We are going to consider what is called the Bibliological Test. I hope this does not scare you. The name of this mechanism originates from the fact that when things began to be written down, they were written on papyrus...you know the early version of paper. This is an outmoded concept these days however, it is like a computer desk top without buttons...and its soft and you write on it...with a pen or quill never mind! Well Papyrus decayed easily so many copies would have to be made to preserve the original writings. The Bibliological Test asks the question: "How far are the copies removed from the original?" There is a rule of thumb here: The closer the copy is to the original the more accurate it is. So with that ground work in place let us look at a few examples:
- Pliny Secundus 750 Years
- Ceaser 1000 Years
- Plato 1200 Years
- Aristotle 1400 Years
- Sophocles 1400 Years
- Gospels 100 Years
It is possible to accurately date the writings of the scriptures in this way because it is possible discover the age of the manuscript with modern technology. Also, the way that letters were formed gives an indication to when they were written, with prominent features of artistic design and graphical expression it is possible to pinpoint this extremely previous recording of scripture! Well hope you are still on board. If we lost you on the way climb back on - send us a comment!
