Source criticism is often referred to as the higher criticism when compared to textual criticism. It is deemed higher because it actually examines the source of literary text. Source text helps identify the actual originator of a textual document through certain signature markings or writings. When speaking of the bible traditional saying like Elohim (meaning God) which I indicative of the E source of writing. Source criticism examines several different styles for example the J, E, P, D, RJE, DTR, and the R. J is the sources that uses the word Yahweh to personify God. J and E are a combination of both of the sources, while D is a more Deuteronomist approach. DTR criticism is examined through the views of Deuteronomist Historians and P looks at the priestly aspect of literary documents. Source criticism offers sound evidence on the originality of textual that is different from conclusions that can be arrived from regular textual criticism which basically identify the meanings of words and their usage.
Textual criticism therefore referred to as lower criticism. It is deemed lower because it compares other ancient documents to determine the time it was written in. Biblical scholars often use the Dead Sea scrolls LXX and MT as a textual comparison. Through ancient documents scholars attempt to make a timeline of biblical events. In textual criticism scholars use two methods to determine the originality of a document. One method depends on the length, the shorter a document, the more likely scholars believed it has not been tampered or embellished. The difficulty of the reading is also a factor in determining authenticity. Scholars believe that documents that are easy reading have be tweaked to accommodate the populace and is not the true form of a document.
Tobit is a story named after its main character that lived in Naphtali near the Sea of Galilee, until the Assyrians took over Israel and moved him and his family to Nineveh. And through a series of misfortunes, Tobit loses money his money and possessions. He lives Nineveh for a while but later returns with his family. Now Tobit was in the business of killing people and burying then and on one particular incident he fell asleep while attempting to bury a man and bird poop falls in his eye. Tobit in blinded consequently and needs money for him and remembers a guy who owes him money. Tobias his soon goes to collect money and bring home the cure. He eventually meets Sarah who has suffered an ill fate from a demon and is also in need of saving. Tobit knew this would be a dangerous mission for his son. So Ralph accompanied him for protection. Ralph told him he would need to catch a fish. Once he caught the fish he was to cut the fish heart, liver, and gall bladder out to use in the future. Eventually the smoke from burning the liver and heart released the demon from Sarah and the gall bladder cured his dad. Tobias and Sarah got married and everyone lived on happy.
It is the Maccabee that Hanukah; the very popular Jewish holiday began. In Hebrew the Hanukah means dedication in which time the Jewish followers give back to God. Maccabee’s role is important because he defeated Antiochus and regained control of the temple. Later the temple was re-dedicated to God, which is a major accomplishment since the temple was revered as God’s resting place.

This entry was posted on Sunday, December 9th, 2007 at 7:53 am and is filed under Class Comments, Week 11: Respond Again. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.