Use of Critical Tools

Why is it important for evangelicals to become familiar with critical approaches to the Pentateuch?

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Answer

Critical tools usually attempt to open up the historical dimension of the Bible, and they are used in different ways of uncovering Scripture's historical dimension. The historical dimension of Scripture is important for evangelicals and not just critical thinkers. So, I think it really comes down to knowing the different between a good and a bad use of these tools. It's not really the tools that are the problem so much as the theological assumptions and the world views that are connected to the use of the tools. And so, I would say it's important to know why these approaches are out there so that we can know the different between and good and a bad use of a historical method and historical tool.

Answer by Dr. Don Collett

Dr. Don Collett is Assistant Professor of Old Testament at Trinity School for Ministry.