Theories
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In the context of biblical studies, the term "theories" often refers to various interpretative frameworks and scholarly hypotheses that seek to explain the origins, composition, and meaning of biblical texts. These theories can encompass a wide range of topics, including the authorship of specific books, the historical context of biblical events, and the theological implications of scriptural narratives.

Authorship Theories

One of the most discussed theories in biblical scholarship is the authorship of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible. Traditionally attributed to Moses, some scholars propose the Documentary Hypothesis, which suggests that these books were composed by multiple authors over several centuries. This theory posits that the texts were compiled from four main sources, often referred to as J, E, P, and D. However, many conservative scholars maintain the Mosaic authorship, citing internal biblical evidence and historical tradition.

Creation Theories

The Genesis account of creation has been the subject of various interpretative theories. Young Earth Creationism holds that the universe was created by God in six literal days, as described in Genesis 1. This view is supported by a literal reading of the biblical text. In contrast, Old Earth Creationism and Theistic Evolution propose that the "days" of creation may represent longer periods, allowing for an ancient universe and the process of evolution, respectively. These theories attempt to reconcile scientific findings with the biblical narrative.

Historical Theories

The historicity of biblical events is another area where theories abound. For instance, the Exodus, the departure of the Israelites from Egypt, is a foundational event in the Bible. Some scholars question its historical accuracy due to a lack of direct archaeological evidence. However, conservative scholars argue for its historicity based on indirect evidence and the consistency of the biblical narrative with known historical and cultural contexts.

Textual Theories

Textual criticism is a field that examines the various manuscripts of the Bible to determine the most accurate text. Theories in this area include the development of the Masoretic Text, the Septuagint, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. These theories explore how the biblical texts have been transmitted and preserved over time, with a focus on understanding the original wording and intent of the scriptures.

Theological Theories

Theological theories often address the interpretation of key biblical doctrines. For example, the nature of the Trinity, the relationship between faith and works, and the end times are subjects of extensive theological debate. Theories in these areas seek to harmonize scriptural passages and provide a coherent understanding of biblical teachings.

Quotations from the Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible provides a translation that is often used in conservative circles for its balance of accuracy and readability. For instance, in discussing creation, Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This verse is foundational for creation theories, emphasizing God's sovereign role as Creator.

In examining the Exodus, Exodus 12:41 notes, "At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions left Egypt." This passage is central to discussions on the historicity of the Exodus event.

Theories in biblical studies are diverse and often reflect broader theological and philosophical perspectives. While some theories challenge traditional views, others seek to affirm and deepen the understanding of the biblical text within a framework of faith.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) Plural of Theory.
Greek
477. antithesis -- opposition
... opposition. From a compound of anti and tithemi; opposition, ie A conflict
(of theories) -- opposition. see GREEK anti. see GREEK tithemi. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/477.htm - 6k
Library

Examination of False Theories.
... THE PERSON OF CHRIST. EXAMINATION OF FALSE THEORIES. THERE is no other solution
of the mighty problem within the reach of t human learning and ingenuity. ...
/.../schaff/the person of christ/examination of false theories.htm

But the Theories and Rules on this Subject to Which...
... Book 4 Chapter 4. But the theories and rules on this subject to which?
4. But the theories and rules on this subject (to which ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 4 but the theories.htm

Theories of Creation.
... Book VIII. Chapter XV."Theories of Creation. "For the Greek philosophers,
inquiring into the beginnings of the world, have gone ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xv theories of creation.htm

Two Theories of the Affliction: (A) Possession by Evil Spirits (B) ...
... Section 101. Two Theories of the Affliction: (a) Possession by Evil Spirits
(b) Insanity."Analogous Phenomena in other Times. ...
/.../section 101 two theories of.htm

Other Turgid and Ridiculous Theories About the Origin of the ??ons ...
... Chapter XXXVII."Other Turgid and Ridiculous Theories About the Origin
of the ??ons and Creation... Chapter XXXVII."Other Turgid ...
/.../against the valentinians/chapter xxxvii other turgid and ridiculous.htm

Less Reprehensible Theories in the Heresy Bad is the Best of ...
... Chapter XXXVI."Less Reprehensible Theories in the Heresy Bad is the Best
of Valentinianism. How much more sensible are they who ...
/.../against the valentinians/chapter xxxvi less reprehensible theories in.htm

Accommodation of the Two Extreme Theories.
... CHAPTER VI. THE MIRACLES OF CHRIST CONSIDERED IN REGARD TO SUPERNATURAL AGENCY.
Section 103. Accommodation of the two extreme Theories. ...
/.../section 103 accommodation of the.htm

Theories in Regard to the Origin of the Devil.
... Homily XIX. Chapter IX."Theories in Regard to the Origin of the Devil.
"But, as you said, if the evil one is created either he ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter ix theories in regard to.htm

False Theories of Philosophers.
... Homily IV. Chapter XX."False Theories of Philosophers. "And some of those
amongst them who even profess to be philosophers, assert ...
/.../unknown/the clementine homilies/chapter xx false theories of philosophers.htm

