Bible Times

Dear Victorious,

Can you explain to me what "Bible times" really means? People will make reference of as if it has some comparable like, "During the 1980's ..." or "Back in Bible times ..." They refer to it as if it were an era that everyone understands. But wasn't the Bible written over a period of hundreds or thousands of years? Is that really a referenceable time frame?

Mark D. - Aurora, CO

Dear Mark,

Well you're hitting on a point that most people probably overlook. The period of time for the Bible does span quite a time frame, especially the Old Testament. I don't think I've ever seen this so-called era defined. But I suspect that when people refer to it, it is not in the context of years (like the 80's). I believe they are meaning to refer to a time when practices, culture and technology were different so different than modern centuries have experienced.

So for example, I might say something like, "Back in Bible times sin was viewed quite differently than today." The reference to "Bible times" really just help position the topic in a more understanding context. We know, for example, that sin was dealt with more harshly by the government and even by God Himself. Sin was also atoned for differently in the sacrificing of animals. So it's easier to say, "Back in Bible times" than it is to say, "Back when governments cut people's hands off for stealing, stoned a woman for committing adultery and lambs were slaughtered to get God's forgiveness ..."