Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Yitzhak Sapir <yitzhaksapir AT gmail.com>]

On 9/4/05, Read, James C wrote:
> 
> I'm sorry. I've tried to stay out of this discussion but I have to say that 
> this 
> is the single most arrogant, condescending and self righteous post I have 
> ever read. And it is increasingly evident that the major reason valuable 
> research done by 'no-names' will never be accepted by the accadmic 
> community is because the accademic community is full of pompous 
> individuals like the composer of the message below. 

Do you have valuable research that you can point at, in the field of Hebrew
linguistics, that is not accepted by the "accademic community"? (your
spelling).  The only "self righteous" post is the one you just wrote, and one
has only to read between the lines to each come to their own decision 
regarding your interpretation of ethics.  By comparing this post with the
repost, it is evident that you have also not felt quite alright with a 
particular statement you made here, coming so soon after you declare
your intact integral capability.  No one expects you to change your 
beliefs because academic theories suggest one thing that is at odds
with it.  First, you apparently studied at a Divinity program, and not in
a Linguistics program.  I think if you went in a linguistics program, you'd
be able to learn Hebrew free of any of the theologically problematic
courses for you.  But besides, a Jew who studies the early centuries CE
needs to learn the New Testament, and that does not imply he 
believes anything regarding Jesus.  Scholarship forces you to open
yourself to different theories -- even ones with which you disagree.  That 
is not to say that you must accept them or believe them, but if they are
important theories you need to know what they state.  In fact, you are
not in a position to enter a debate with those theories until you know 
what they state.

I do not have a degree nor do I study at a formal program.  I believe I
make sound judgements in methodology and that helps me along.  
However, I realize I am clearly at a disadvantage without guidance.
Someone who has studied the issues from all possible corners over
many years will be able to suggest more lines of consideration and
alternative explanations or areas of study to consider for any 
particular phenomenon.  I do not have that.  

Yitzhak Sapir