The Bible Really Isn't About "History", Really, Pete Enns' Blog

Pete Enns writes in his blog a simple explanation about the ‘history’ of the Bible and how and when it was written. It is a kind of overview understanding, which may help, if this is a new idea to you.

“So, here’s the thing.

When we read any piece of literature that deals with the past, we are actually dealing with two kinds of pasts: the past of the event and the past of the author. 

Keep reading. This isn’t boring.

When it comes to the Bible, in my experience, the focus of your average reader tends to be on the event: “This story of Abraham or Moses or David is telling me something about what happened in the life of Abraham or Moses or David.” And so on.

Peter Enns (Ph.D., Harvard University) is Abram S. Clemens professor of biblical studies at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. He has written numerous books, including The Bible Tells Me So, The Sin of Certainty, and How the Bible Actually Works.