The Contribution of Biblical Studies to the Humanities – Mark S. Smith
Posted by NT Wrong on July 2, 2008
From The Skillful-and-Wise One, Mark S. Smith:
“Perhaps beause of its historical roots in theology, the field of Israelite religion (not to mention biblical studies generally) remains one that does not generate its own general theoretical contribution to the humanities or social sciences.”
– Mark S. Smith, The Early History of God: Yahweh and Other Deities in Ancient Israel. 2nd edn.; Grand Rapids & Cambridge: Eerdmans, 2002: xxx.
Is Mark S. Smith right?
3 Responses to “The Contribution of Biblical Studies to the Humanities – Mark S. Smith”
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N.T.WRONG 
Sean B said
New guy, ex-lurker, here — so take this as you will…
Smith is probably right about the situation in recent years, but one could argue that biblical studies did make a fairly giant contribution (i.e. “secularism”) way, way back in the day, so maybe resting on our laurels for a while can be excused.
steph said
Unfortunately, predominantly, yes – but there are a couple of sane contributors I could name.
Phil Sumpter said
Sounds like he “is engaging in apologetic twaddle.”