Hi Paul,
Well, from an historical point of view (for example, what we know from extra-biblical material about the customs, beliefs of the period and what people would bother to write about or not, etc.), the scrolls from Scenario One would be so unlike any writings from that period, that I seriously doubt it could be easily ‘analysed and authenticated’.

Not even the gnostic documents written 100 or so years after the new testament documents are even close to the kind of document described in Scenario One.

So, the scroll in Scenario Two would be valued as being more ‘historical’ (more true to the beliefs of the period) even by an agnostic New Testament scholar like Bart Ehrman (or also by someone like the Jewish New Testament Scholars Amy Jill Levine or Geza Vermes), though of course they would not necessarily ‘believe’ the texts.

The distinction here is between a text which fits ‘historically’ within the idea/thought/custom-world of its period, and a text which is ‘historical’ in that it records events that actually occurred.

Gidday there Dale,

Excuse-me barging in on you like this, but you know what us Atheists are like.

The purposes of my intrusion, is to see if you would publish (amend as you see fit) this article I did recently on my blog.

My readership are mostly the non-superstitious, and I’m thinking you may well get more feedback from your followers than me…..

What would it take for a Christian to say: “the story of Christ I was told is not true?”.

Let me run these scenarios by you, and get your feedback.

Scenario One: A new set of Dead Sea Scrolls are found, pre-dating the oldest known set of scriptures by 150 years. They depict Jesus missing years, what he got up to in his teens and twenties. The picture they paint, is at odds with the divine, miracle-worker. The manuscripts tell stories of drunkenness, fights and sexual conquests of a man called Jesus of Nazareth.

Scenario Two: A new set of Dead Sea Scrolls are found, pre-dating the oldest known set of scriptures by 150 years. They depict Jesus missing years, what he got up to in his teens and twenties. The picture they paint, is one of his majesty and compassion. Hither-to-unknown miracles are outlined in its parchments.

Both set of scrolls are analysed and authenticated.

So which set of scrolls would be accepted as being genuine, or should I re-phrase this and say – which set would be believed?

Only the second set fits the established storyline.

Only the second would receive a blessing, from within the established theology.

The first scrolls would either be ignored or called a hoax, not because of any other reason than to accept what the contents said, would mean a complete re-write of the life of Jesus, and bring into doubt his divine heritage.

To believe what was written to the first set of scrolls, would turn Christianity on its head – but is that enough justification to dismiss them outright?

I’m not asking for any credit, or re-directs to my blog.

I’m just intrigued as to how Christians and religious-types as a whole, interpret what is fact and what is fiction.

Cheers there.

Paul.

PS: Tried emailing aboce address and it was returned?

Heya Andy!
I’ve seen that UK guitarist with a great name before a few times myself… He’s extremely talented! He certainly humbles this guitar-playing Dale Campbell!!!

Thanks for stopping by, and for the encouragement!

-d-

I was actually searching for a UK guitarist with your name and was surprised to find Sherri’s little brother all grown up and living in Auckland.

You’ve come a long way since backing into my Cougar’s bumper so many years ago.

Glad to see you’re doing so well. It’s great to see you owning your spirituality now and making it an important part of your life.

Anyway, I’ve enjoying reading your prose here. Keep up the good work.

Andy

Thanks Grant!
You’re probably aware that Reuben Munn is a Northcote-er (my church).
Might cross paths some time – take care!
-d-

Hey Dale,

Thanks for the comments on my blog. Just noticed you’ve got Strom’s sermon on the Big Picture and that was done at my Church – Shore Christian Community Church. I’m a worship leader there. Been playing in the church since I was old enough to play guitar LOL. Good to meet another worship leader.

awww… thanks mate! I should set up a direct tunnel, or something…

i miss you brother, more so this week than normal. that’s all.

Ahh… G-batch! Thanks for stopping by!

Oh wow! I have only just clicked on your ‘Fruitful Faith’ link now and reading up on stuff.

My work hours are now gonna be stolen.

Pain bears.

-Joel