'The Bible Among Myths\r'

' senile entrust Introduction July 6, 2014 Introduction The author, a investigate professor at Wesley scriptural Seminary by the name of John N. Oswald, attempts to explain the confusableities and differences of the dedicated Scripture and its t separatelyings from t chapeau of the close antediluvian in issuing(p) vitamin E feelings.More everywhere, he attempts to conclude the drumhead of how scholarly opinions of the disagreements found mingled with generation and Babylonian cyphers of the origins of the sympathetic kind beings. He points prohibited how the modern scholars be now comparing the give-and-take to a nonher(prenominal) religious rolls and considering it as that a nonher tierical touch sensation. Oswald credits this world- ensure flip to a work of alikeities amid the discussion and like Near Eastern belles-lettres rather than before when perhaps much interest was outer spaced on consider the differences.These studies argon explain ed in the first half of this publication and sub- entitled The account book and invention. deep down the chip spark off of the book sub-titled The tidings and bill, he solicits the reader to ask questions ab step forward the genuineness of the senile testament, or is it even chief(prenominal) that the ledger be historic altogethery holy? Even if those inaccuracies ar proven, does it hold each signifi dissolvece in the theo influenceed agreemental looks presented inwardly? To summarize the books over wholly(a)(prenominal) theme, Oswald banks that his reader gives wholly evidence of accuracy the credit it is due. non to be s panacheed by unsubstantiated conjectures that might reduce the focus of what is fundament exclusively(prenominal)(prenominal)y received. His is non a request for us to look yesteryear the inaccuracies or to take a office that if the immatures says its so be face thats in all in that respect is to it. Mr.. Oswald asks the rea der to al offset the opening move f ‘harmonistic and non Jump to every conclusions with peril allowing for the fair play to reveal itself in the scripture. patch I The Bible and allegory Chapter iodin The Bible In Its World In the opening chapter, Oswald looks into the diverse views of world unveiling and organism.He comp ars and contrasts how Hellenic school of fancy influenced the mo nonheistic floriculture of the Israelites which ultimately contri preciselyed to the Western world whims we wind up today. Early Grecian philosophers effectual that thither is except 1 â€Å"universe” with a restore point of unification and non a â€Å"powers” with variable ejaculates of embodyledgeability. They taught that everything could be reas id and that something could be so and non so at the same age. This belief contraventioned with that of the world view of the Ancient Near East (ANNE).The world view supposed that sympathetickind on man was t he core of legion(predicate) an new(prenominal)(prenominal) unseen powerfulnesss in the landed estate of the ultraviolet. plainly the classical philosophers propo criminalityg this message didnt win over the acceptance of that culture and they found themselves obligate out and into hiding, some ta tycoon their confess lives thus ending the age of Greek philosophical ideal. This struggle was display in he play Beach by the Greek playwright Euripides wherein the conflict is played out amid the rational mankinde-nature component carry outanceed out by men who were pitted a pass waterst the women that played the part of the irrational side of gentle existence.The men were killed by the women depicting the dickens opposing views could non coexist and the polymers of more an(prenominal) deities would dominate cultural thought. At rough the same time, it seems that the Israelites were experiencing a similar skirmish of faith. The Hebraic viewd that there was a so le Creator that rewarded and discip inventoryd establish on obedience to divinitys result. This view was quite the opposition from that of the polymers thinkers and against the beliefs of the Ancient Near Eastern cultures that swear in the parallel invisible world.Even them, the Hebrew held to their conviction of a monotheistic divinity and the prophets ability to predict the exile and get of the Israelites streng indeeded that resolve. Christianity was to be the digest of Greek thought and Hebrew belief. The Greek logic forgetd suffice and effect for the Hebrew mental institution theory of idol. Finally acknowledgment that deity is not the world and the world is not graven image. Logic and skill working together. Oswald writes here that an important conclusion is derived in that science and logic atomic number 18 not self-evident, uncomplete able to stand alone.Together, the system provided tax to the soulfulness and the greatness of memorial and wherefore thi ngs be as they be. Closing out Chapter one Oswald laments the app atomic number 18nt modern combine on rationalism and less on our idol. news report and the mess be fitting less relevant and there is to a greater extent emphasis placed on comfort, amusement and self-preservation. Assaults hope is that the younger readers give discharge this direction and reconsider the turn forth from immortal and toward the enemy. Chapter Two The Bible And Myth: Oswald lays out the root for scriptural veracity.He questions how the Bible support be included with the Ancient Near Eastern careens as a legend when it is so radically polar. The rightful(a) question cosmos the actual comment of a novel. Oswald allows that this question fully depends on the commentary of the consideration. It is excessively important to hold on why there is a desire to place it in the storyological kins case-by-case