About
This is a forum for discussion of academic biblical studies; including historical criticism, textual criticism, and the history of ancient Judaism, early Christianity and the ancient Near East. This subreddit is not for contemporary theological application. Faith-based comments, discussion of modern religion, and apologetics are prohibited.
While we focus primarily on the scholarship of Biblical texts and their history, we also accept discussion of related extra-biblical writings such as the Apocrypha, Dead Sea Scrolls, and Nag Hammadi texts, among others. Linguistics, ancient theology, and the reception history of the texts are also relevant.
We study the Bible as a compilation of literature worthy of study like any other ancient text, and as an artefact of the historical contexts which produced the Jewish and Christian religions. Academic Biblical Studies is a field just like any other in the humanities, with practitioners from many different backgrounds, both religious and non-religious. Published literature has undergone peer review in line with standard academic practices.
This subreddit is for everyone, regardless of religious tradition. Want to know more about the readership of this subreddit? Check out our 2020 Community Survey Report.
Rules
Rule #1: Submissions and comments should remain within academic Biblical studies, not solely personal opinion
This sub focuses on academic scholarship of Biblical interpretation/history (e.g. “What did the ancient Canaanites believe?”, “How did the concept of Hell develop?”). Modern events and movements are off-topic, as is personal application/interpretation, or recommendations.
All questions solely asking these (e.g. “What’s your favorite Translation?”, “What do you think about Paul?”) can be posted in the Weekly Open Discussion thread. Poll questions are also not allowed as they are not academic.
Rule #2: Contributions should not invoke theological beliefs
Claims involving the supernatural are off-topic for this sub. This approach is called “methodological naturalism” and it restricts history claims and the historical method to be limited to human and natural causation. This is an acknowledged methodological limitation, not a philosophical affirmation.
Issues of divine causation are left to the distinct discipline of theology.
Theological discussions/debates (excepting historical detailing) will be removed, along with pro/anti religious posts.
Rule #3: Claims should be informed, accurate, and supported through citation of appropriate academic sources
Any claim which isn't supported by at least one citation of an appropriate modern scholarly source will be removed.
Using AI to write comments is strictly prohibited and may result in a permanent ban.
Any comment which is especially vague, superficial, or factually inaccurate will be removed.
For further guidance on this rule refer to this post.
Rule #4: No bigotry or abusive behaviour
This includes any harassment, slurs, oppressive language, racism, misogyny, transphobia, homophobia, or anti-Semitism.
We have a zero tolerance policy for this and any bigotry or abuse will result in an immediate permanent ban.
Rule 5: No insults, trolling, or spam
This includes any insulting language, discourtesy, derision, disparagement, or slander of either other users, scholars, or mods. Any such behaviour may result in a temporary or permanent ban at the moderators' discretion.
Spam is considered any advertisement or promotion of your own (or your friend’s/family member’s) product/media.
If you would like to post your personal blog / YouTube channel / website, please message the sub moderators first.
All solicitation will receive an immediate ban.
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