Which field studies the writing, historical context, and meaning in the Bible?

• A. Biblical studies
• B. Theology
• C. Archaeology
• D. Sociology

Answer: (A)

Understanding biblical texts through their writing, historical context, and meaning is the focus of biblical studies. This field treats the Bible as ancient literature, examining genre, narrative technique, and authorship, while placing passages in the historical and cultural backdrop of the times they were written. It uses methods like literary analysis, historical-critical study, and hermeneutics to uncover how the texts convey meaning to their original audiences and how readers through history have interpreted them. Theology centers on beliefs about God and doctrine, archaeology investigates material remains of past cultures, and sociology looks at how religious communities function in society.