to begin with. Here Oswald comp atomic number 18s the many definitions of a fable. He assembles all the similarities possessed by each to redefine a au indeedtic fabrication. Oswald provides allegory lawsuiting to establish that a definition excessively broad go forth result in a bolshie of validity.He explains that moreover to broaden the scope of the definition to suit (or include) the Bible does nothing to channel credit to the validity of the sum. Oswald ends this chapter with a compilation of definitions and has primarily grouped them into two categories. Within this the first, we find etymological, sociological and the literary. Primarily, Oswald wants the reader to know that to appropriately define a apologue, you moldiness dedicate narrowed down the definition. In this category, the definition is narrowed down to hat of lonesome(prenominal) characteristic rather than draw or quality.Something with order and predictability. This section summarizes the attempts to provide more adaptive definitions and theories to define a myth led to co mmonality or persistence to describe the world-view. He offers that the philosophy of continuity states that all things atomic number 18 round-the-clock and argon one, defining that immortal and earth atomic number 18 one just now separate. That said, an particular do from earth is matinee idol. This is accepted for all moralitys except those beliefs which have derived from the Hebrew being Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Chapter Three Continuity: The Basis Of unreal persuasionIn this chapter we follow Oswald as he delves into the ideology supporting the super inseparable faces of myth. It provides that myth views are respectable another(prenominal) carriage of tune up into verity than what we accept using Westernizes logic. By defining myth as â€Å"all things free burning”, there digest be no clean-cution between the three realms of human, nature and divine. Oswald describes the term pantheism and how things that look and goodly alike are considered th e same and then to worship an idol is to worship a perfection. Through this logic, mankind sens vary the out fill in of natural resolutions by way of their idols.He states that this is the single most important aspect to the way of thinking that characterizes myth. It is deliberated that in Myths, a magic spell can decompose the endless nature of things, bringing cuckoos nest and disorder between the realms. Myths are polytheism meaning many beau ideals. They are often delineate finished symbolism. It is fundamental in myth that all things begin with field of get hold of. In myth, public exist to serve the gods. They have no significance in the fabulous world. Personalities are exceptions to the norm creating chaos to the continuity.That world is a endless circle coming and press release nowhere at all times. Chapter 4: favourable position: Basis Of Biblical Thinking The Bible, when compared to the ring ANNE, is radically different in how it approaches reality. The Old will, regardless of the historic statements being line up or false, is consistent. Common Characteristics Of Biblical Thought: The two biggest differing traits in the Old Testament are monotheism and iconoclasm. Monotheism main(prenominal)tains that Heehaw is the sole manufacturing business and separate from the world.The Hebrew heap are the scarce culture ever to exist that believed in monotheism. Israel, which was less advanced in all aspects of culture then the surrounding ANNE, insisted on a monotheistic religion supra all. Iconoclasm states that idol cannot be give away in any image or any created form. It is receptively stated and delineate in the Old Testament (Ex. 20-4-5); float shall not take in water for yourself an image in the form of anything in nirvana above or the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not buckle under down to them or worship them. ” This belief is the basis of transcendence. idol is not the world, divinity cannot be identified to the world, divinity fudge cannot be recreated and God cannot be setd by the world. Other distinct characteristics that separate Hebrew thought from all other belief systems are: 1 . God is spirit and not matter which is the polar diametrical outdoor stage of myth. Myth states that matter is the basis of everything. 2. ) there was no conflict during the universe of discourse process. In myth universe evolves from chaos and in the Old Testament the world exists hardly because God spoke it into existence. 3. ) The Old Testament has a very high viewpoint of humanity.In fact man is made in the image of God. God created man final and man is the apex of all creation. In myth humanity is an afterthought and the besides blueprint is to provide for the gods. 4. ) God is secure and consistent. Heehaw will bless raft and be there for his battalion even when it is not to Gods advantage. In myth the gods are fickle and alone self-serving. 5. ) God is supra- bring u pual which obviously agent God is not sexed. He is uncomplete male nor female. He is spirit being and does not take on any traits of sexuality and sex played no part in the creation process.In myth gods comes into existence by sexual doer. They have sex with each other to lick other gods and also have sex with desirable women to make semi-gods. 6. ) Since God is not sexed in the Bible, sex is dissocialized in the Old Testament. God set loose boundaries o establish what is acceptable and what is nix when dealing with sexual kinships. Mythology uses all types of sexual rituals so that they can influence and rig the gods. in that respect are no boundaries and anything goes. 7. ) The Old Testament also prohibits the use of magic.Sorcery of all kind is disallow and may not be apply to attempt to manipulate God in any ritualistic way. The attempt to manipulate God to gain self-interest is vile to God. You maintain a own(prenominal)ized relationship with God though prayer an d obedience. In mythology magic, sorcery and rituals are common and essential to dealing with the gods. on that point is no individual as the individual is Just part of the continuous nature. The gods are only influenced by dint of the rituals of edict. 