Archaeology Quote by Frank Moore Cross
“If I ever write a book on "How True Is the Bible?" I'll have to start out by saying that archaeology is not the way to find out; that it has very little to say.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Biblical Scholarship, 1970s
Archaeology cannot fully verify biblical truth; it offers limited evidence.
In simple terms: Archaeology gives little proof of biblical claims.
Key Takeaway
Rely on broader methods to assess scripture.
Themes
faith
history
methodology
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
theoretical
scholarly
When to use this quote
- theological study
- religious education
- personal belief
- academic research
Key Concepts
epistemology
historical criticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance faith with historical evidence?
- What other tools can assess biblical truth?
A Different Perspective
Archaeology may still reveal contextual insights.
![“[Sacrifice of Isaac] is a major theme of the so-called Elohist [one authorial strand in the Pentateuch]. It is marked by all of his linguistic characteristics, and so on. We cannot determine what is historical and what isn't. As literary critics, we would understand the importance of this for…” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7b3/frank-moore-cross-14963_characteristics_sacrifice-of-isaac-is-a-major-theme-of-t_309064.jpg)
![“[The story of Adam and Eve] it's poetry. One must interpret it as poetry. The first 11 chapters of Genesis [the Primeval History] are absolutely remarkable.” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2f9/frank-moore-cross-14963_adam_the-story-of-adam-and-eve-it-s-poetry-on_634404.jpg)
![“Elie [Wiesel], when you ask, "Why do I want to know," I'm trying to grab the holy. And I'm getting thrown back.” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/952/frank-moore-cross-14963_asks_elie-wiesel-when-you-ask-why-do-i-want-t_690408.jpg)
![“The history of interpretation [of the Bible] is fascinating; but that is something else.” quote by Frank Moore Cross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/946/frank-moore-cross-14963_bible_the-history-of-interpretation-of-the-bib_729883.jpg)
