Understanding Biblical Archaeology In African Context

Abstract

This work enlightens Africans on the role archaeology as a discipline has been playing in understanding the Biblical text and also discusses Biblical archaeology from an African context. It bccotnes ncccssat'y for/\l'ricans to be engaged in Biblical archaeological discussions since the study of archaeology has moved in the late twentieth century from a preoccupation with chronology and architecture to a sociological concern, where historical sites and modem discoveries are expanding Biblical evidence and proving the authenticity of the events in the Bible. This work adopted historical method to survey archaeological and historical findings in relation to Biblical archaeology with the ability to understand it in the African context. Understanding this work would make. Africans in the modern world know their place in time. place and circumstances that enable us to more fully understand and appreciate the Bible and accurately interpret it for our time. This would also create an enabling environment for the Department of Religious Studies and the Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies in our various universities to interact and correlate ideas on the historical reliability and authenticity of the Biblical stories.