This series aims to publish a selection of replies addressed to our readers, as part of a critical and constructive dialogue. Indeed, certain positions defended throughout our studies, published on the schilo.org site, do not win the unanimous agreement of the scientific community. Several of them remain a minority view among researchers.
Our methodological approach consists in treating the biblical text as the primary source, and then examining to what extent historical and archaeological data can corroborate its testimony. This approach, sometimes described as “maximalist,” remains marginal in contemporary academic debate; it nonetheless forms the foundation of our work. We thus stand in the tradition of those who, like the apostle Paul, hold that “all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching” (2 Timothy 3.16).
This orientation legitimately raises questions, which we strive to answer with rigor. We have chosen to publish the questions that seem to us most significant, in order to show that our research evades no aspect and remains open to scrutiny.
Moreover, some remarks bring to light arguments we had not considered. Far from perceiving them as sterile objections, we welcome them as valuable contributions to the refinement of our theses. For “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27.17), and intellectual dialogue, conducted in a spirit of charity and truth, can only enrich our shared reflection.
We express our gratitude to the readers who take the time to write to us and to engage in this dialogue.