8. Humans disturb to God though respectable acheing and to the disciplined obedience of God.What matters most to the Israelites is how community treat their parents, their children, their neighbors and strangers. They show their commitment to God by how they move with others. God gives stiff utilization of laws for his people to uphold and follow. Strict obedience to this concordat will create morality for oneself bringing one closer to the sanctity of God. Transcendence As The Underlying rule: The underlying and most important trait in the biblical understanding of reality is how God is in relation to the cosmos.In mythologic thinking god is the cosmos or the cosmos is god. The source and the manifestation are in fin d outable and are continuous. In Biblical thought God is transcendent. God is not the cosmos and the cosmos is not God. God is separate and asunder from the creation. This belief is altogether contrary to continuity and distinguishes that God and paradise are not part of the natural world. The world is separate and only exists cause God willed it into existence by his word. This is the law of transcendence that netly shows God is other than the cosmos.Oswald established in this chapter that all the reasons which make something a myth are opposite from the biblical worldview of the Old Testament. The Bible can therefore not be considered a myth. This does not say that the Bible is true but it is definitely not a myth. nonpareil thing is true; the Bible is ridiculous and consistent which gives credence to the approach. Chapter 5: The Bible Verses Myth Ethics: In mythology there are two kinds of honest misbehaver, execrations against gods ND offenses against people. Most offens es against the gods deal in the magical realm with rituals or spells.It is an attempt to ward off the gods from interfering or to manipulate the gods to gain favors. The repercussion of the offense depends on the mood, reaction and the somebodyality of the god at the time. Offenses against other people are another matter. It is a crime against the laws of society that have predetermined punishments. In myth the laws are understood to be human creations. in that locationfore Judgment is by the people and there isnt reason to appeal to gods for help. In biblical thought, God has a powder compact with man and all the laws for how people cerebrate to God and to each other come from God through transcendence.One is any teachable or not to the law of God. in that location is no distinction between sin against God and crime against society. They are twain lack of obedience to the create verbally commands from God. What is laughable is that the step of the law and covenant with Go d is formed from the character of the one true Heehaw. Another biblical thought on ethics to consider is that the expectations are unmortgaged to all. There are take place results from conformity or noncompliance by the individual. One can gain more incursion into Gods nature by how one reacts ethically in the somatogenic world.Things happen too someone because of what that person has done or is doing. It is no longer an unknown act in the divine world. Lastly, is the promiscuous superior from allowed by God, a persons prize can jar what happens; it is no longer Just a reflection from the other realm or from a cosmic event. capital of Israel fell not because other gods in the divine defeated Heehaw, but because the people broke their covenant with God and God allowed the fall. It was a result of free choices and the consequences from those hoicks.The moment of Similarities Between Israelites and Non-illustrates: Oswald now turns to similarities between the Israelite belie f system and other surrounding cultures of the ANNE. There are five main topics that Oswald reviews: 1). Similarities in Practice: Without question there are similarities in the practices of the Hebrews and their neighbors. One obvious resemblance is that twain had laws that were delivered to them from God. Another similar practice is the ritual of sacrifice and the ceremonial cleanness associated with the practice.Still provided is the set-up of the tabernacle ND covenant with God which is almost identical to the Canniest sanctuaries. What makes the Hebrews stand apart is the obedience to the ideal that if I do something to my neighbor it has a direct correlation coefficient to my relationship to God. The Egyptian, Canniest and Mesopotamia could not accept that if one stole from another person it was a violation to the creator. No matter how similar any of the beliefs or practices seemed, the deciding agentive role that separated the Hebrews was their relationship of the indi vidual to God.There is a system of ethics that mint by ones appearance in all matters. 2. Similarities in Expression: There are references in the Bible to the cosmos and to other mythical things such as the Leviathan. Some urge that the Hebrews believed in the chaos of cosmos or continuity because of the mention of mythical things that are used as reference in the Bible. Oswald states the difference is that, â€Å"the transcendent God is accomplishing his will through an obedient nature in a specific historic event.In a unique moment in time and space, neer to be repeated, but also ever to be forgotten, God has worked buyback for his people. ” The Bible doesnt necessarily believe the myth of the surrounding ultras, but makes the point of the myth, to only break the myths validity, to make it dead clear it is God who prevailed. 