Mike Farris:
Last time we talked about the value of learning Greek and Roman history with Christian archaeologist and homeschooling dad Regan Barr. Regan, what should Christian homeschoolers think when they hear claims about archaeological discoveries that supposedly contradict the Bible?

Regan Barr:
Well, Mike, because the events of the Bible happened in real time and space, many can be investigated like other historical events. And Christians have nothing to fear from archaeology. But archaeology only sheds light on events that leave physical evidence behind. Many events and spiritual realities leave no physical trace.

But archaeology has never proven the Bible wrong. What’s really going on is that some choose to interpret the evidence in a way that conflicts with the Bible.

A lot of evidence has disappeared or decayed before the excavator even begins to work. And the very act of excavation destroys some additional evidence. So an archaeologist has to fill in the missing pieces using all the evidence available. And different people fill in those blanks differently, depending on their suppositions and world view. This is why there’s a great need for archaeologists who approach the evidence with a high view of Scripture.

Mike:
Those are really valuable insights, Regan. I look forward to talking to you more about this next time. I’m Mike Farris.