Is the Bible True?

November 1, 1999
Sheler, the religion correspondent for U.S. News and World Report, offers an even-handed examination and critique of the Bible as a historical document in his first book. Drawing on biblical scholarship, archeology, modern debate and the Scriptures themselves, and relying on his journalistic sense of balance, Sheler proposes that much of the material in the Bible is based on fact. Did Moses really live? The chances of pinpointing a single, desert wanderer who lived 4000 years ago are virtually nil, but archeological evidence points to the likelihood that many biblical persons and events were, at least partially based on reality: a stele fragment uncovered in Galilee describes the House of David, and ancient hieroglyphics suggest that the departure of the Jews from Egypt happened not in a single exodus but in several large migrations. As the book draws heavily on already published scholarly material, there are few surprises here, yet this is a minor quibble because Sheler deftly presents the arguments side by side, allowing lay readers to decide for themselves if the Bible is true. Particularly enlightening is the segment on the search for the historical Jesus, in which Sheler highlights Jesus scholars' ideas and personalities. Sheler's true strength is his ability to maintain a reasonably impartial perspective as he arrives at his conclusions--mostly favorable--about the Bible's veracity. This is an excellent book for anyone interested in the Bible both as a work of history and a testament of faith.

November 15, 1999
Modern study of the Bible as history is in a period of great ferment, currently featuring illuminating research and a plethora of conflicting and sensational claims. Sheler, a writer for U.S. News & World Report, explores this diverse field in order to test the reliability of the Bible as a historical source. Drawing on both the literature and personal interviews with leading scholars, he describes the history of biblical interpretation and research, the evidence of archaeology, the nature and relevance of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the three "quests for the historical Jesus." In the process, he reveals how scholars' presuppositions have shaped biblical scholarship. He doesn't flinch from the ambiguities and apparent contradictions in the Bible--but he also gives fair exposure to arguments favoring the core historicity of the text. Neither the ultrafundamentalist nor the ultraliberal will be pleased with the result, but everybody else will find a complete, concise, and reliable overview. A truly scholarly but clearly written text; recommended for public and academic libraries.--Eugene O. Bowser, Univ. of Northern Colorado, Greeley

Copyright 1999 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.