Howard replied to my post
<<From: "Steven M Smith" <smsmith@usgs.gov>
> How much does the culture in which the various parts of the Bible was
written influence the 'inspiration' and/or 'revelation'?
Suggestion: Very little influence. The question of inspiration or
revelation concerns the ultimate source of the text's content. Cultural and
historical context have a strong influence on the conceptual vocabulary,
agenda, and literary form of the text, independent of the ultimate
source.>>
Howard;
Good point. My words were poorly chosen. Perhaps the better questions
would be ...
1) How much does the culture in which the various parts of the Bible were
written influence what was actually written down (i.e. saved for later
generations) and what was not (either edited out or not mentioned because
of culturally perceived irrelevance)? This question tries to get to the
agenda issue that you mention.
2) How much does our chosen theological 'theories' of inspiration,
inerrancy, infallibility, and authority (as you referred to in an earlier
post) color our perceptions of God's revelation that was transmitted
through this cultural influence?
3) Which version or versions of The Phantom Menace should be declared
canonical? ;^)
Steve
[Opinions given here are my own and should not be attributed to my
employer]
_____________
Steven M. Smith, Geologist Office: (303)236-1192
U.S. Geological Survey Fax: (303)236-3200
Box 25046, M.S. 973, DFC smsmith@usgs.gov
Denver, CO 80225
--USGS Nat'l Geochem. Database NURE HSSR Data Web Site--
http://greenwood.cr.usgs.gov/pub/open-file-reports/ofr-97-0492/
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