The stones speak. At least that is what the field of archaeology proclaims. Dig in the dirt. Recover the past. Listen to the what the stones have to tell us of yesteryear. Now while the assertion may be accurate, this field of study still has its limits. The strata of rocks can only tell us so much. The pottery shards of past civilizations reveal much less than scientists would prefer. The data that is collected requires interpretation, and it is in this arena of evaluation where uncertainty becomes an issue. Human error and personal bias can skew the conclusions. One researcher reads a particular result while another researcher comes to a completely different outcome.
Without the aid of observational readings, scientists have to rely upon theoretical models. How old is this rock? What do these objects tell us about this ancient society? Guess work and mathematical models may be applied, but even these can be marked with uncertainties. This is why dating methods change over time and theories are re-examined. In truth, science is imperfect. We are limited in our knowledge, and what is settled science in one age can be considered junk science in the next. Therefore, it is far better for scientific fields of study to walk in humble conclusions rather than run into arrogant declarations. For while it is true that most observational sciences are well-documented, when it comes to conclusions made about the far past or the far future, a greater probability of error is found. It is in this grey area between data and conclusion, where unseen contingencies and unaccounted factors dwell, that Biblical archaeology must be considered.
Far too often, people will look at the field of archaeology and assume it can prove or disprove the Bible. A lack of visible evidence to show the destruction of Jericho’s walls means that the scriptures are mistaken. An inscription that contains the name of Pontius Pilate proves that the Biblical account is true. While archaeological artifacts can shed light upon history, this field of study is incapable of proving or disproving the Bible. It is simply too small a field of study to bear that type of weight. The Bible does not need to rely upon the limited knowledge of man to prove itself. Scripture can bear that weight on its own.
In this podcast, we work with the following presupposition. The veracity of the Bible is not dependent upon archaeology. Certainly, the study of ancient sites and peoples can help to shed additional information on the events of scripture. Ancient writings may help add some clarity to our understanding of Biblical narratives. Over the years, archaeological finds have provided evidence to what we already know to be true - the Bible is accurate. However, an absence of evidence does not declare the opposite. Sometimes, science just needs time to catch up.
As we begin this journey, we start with a confident belief in the words of scripture. Our hope is to allow the ancient voices and the speaking stones to add their witness to the words we already know to be true. This is the place that archaeology should occupy. It should be a servant that helps us to better understand the world God has made and the history he has written. With this assertion and disclosure firmly in place, onward to the journey ahead!
