We welcome you to the Premiere Issue of Archaeology and Biblical Research. We hope you will profit from reading it, and we are open to your suggestions for improvement. Elsewhere in this issue we lay out our plans for its content.
You may be a little confused by the similarity between our magazine’s title and the name of the organization publishing it. The initials are the same. If you would like information about the Associates for Biblical Research, write and ask for our descriptive brochure.
What kind of research does ABR do? Where science or archaeology seem to conflict with the Bible, we try to resolve the conflict (if it has not already been resolved). Often it has, and people are not aware of it. Many problems were settled long ago in books that have been forgotten. We will remind our readers of this whenever possible in Archaeology and Biblical Research.
But, there is also new research needed. And it is no more evident than in the time of the Exodus and Conquest. For this reason, ABR conducts excavations in Israel seeking to locate the correct sites for Bethel and Ai. We are very encouraged by what we have found in our excavations since 1979. In our next issue we will have an article suggesting a solution to the problems of the archaeology of Ai and the Bible.
Research is also being carried on in connection with the excavations at Jericho and very significant conclusions have been reached. (See Dr. Bryant Wood’s article in this issue.)
Both the results of our own excavations, as well as the results of research on already published sites, will be reported in Archaeology and Biblical Research. And, of course, besides research results, we plan to publish articles which will be helpful for Bible study and even for daily life.
Friends of ABR who want to encourage our research may aid greatly by doing two things: first, become an Associate Member, then continue to renew each year; second, actually join one of our archaeological excavation teams. Associate members will be notified when we will excavate next. Whether trained or inexperienced, we take volunteers to Israel for our dig/tour programs each year. (Due to the expense of an excavation, volunteers are asked to pay their own way when joining the dig staff.)
We are happy to have you read our magazine and welcome your comments. If you would like, send us questions to try to answer.
Our address is: ABR, P. O. Box 31, Willow Grove, PA 19090. I
BSP 0 (Autumn 1987) p. 4
Archaeology and Biblical Research Welcomed
No more constant (and embarrasing) question is directed to me by students, pastors, and knowledgeable Christians in general than, “What magazine or source do you recommend for keeping up on archaeological discoveries relating to the Bible?” The question seems constant because I make so much use of archaeological data in my class lectures and in more public presentations (usually churches or special groups). It is an embarrassing question because, after Bible and Spade stopped taking new subscriptions, there was no “trustworthy” publication to recommend. Of course, what these folks desire is a magazine that has an allegiance to the trustworthiness of the Bible as God’s verbally inspired Word. That stance is lacking in just about every available resource – beautiful, thorough, scholarly and interesting as many of them certainly are.
Archaeology and Biblical Research, the new successor to Bible and Spade, will surely fill a great need, to the satisfaction of many Bible-believing Christians. As I see it, while it will not necessarily replace some of the other publications (I subscribe to several at once), it will give that important biblical orientation and sound basis of judgment so vital when Bible content is being treated. I am truly grateful for its publication.
Milton C. Fisher, Th.M., Ph.D.
Professor of Old Testament
(Reformed Episcopal Seminary,
Philadelphia, PA.)
It gives me great pleasure to see Bible and Spade coming back into print under a new title, Archaeology and Biblical Research.
This has been, and I am sure will continue to be, a valuable journal which has called to our attention new and important archaeological discoveries. It has also given us new insights into some of the older findings of archaeologists. And it has given us a sound, biblically-based perspective on those discoveries, both new and old.
I strongly recommend it to a wide audience of readers interested both in the fascination of things from ancient times, and in the inspiration provided by seeing God’s Word illuminated and confirmed.
William H. Shea, M.D., Ph.D.
Biblical Research Institute
Washington, DC
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What is Archaeology and Biblical Research?
Archaeology and Biblical Research is a continuation of Bible and Spade, which was published by Word of Truth Productions for 12 years. Bible and Spade was a digest of information on archaeology of interest to Christians who take the Bible seriously. Although Bible and Spade will no longer be published, Archaeology and Biblical Research will carry on and add to the Bible and Spade tradition.
Archaeology and Biblical Research will be written for laymen, but be scholarly enough to be appreciated by intellectuals. It is meant to strengthen the faith of believers in the Bible as the Word of God. And to encourage nonbelievers to investigate the Bible and the Gospel.
Thus it will always carry items which help to confirm and illuminate the Scriptures. This feature—“The Stones Cry Out”—will Contain reports of well-known archaeological finds which substantiate the Bible. (As noted elsewhere, “The Stones Cry Out” is also the name of our weekly radio broadcast over 35 stations nationwide.)
Of course, each issue will carry several full-length articles of vital interest to Bible students.
Reports of excavations in progress will provide information from them helpful to Bible students. And opportunities to actually participate in an excavation will be offered.
One of our special features will be to suggest solutions to difficult Bible passages.
Articles in other archaeological magazines will be reviewed and information helpful in Bible study will be gleaned from them.
But Archaeology and Biblical Research will include more than other archaeology magazines. We will have articles on creationist subjects where these touch on ancient man. Subjects like: Origins and development of early man, movements of people across continents and oceans after the Flood, dating methods and their reliability, and much more.
One feature, “Questions and Answers on Evolution and Creation” is planned to give you answers to the most-asked questions.
Questions on archaeology and the Bible from our readers will also be welcomed.
In addition to the above, we will have: Book Reviews, Who’s Who in Archaeology, and Letters from Readers.
Join us and discover how archaeology can strengthen your faith and add to your knowledge of God’s Word!
BSP 0 (Autumn 1987) p. 6