King's Business - 1918-01

Some Tests of Old Testament Criticism -

B y R e v . W . H . G r i f f i t h Y'hmm.&s ©f T o ron to , ©amaifla

the orgin and structure o f Scripture. It is concerned with the historical setting o f the Bible, and with the study o f the various -books in the light o f the customs and con­ ditions o f the times when they were written. Higher Criticism endeavors to explain statements and passages in the light of their historical circumstances, and it need hardly be sard that when thus understood there is a wide and perfectly legitimate scope for its efforts. One thing is essential in , Biblical criti­ cism: we must have all the available facts before we can hope to judge rightly,^'1'here is great danger in a One-sided decision, and this emphasizes the necessity o f all study and criticism o f the Bible being at once perfectly candid, thoroughly scientific, and deeply reverent. When these condi­ tions are fulfilled, Higher Criticism will deepen the value o f the Bible to the reader, throw light on obscurities, and illuminate familiar passages with new aspects of truth. It is sometimes said that Higher Criti­ cism is so technical as to be possible only for scholars, and not for ordinary Chris-

HE term “ Biblical Criticism” - is often heard today; and it is at once important and inevitable, for no one can use the Bible without being, a “critic,” that is, one who exercises his judgment.

There is nothing unlawful in criticism; indeed, it is absolutely essential. The Bible challenges inquiry, for truth has nothing to conceal. There is perhaps no book in the. world so full of the most perfect can­ dour and frankness, inviting attention, and fearlessly, relying upon its own, substantial truthfulness to commend itself to the minds, hearts, and consciences o f its readers. There is also another term frequently used at the present time, “ Higher Criti­ cism,” and this, too, calls for special atten­ tion. What are we to understand by “Higher,” ,for it seems to imply a criticism that is “ Lower” ? Lower criticism is con­ cerned with the text o f the Bible, and involves the study and comparison o f manu­ scripts, versions and quotations in order to arrive at the correct text. This work is essential and invaluable in all translation and revision. Higher Criticism investigates

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