Biblical Archaeology Review

Morality, since the Enlightenment, has become a matter of left vs. right, rather than eternal truth, and that can be even be seen from the division over the "helpful/unhelpful" review votes of this journal. Truth is irrelevant any more; we threw our brains in the trash long before we tossed any disagreeable magazines there.

The field of archeology hasn't escaped the exclusionary bias. If we think scientists are wholly objective, then we have been taken in by the greatest swindle in history (and we have). A naturalistic explanation must be found for everything so, again, a priori, the Biblical text has to largely be rejected if it contradicts "received" secular "wisdom". The Bible is always wrong if it contradicts a secular archeologist's "interpretation" of his data. And believe me, archeology is very little without the human interpretations. Archeologists will insist upon their "objectivity," but that's intellectual arrogance gone to seed. They have to interpret their data and make great leaps with those interpretations. The BAR, nicely, puts some balance back into the field. It doesn't, a priori, excluded opposing views. There are secular archeological journals that will interpret everything from a naturalistic perspective. The BAR interprets from a Biblical perspective. It doesn't assume, automatically, that the Bible isn't to be believed. And that's the only fair approach.

If you're tired of having atheism rammed down your throat and would at least like to hear the other side, then here's a good magazine to get.


Cancel my subscription. Not!   June 11, 2003
 25 out of 33 found this review helpful

It seems that at least one letter to the editor in each edition of Biblical Archaeology Review and its companion magazine, Bible Review, has a request to 'cancel my subscription'! Indeed, at one point upon renewing my subscription, I received the bonus gift of a small book that bore the title 'Cancel My Subscription!' These are letters which come from people who have found something offensive or unsettling among the many articles in an issue. And that is perfectly understandable -- these magazines are touching upon very core beliefs in a way that is no respector of interpretative frameworks. BAR and BR are wonderful at letting the scholars, reviewers and other contributors speak for themselves. In fact, one might go so far as to say that the controversies are encouraged -- for every reader who cancels, there are many more who are thankful for the illumination of differing viewpoints.

Biblical Archaeology Review has to its great credit early calls to the end the monopolistic tactics that the review team of the Dead Sea Scrolls seemed to have, and seemed to be poised to keep the scrolls out of the public view for yet another generation of scholars.

BAR takes issue with those who block the free transmission of knowledge and the free exercise of research. They have also taken public issue with archaeologists (the community with whom one would think they need to stay in good standing) for their fairly regular failure to publish results of archaeological research in a timely manner, or at all. And, as much archaeological research involves an element of destruction (when you move one layer off another layer, the top layer is usually destroyed -- documentation of what was removed is critical, or else it really is lost) archaeologists who do not report what they've done are really burying the past more securely than any ocean tide or sand dune could.

The Biblical Archaeology Society (which produces these two magazines and a third, which I haven't read extensively and so do not yet feel qualified to review) also hosts regular seminars and gatherings. When I went the the AAR/SBL (American Academy of Religion/Society for Biblical Literature) conference last year, I also attended the BAS seminars held nearby. These are wonderful occasions, with noted scholars who regularly appear in the pages of BAR and BR, with groups of people, both amateurs and professionals, who are intensively interested in the topics presented. And, of course, one of the questions which always arises is, 'Where is Hershel?'

This refers to Hershel Shanks, editor and founder, who has, through his efforts and style, seemed to have established an instant rapport with his readers, such that those who have never met him feel they are on a first-name basis.

BAR has various sections with short newsy updates and in-depth articles on current archaeological problems, issues or discoveries. They also highlight personalities. Some scholars have regular columns (Elie Wiesel has been contributing a regular column to Bible Review for the past few years on significant figures from the Hebrew Scriptures).

Articles include an examination of current archaeological investigations and digs, as well as past digs that were not adequately covered. Architectural and artifact analysis is done, with extensive scientific reporting, but not so much that the articles are inaccessible to the interested layperson. Textual analysis and new interpretations are presented, both on newly discovered biblical and proto-biblical texts (the Dead Sea Scrolls aren't the only ones), as well an non-biblical texts from the region, to illustrate better the culture and society. There is usually at least one article on a major player in the field, again past or present, often in an interview with Hershel Shanks.

For the low price, one gets a wonderful magazine that always leaves one wanting more. Glossy pages, beautiful photography, interesting maps and diagrams -- this magazine is a visual feast as well as an intellectual treat. Biblical Archaeology Review invests as much in the outstanding photography (for which it has won awards) as it does in the clear and precise writing. BAR is not afraid to contradict itself (archaeological evidence is often susceptible to multiple, sometimes conflicting interpretations) and will be up front with what it does and does not believe. It does not purport to support any particular doctrinal or dogmatic view, inviting the reader to take what is presented and work for her or himself the implications for faith, both spiritual and historical.

Read it to find out what you agree with; don't be afraid to disagree -- write in and tell them about it! Just don't cancel your subscription!