the flocks of the blind faithful . Perfect path for the truth seekers and free thinkers who are smart enough not to be enslaved by dogmatic
thinking foisted upon the less scholarly .... Sorry if I'm not of a more practical input but the idea of youth embarking on this journey is exciting to me .
peace out and keep it real....
2006-12-20 16:48:23 · answer #3 · answered by dogpatch USA 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ther are many people that know a great deal about the bible does this make them a scholar?
pharasies were scholars of the old testament, yet still they fail to recognize who jesus was and his coming was prophisied throughout the old testament .so if you just want to learn stories sure waste your money.but if you want to know the meaning behind gods word and apply it to your life then study the scripture daily(acts17:10-11).also research the time period so you can understand the dynamics of what is going on in that particular story .you really do not need to go to a fancy university. but if a title is what you want spend your money
2006-12-20 16:50:45 · answer #4 · answered by sade b 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Becoming a Biblical Scholar will shake even the strongest of faith. Learn Hebrew, Greek, and study the translations of the earliest manuscripts. Read "Misquoting Jesus" to get an idea of what it entails... you'll be surprised!!!
2006-12-20 16:52:53 · answer #5 · answered by Concerned 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you really want to learn the truth about what the Bible says, have a Bible study with Jehovah's Witnesses and use whatever Bible you choose.
2006-12-20 17:18:47 · answer #6 · answered by Sparkle1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, you have to be really good when studying in theological school and you have to go into a speciality and really impress your profs.
Likely it means years of hard work, a willingness to learn many languages (and learn them well) including greek, coptic, aramaic and latin. Probably people specialize in some of those languages.
After that, I'd expect you have to get taken in by another scolar associated with an appropriate institution.
2006-12-20 16:31:17 · answer #7 · answered by rostov 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dear dory fish-
I have been in Inductive bible study for about 12 years. The class that I am in uses Precept Bible Study materials. They are in depth studies where you discover truth for yourself. Instead of relying on commentaries, inductive bible study concentrates on keeping scripture in context, doing word studies, cross referencing, and reasoning through the scriptures in our class discussions.
You can get more information on this type of study and where to find one in your area from http://precept.org/
Hope this helps. Keep your eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of your faith.
Sincerely, Redeemed
2006-12-20 16:53:14 · answer #8 · answered by redeemed 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can't handle the Bible.
Deu 20:16 Whenever you capture towns in the land the LORD your God is giving you, be sure to kill all the people and animals.
Deu 20:10 Before you attack a town that is far from your land, offer peace to the people who live there. If they surrender and open their town gates, they will become your slaves. But if they reject your offer of peace and try to fight, surround their town and attack. Then, after the LORD helps you capture it, kill all the men. Take the women and children as slaves and keep the livestock and everything else of value.
Deu 13:15 you must take your swords and kill every one of them, and their livestock too.
2006-12-20 16:30:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You would have to have an advanced degree in Theology with a specialty in that area. You have to study Greek, Latin and Hebrew as part of your college courses. Not all that easy, so I am told.
Here is one, but not a "bible based" one if that is what you want.
http://www.nd.edu/%7Etheo/
2006-12-20 16:42:15 · answer #10 · answered by tonks_op 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