username said:
Outside of a few archaeological confirmations of certain historical claims, almost nothing in the Bible can be scientifically proven. The existence of God, heaven, the physical resurrection of the dead, etc. are beliefs that must be taken on, to quote Martin Luther, "faith alone". I never look to science to confirm or validate any of my religious beliefs, because to me that is impossible. The Bible says what it says. Likewise, the physical sciences reveal to us what they reveal. Many people want science to match up with their religious beliefs (including Christians, Mormons, Hindus, Muslims, etc), but that is impossible.
Christianity is based on real history and real people and real events. God's Word tells us that we don't have a blind faith. *His Word tells us that faith is the EVIDENCE of things not seen.*
One evidence our Bibles are divinely inspired is the internal consistency.
*For example 40 different authors over the course of 1500 years wrote one Book that provides one cohesive, and non contradictory account of humanity's past and future. It explains our need of a savior because of sin of first Adam....and, it explains the sacrifice of our Savior, the a last Adam. Another evidence within God's Word is the accurately fulfilled prophecies. Also, it's important to note that the Bible affirms itself. Many authors refer to other books within the Bible as divinely inspired scripture. Christ Himself often used scripture as the absolute source of truth. (He often referred to what Moses wrote as real history).
As you mentioned, Archaeology is another tool that can help determine accuracy of ancient manuscripts. Something I posted previous....
Dr Luke (Gospel of Luke) was perhaps the world's greatest historian. The research Luke did is reflected in the accuracy of his account. The Gospel of Luke is just one of many historically accurate Books in God's Word.
The Gospel of Luke besides numerous mentions of things with historical and archaeological significance also mentions;
32 countries
54 cities
9 islands.
Because of the numerous mention to countries and cities, Sir William Ramsay thought that this book would be the easiest one to disprove. He along with his archaeological team set out to Asia Minor to prove the Bible wrong. But... a funny thing happened. "Ramsay became so overwhelmed with the evidence he eventually converted to Christianity"
Ramsey said "I began with a mind unfavorable to it...but more recently I found myself brought into contact with the Book of Acts as an authority for the topography, antiquities, and society of Asia Minor. It was gradually borne upon me that in various details the narrative showed marvelous truth"
Luke is a historian of the first rank; not merely are his statements of fact trustworthy...this author should be placed along with the very greatest historians."
http://www.bibleevidences.com/archeology.htm
