Each study here looks at a person in the Bible through the Bible text, history and archaeology, the traditions of several religions, and psychology, philosophy and science. We do not let the conclusion of one view cover over the others.
We decide no conclusion in advance
Claims of faith, historical claims and scientific claims need different kinds of evidence. We keep them apart and say what evidence each one rests on. We present opposing views in their strongest form, and we do not rank any religion or tradition as better or wrong.
We keep facts apart from interpretation
Dates, quotations, excavation results and scholars’ views are linked to sources we read ourselves. We prefer scholarly encyclopedias, universities and research institutes, museums, journals and the official pages of religious bodies. We separate what is established, what is a reasonable inference and what is later tradition, and where there is no evidence we say so.
When we apply modern psychology or philosophy to a person from the ancient world, we say that the times were different. We offer hypotheses, not diagnoses or verdicts.
We quote the Bible from a translation we have checked word for word and name the translation. Paraphrase is kept apart from direct quotation. We never identify a living person or group with a figure in the Bible.
The editor decides what is published
Before publishing, the editor reviews the key evidence, the biblical context, the wording and both editions. If the key evidence cannot be confirmed, the study is held back.
Authors, reviewers and review dates show only roles actually taken and reviews actually done. We never show an expert review that did not happen. These principles do not mean that every study has been checked by a theologian or a historian.
Plain words, same evidence
The scholarly and general editions are written separately for their readers, but their facts never disagree. When the general edition leaves out detail, it keeps the uncertainty and the limits. We never pad a study to reach a length or a number of footnotes.
We check and correct errors
If you find an error, send us the page address, the sentence and the source to check. We check and correct it. Corrections that change a conclusion or key evidence are recorded on the study with the date. Simple spelling fixes may not be recorded.