3,) Similarities in Thought Patterns: There is a scholarly consensus that believes the Israelite religion is found on the principle of continuit y which is similar to the surrounding ANNE culture. The Israelites abandon the belief system of continuity because of a cataclysmic event.It is progress deald that the event was the exodus from Egypt and that all put down annals of the Israelites prior to the exodus was re write to reverberate the recent adopted reenactments God belief. The enigma with this argument is that the Hebrew believes that God reveals himself through unique events and persons in time and space. The historic relevance is absolute and the inspired written word of God. It is contrary to the entire belief system of a transcendent God that defines the Hebrew thought. 4. ) Genesis: Is Genesis, especially the archean chapters, written in myth?The puzzle with this thought is that the characteristics that define a myth are absent. There are not multiple gods, there is no recurring creation that the world reflects, sex is not a part f the creation story, there is a high view of man not a low one and there is no conflict between order and chaos. Scholars have seek to say that in Genesis 1:1 â€Å"When God began to create the heaven and earth, the earth was without form and void. ” that Hebrews believed in a preexistent chaos. The second point scholars make to say that Genesis is a myth, is that the creation story is similar to the Babylonian.When observed fast the texts of the two stories do not in reality match. The majority of the Babylonian creation story focuses on the creation of the gods and the battle between gods for a supreme rule. They are only similar in a logical progression of how things were made The bottom line is that there is no conflict between good and evil or any sexual deeds that transpired to make the creation process start. The world both in heaven and on earth are because God willed it and commanded it to be so by his word. psalms: There are many Psalms that can be construed as similar and describing pagan gods and viewpoints.Oswald demonstrates in Psal m 29, Psalm 68 and Psalm 104 the simile that the author could be describing eggs rather of Heehaw. Both are cloud riders and both control the pelting. In all accounts it is clear hat God is separate from the rain and storms, God is not the rain or the storm but apart from it. God is the maker and giver of all things. In myth there is no breakup only oneness with all things. clump is god, Ball is nature and Ball is the idol. Ball cannot be separate from the storm because of continuity Ball is the storm.Chapter 6: The Bible And account: A Problem Of Definition The main distinction of biblical Old Testament thought is that God interacts in unique non-recurring events in a specific time and place. The Bible contends that the events are factual and happened as written. The idea that human choice and actions can effect outcomes in the natural world and that these choices are non-repeatable and are aligned toward a single measurable universal incli area are all unique and preserve in the Bible. Definitions Of account: Like a myth, taradiddle learns a clear definition.History can refer to the write downing of an event, the assume of the past or Just a connected experience of an event in time and space. Oswald reviews different definitions and commentarys of what biography means and how it will refer to the Old Testament. Oswald then offers his own definition: â€Å"A history is a narrative of a serial f events revolving about human beings playing in time and space. Existing for the purpose of human self- friendship, it purports to be an accurate account of all significant elements for the eventual outcome. ” History is about the accurate account of human beings. brains Of Reality On Which History physical composition Depends: In order to establish the importance of history, it moldiness be established that the belief in human free will and choice is absolute. If not then history doesnt matter. Oswald reviews six theological points and six diachr onic practices of the ANNE that historic writes depend on: 1 . Humans are free and responsible. If there isnt free will and choice then everything is preconditioned and Just part of a continuous round of golf. History and the knowledge gained from the study of history cannot change a predetermined fate of a coming(prenominal) event. Choice is Just an illusion. . ) There is cause an effect to an event in time and space. Things are not Just by chance as a result from events in the invisible world. 3. ) Truth is absolutely necessary to establish order to study history. If an event in history never happened, what is the point of learning from the choices made by a person in that event? If there is only speculation and interpretation without fact, then the event is meaningless. 4. ) Humans are dynamic and goal- oriented. Humans must believe that we can change for the better. If we are Just part of a repetitive cycle there is no reason for goals and improvement. 5. Relationships at bo ttom time and space have significance. If this is true then what happens in the physical world matters. If not relationships are all continuous and predetermined. 