Other Absurd Theories Respecting Matter and Its Incidents Exposed ...
... Chapter XXXVI."Other Absurd Theories Respecting Matter and Its Incidents Exposed
in an Ironical Strain. Motion in Matter. Hermogenes' Conceits Respecting It. ...
/.../against hermogenes/chapter xxxvi other absurd theories respecting.htm

Thesaurus
Theories (1 Occurrence)
...Theories (1 Occurrence). Acts 17:18 And some of those who were supporters of the
theories of the Epicureans and the Stoics, had a meeting with him. ...
/t/theories.htm - 7k

Philosophy (1 Occurrence)
... religions, the mind reflected upon these ideas, and elaborated them into systems
of thought that bear some resemblance to the speculative theories of western ...
/p/philosophy.htm - 27k

Psychology
... si-kol'-o-ji: 1. Introduction: Scope of Biblical Psychology 2. Nature and Origin
of the Soul 3. False Theories 4. Creationism and Traducianism 5. Trichotomy 6 ...
/p/psychology.htm - 38k

Authority (326 Occurrences)
... Christian Skepticism V. CLASSIFICATION OF THEORIES 1. External (1) Incipient
Catholicism (2) General Councils (3) Romanism (4) Papal Infallibility (5 ...
/a/authority.htm - 69k

Comparative
... COMPARATIVE RELIGION. kom-par'-a-tiv: I. THE SUBJECT IN GENERAL 1. Universality
of Religion 2. Theories of Its Origin and Growth of Religion 3. Evolution II. ...
/c/comparative.htm - 29k

Circumcision (98 Occurrences)
... Before enumerating the different theories which have been advanced with regard to
the origin and original significance of circumcision, it may be of advantage ...
/c/circumcision.htm - 53k

Cosmological
... began to be, how it originated. Theories were, as they are still, numberless
and various. Some cosmogonies were purely mythological ...
/c/cosmological.htm - 33k

Passover (81 Occurrences)
... Friday rather than the Passover): 1. Pecach and Matstsoth 2. Pecach mitsrayim 3.
Pecach doroth 4. Matstsoth 5. The `Omer 6. Non-traditional Theories 7. The ...
/p/passover.htm - 58k

Archaeology
... have varied much in their estimate of the value of archaeology in criticism, according
to their individual predilections and their critical theories, but until ...
/a/archaeology.htm - 61k

Omnipresence
... of God's power and knowledge (Deuteronomy 4:39; Deuteronomy 10:14 Psalm 139:6-16
Proverbs 15:3 Jeremiah 23:23, 24 Amos 9:2). 3. Theories Denying Omnipresence ...
/o/omnipresence.htm - 18k

Resources
Should a Christian be interested in conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.org

What are the various theories on the atonement? | GotQuestions.org

Is there any truth to the Bermuda Triangle conspiracy theories? | GotQuestions.org

Theories: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Concordance
Theories (1 Occurrence)

Acts 17:18
And some of those who were supporters of the theories of the Epicureans and the Stoics, had a meeting with him. And some said, What is this talker of foolish words saying? And others, He seems to be a preacher of strange gods: because he was preaching of Jesus and his coming back from the dead.
(BBE)

Subtopics

Theories

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Philosophy (1 Occurrence)

Psychology

Authority (326 Occurrences)

Comparative

Circumcision (98 Occurrences)

Cosmological

Passover (81 Occurrences)

Archaeology

Omnipresence

Wages (52 Occurrences)

Creation (35 Occurrences)

World (2829 Occurrences)

Anthropology

Apostles (79 Occurrences)

Sabbath (126 Occurrences)

Borrowing (1 Occurrence)

Conscience (36 Occurrences)

Eden (19 Occurrences)

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Ten (234 Occurrences)

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Judas (42 Occurrences)

Commandments (181 Occurrences)

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Jashar (2 Occurrences)

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Last (1087 Occurrences)

Foolish (259 Occurrences)

Theudas (1 Occurrence)

The-oph'ilus (2 Occurrences)

Tola (5 Occurrences)

Tarpelites (1 Occurrence)

Theras

Refute (6 Occurrences)

Meeting (323 Occurrences)

Paul (207 Occurrences)

Battle (282 Occurrences)

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Beliefs (2 Occurrences)

Creator (19 Occurrences)

Cud (9 Occurrences)

Chew (5 Occurrences)

Abi (2 Occurrences)

Semitic

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Shamgar (2 Occurrences)

Supporters (12 Occurrences)

Sychar (1 Occurrence)

Criticism (1 Occurrence)

Simeon (48 Occurrences)

Sinai (38 Occurrences)

Zechariah (55 Occurrences)

Levites (267 Occurrences)

Priests (451 Occurrences)

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Virgin (62 Occurrences)

Consist (7 Occurrences)

Colossians (1 Occurrence)

Man (26072 Occurrences)

Birth (357 Occurrences)

Altar (343 Occurrences)

Monthly (11 Occurrences)

Cain (18 Occurrences)

Hebrews (24 Occurrences)

Captivity (141 Occurrences)

Romans (8 Occurrences)

Babylonia (17 Occurrences)

Stoics (1 Occurrence)

Sin (782 Occurrences)

Poetry

Theophilus: A Christian to Whom Luke Addressed the Books of Luke and Acts
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