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Explain What Role Does Archaeology Play In Biblical Studies

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2. What role does archaeology play in biblical studies? Throughout the years, archaeology has served different roles in biblical studies. The different roles archaeology serves have revolutionized biblical studies (Hauer). To understand the roles archaeology has played, we must first understand the different types of archaeology. As stated in An Introduction to the Bible: A Journey into Three Worlds, archaeology is defined as “the study of human cultures through the disciplined investigation if their material remains,” (Hauer 50). Archaeology is typically divided into two categories which are prehistoric archaeology and historic archaeology; prehistoric archaeology is the study of preliterate cultures while historic archaeology is the study …show more content…

Because of this, archaeological finds were valued more for their relationship to the Biblical text and story, not their historical context (Giles). The evidence found using this earlier approach was used as evidence by Biblical scholars. The earlier process of Biblical archaeology was used to look for proof of God and an almighty power (Giles). Now, this earlier approach of Biblical archaeology is no longer used. Currently, the Biblical archeology field uses credible methods to search for evidence that is science-based. The evidence found is categorized independently of its context in the Bible (Giles). Although new evidence is found independent of its Biblical context, it is still relevant to Biblical studies. Archeology has discovered the history of Israel and other empires mentioned in the Bible, such as Egypt and Mesopotamia (Hauer). Also, archeology has led to the discovery of Israelite culture (Hauer). The recovered evidence of Israelite culture helps us understand and relate to people mentioned in the Bible. To conclude, archaeology plays a vital role in Biblical

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