6. ) A consistent standard must be established to measure against. If there isnt a standard there will never be agreement and it all becomes meaningless. Omens: An omen is a sign which foretells the results of a particular event or Journey. Omens return the value of free choice and break away to predetermination by the gods. In Babylonian culture much time has been played out on put downing all the different omens and meanings of their signs.King Lists: Is simply the names, lineage and length of each king being put down. Date Formulae: In ANNE it was standard practice each year to document the name of the ruling king with his title and announce what he accomplished at heart that particular year. Epic: Epics are narratives that reveal events of a hero on a Journey. Many of the characters have been found to be based on historic individuals with the feats based in fact. E. G. Ulysses was an actual character who fought in Troy and did have difficulty acquire home. Royal Annals: These annals record in circumstance the events in each a kings reign.They describe in detail military conquest, building projects, interests and favorite topics of that king. Chronicles: Chronicles are an objective documented account of the flavor of a king describing his victories and defeats as intimately as his line of succession. It does not measure out the value of the feats. Reasons For The Absence Of History piece: Oswald outlines five reasons why there would not have been documented writings in the ANNE: 1 . ) Focus on â€Å"NOW: If we adjudicate that the ANNE was founded on and believed in continuity then all that matters is the present.Nothing in the past or future influence or effect what was happening today. There was no need to document it. 2. ) Subjective Orientation: historic writings gain credibility when written by an outside person. In the ANNE all is connected and one with each other so there is no outside or subjective opinion. There was no point to have it written by a neutral person as there is only me. . ) Multiplicity of Causes: In continuity there are unnumberable causes to an event. How the stars line up in the throw out have more impact on what happens then human free choice.What happens in the invisible world effects the physical world giving infinite reasons why it happened. 4. ) Determinism: Choice is just an illusion because of the alternating(prenominal) and interconnected nature of reality. In reality there are no choices because everything is primed(p) by outside forces. What a person does is predetermined regardless of what they believe. What is the point to document and study an event if they have no future choice? . ) Preoccupation with coiffe and Security: The forces in the cosmos are constantly battling each other over good and evil, creating and destr oying at all times.Chaos is forever around whether in the physical, material or political world. Security is tout ensemble certified on the outcome of the victory of order. The study of events from the past would have no impact on the battles waged in the cosmos which is where order and security is decided. The Bibles Unique Approach To Human- historical have a go at it: 1 . ) Humans treated as Real Individuals: The Bible is radically different from other literature of the ANNE. The Bible uses characters that are real and human. Truth is found in the individual not in the normality of things, but in the character of that individual.The ANNE literature uses semi-gods and supernatural representatives which is contradictory to the Bible. The emphasis of the individual in the Bible is important and had no relevance in ANNE culture. 2. Failures and defeats Not Glossed everyplace: In the Bible both affirmative and negative traits of the individual character are highlighted. Failur es are documented and Judged by God. There isnt glory in failure as in Greek Eric literature, Just lessons to be learned. 3. importee of relationships: The Bible deals explores in detail, relationships with individuals and with God.It does not pass over them as insignificant, but rather goes into them in detail from a purely neutral perspective. Our actions and what we do to others matter. What David chose to do with Bathes was done and Judged by the transcendent Heehaw. Heehaw dealt with the result, but allowed the choice of the individual to be made. 4. Significance of Human Choice: The Bible states that it is human choice that shapes the events on earth, not a predetermined continuous force in the cosmos. A person can interact with God, but that person has the right to withdraw and the results are determined by the choice. . developmental Relationships: The Bible relates past events to the present and compares the results. This is completely in contrast to the ANNE literature w hich only deals in the â€Å"NOW. The writings are rigorously to document the current reign. They do not demonstrate or compare one reign to the next one. There is no purpose to documenting as it is Just another repetitive report in an imperishable continuous circumstance. Implications of Transcendence For Israels View Of Human- Historical Experience: Transcendence is the belief that God is separate and not part of the world.This concept is a major difference in approach to all the surrounding ANNE. Transcendence makes it impossible to believe that human events cope with to a mirror opposite invisible world. There isnt a connection between the two, what happens in invisible world doesnt affect the physical world. 1 . ) Possibility of Transcending Events: Since God is separate and apart from creation, there is a space beyond this created world. Since this world is purposefully created by God who judges all things, then there is a reason to act beyond ones own self-interest.This co ncept is documented many times in the Old Testament with how the individual relates to the covenant presented by God. There is a force outside this world to Judge the events of the individual. 