The largest English-speaking list in the world that allows un-moderated discussion of Old and New Testament historical issues. We recognize the founders, Kim and Peter, for what they have left to us!

The list successfully self-moderates courtesy, excluding the exceptions below, the moderator allows wide ranging speculations based on historical information.

The adjacent pictures are of [left] Prof. Finkelstein (author of the book: _The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology's New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts_ (c) 2002), and [right] Prof. Dever (author of the book: _What Did the Biblical Writers Know and When Did They Know It?_ (c) 2002). The URL below is one summary of their conflicting views.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AncientBibleHistory/message/46536

*** Speculations are encouraged here but require reasonable corroboration. Discussion focus is not on proving a theory as much as it is to eliminate all those alternatives that are LESS probable. This list excludes miracles and divine intervention from its discussions. Other internet groups exist for discussing such topics. ***

This list explores what texts are fictional, and what historical - - which texts are historical efforts and which texts are motivated by political or theological biases.

Methodology for disputing points is *Alternating Responsibility*. It is improper to refute a speculation by merely referring to an article or book. A sentence or two of the rebuttal must be provided to provide a chance of rebuttal of the rebuttal!

This is the current list of Excluded Topics:

1] No UFO's - see other groups; 2] No Velikovsky theories - see other groups; 3] No miracles - see other groups.

Good list manners are strictly enforced! Initial Posts moderated.

MODERATOR EMAIL: HistoryNow2002@yahoo.com