Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Fritz Knobloch <fknobloc AT deans.umd.edu>]

Bryan,

So far as I can see, the lines that you quote from Barre are neither
controversial nor condescending.  They simply allude to the prevailing
scholarly reticence to construct history from the pre-monarchical
traditions.  What's more, Barre goes on to conclude that it is "highly likely
that the HB does contain traditions that had a pre-monarchic origin."  His
assessment of the Albright school is widely shared.  Barre doesn't make ad
hominem arguments, but discusses ideas.  That (not censorship) is what ought
to happen on a list that values learned contributions.   

Bryan Rocine wrote:
> 
> There are learned people of faith on this mailing list, both Jewish and
> Christian.  They are to be respectful of the faiths of each other and
> yours.  A thread of this nature will be innappropriate on this list as it
> will be impossible to carry on such a discussion without creating offense.
> I have no doubt you realize the sensitive nature of such a topic, and for
> this reason I am disappointed that you would use this forum to provoke list
> members of faith with such condescending words as your first two sentences
> shown below.
> 
> Are you intent on creating controversy and crisis?  If so please take your
> effort to another list.  As for now, I am asking Jonathan Robie to put you
> on probation.

> > Many or perhaps most members on this list know there a deep, learned
> > skepticism prevails with regard to our historical knowledge of
> > pre-monarchic "Israel."  These days very few are willing to commit to
> > historical reconstructions regarding the eras of the patriarchs, the
> > exodus, the wanderings, the "conquest," or even for the so-called ear of
> > the Judges.

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                                Dr. Frederick W. Knobloch
                                Department of Religion
                                La Salle University
                                1900 West Olney Ave.
                                Phila., PA 19141-1199

                                E-mail: fk24 AT umail.umd.edu
                                Phone: (215) 951-1343
                                Fax: (215) 951-1665
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