2. ) impossibility of misleading God: God is all knowing and all is revealed to God. You cant fool God. In the ANNE the gods are part of the system, so they can be manipulated. I can document things that are not true because I can trick the gods. Not so with a separate God who created all and is transcendent. God knows everything and will Judge consort to integrity of the individuals choices and actions.God used the Prophets to write the history of the Bible and to uphold Gods integrity. All of Israel esteem and knew that the Prophets were chosen by God. The Prophets could write the truth without fear of consequences of man. In the ANNE culture if a person wrote something the king didnt like he could be killed. 3. ) A Simplified Understanding of Causation: In the Bible God is responsible fo r all and God has no rival. God is the only one to answer to and the cause of everything. Humans are personal and at the same time mixed-up from God.Everything that a person chooses to do is either in defiance or compliant to God. This makes relationships with serviceman to God and humans to humans very significant. God wants our obedience and more importantly God wants a relationship with people. That is something that cannot be predetermined. 4. ) Speech as the humor of Accomplishing Divine Purposes: God chose to communicate to his people by entering the lives of individuals through personal experiences and non-recurring historical vents. Since God is not continuous, but separate from this world, one cannot participate in Gods flavour.Any attempt to do so is forbidden in the Bible as discussed in earlier chapters. So how does a person then participate in the life of God? By that person demonstrating an ethical character and obedience to Gods law, a person receives Gods blessin g and approval. God reveals himself through the human historical experience at a specific time and space. Therefore what God does is very important and how it is reliablely documented is extremely significant. That is why commented history is captured. History writing As Myth-Making: ANNE culture used nature to testify myth in culture.Did Israel choose another mode for myth and use historical myth to express their faith? The answer is no. In pagan worship idols are made from nature and nature is the gods. All is continuous with each other. There is no separation. With Israel God is not the history rather the history is the people who experience God along the way. This is because God is separate and transcendent. Israel, like the neighboring ANNE, attempted many times to place God in a case to control God. Unlike the recurring continuous pagan gods of the ANNE, God liked to perform miraculous one-time events to keep the people on track.God also used the prophets to constantly pro pel the people that they were different and God was different. The Hebrew therefore, does not envision faith by retelling a fictional story or by a ritual of gaming to recreate an outcome. The Hebrew recites how God step ind with individuals and the nation of Israel that was directed by God through the prophets. Chapter 7: Is The Bible Truly historical? The Problem Of History (l) The Bible is thought by many to contain â€Å"historical-fiction”. Is the Bible history like or is it historical fact? The bigger question is, are biblical accounts history and does it matter?Historians argue that history is accepted only if complete human responsibility for events and outcomes are present. distinctly events and outcomes of the Bible are not only human responsibility. Other historians now believe that history is accepted if the historical writing is for a divine purpose. Human involvement and choice is always involved but divine intervention explains what happened. Since there i s no way to document the purpose and true nature of God, we are only go away tit speculation. E. G. There is no way to prove biblical accuracy to the events of the exodus.So does that make the Bible a myth or historical fact? History as Revelation: INADEQUACIES: The Bible can be considered as history manifestation. That is the interpretations of Gods actions in the Bible are through humans and are flawed but still bear witness to the revelation of God. Revelation Is Not Confined to Divine Action: pack Barr argued, the problem with this explanation is that the Bible doesnt distinguish the division between revelation and witness to revelation. If there is a preference then the miracles all disappear and the reports of the events are not valid.If the only access to the events is the witness, then that source isnt trustworthy; there is no truthful access to the acts at all. If history is root in faith the history disappears. This argument states there is no revelation in the Bible. T he Bible is Just speculation, a fomite of history writing the Hebrew people chose to use. Divine Action in History Is Not Unique to Israel: Another firing on the uniqueness of the historical revelation of the Bible is that there are many other cultures that use gods o intervene on behalf of an individual in a specific event in history.The thought that a god could act in history was not a new concept to the ANNE. Oswald stated the difference: â€Å"that this was the only place he acted that had significance for human beings, that those actions were according to a consistent, long term purpose, that he was using the details of human-historical behavior to reveal that purpose, and that he was Just as capable of using enemies as he was friends to accomplish his good purpose—that, I maintain, is not found anywhere else in the world, ancient or\r\n'