Let me start this thread off with a preface; I, as a Christian, have absolutely zero intent to cast any doubt into anyone's minds or to support any line of thinking that would lead to doubt Christ. I understand that atheists and agnostics often bring up this topic in order to further their agenda so I want to make it very adamantly clear that I do NOT agree with nor do I support their conclusions. I feel we as Christians should not always shy away from such discussions. We tend to give fear, doubt, and the enemy too much credit when we are too afraid and stay away from certain topics. Perhaps these topics can be a good exercise to our faith?
Now with that said, to the topic at hand. About a month or so ago, I did some reading. And at first I must admit I was taken aback and it shook me up a bit. I was reading about some archeological findings regarding the ancient lands of Canaan, Israel, and Judah and going into their religious practices. I was initially very disturbed by how similar the Cananaaite deity "El" was to some of the epithets ascribed to YHWH Elohim in the Bible. I was also disturbed that findings have been discovered that show that in some areas in certain time periods Israelites seemed to amalgamate YHWH into the Canaanite belief system and/or adopt it.
After the initial shock, I did some digging into the studies. Unfortunately, most of studies were with skeptical bias and biblical criticism, so it was hard to get any real balanced scholarly look at the topic.
After much head scratching, I remembered how God used the religion of the Magi to lead them to Christ, and it was as if God confirmed to me that I need not worry, for no matter what I find, it will always lead back to Him. I have taken great comfort in this confirmation.
Now, I am looking for a perspective into this topic. A Christian perspective. It is all so fascinating, but let us tread carefully and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit always leading us.
Does anyone have any insight on this topic?
Now with that said, to the topic at hand. About a month or so ago, I did some reading. And at first I must admit I was taken aback and it shook me up a bit. I was reading about some archeological findings regarding the ancient lands of Canaan, Israel, and Judah and going into their religious practices. I was initially very disturbed by how similar the Cananaaite deity "El" was to some of the epithets ascribed to YHWH Elohim in the Bible. I was also disturbed that findings have been discovered that show that in some areas in certain time periods Israelites seemed to amalgamate YHWH into the Canaanite belief system and/or adopt it.
After the initial shock, I did some digging into the studies. Unfortunately, most of studies were with skeptical bias and biblical criticism, so it was hard to get any real balanced scholarly look at the topic.
After much head scratching, I remembered how God used the religion of the Magi to lead them to Christ, and it was as if God confirmed to me that I need not worry, for no matter what I find, it will always lead back to Him. I have taken great comfort in this confirmation.
Now, I am looking for a perspective into this topic. A Christian perspective. It is all so fascinating, but let us tread carefully and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit always leading us.
Does anyone have any insight on this topic?