ONLINE FIRST
published on June 6, 2024
Chris Hansen
https://doi.org/10.5840/asrr202465114
Popular History and Roman Provenance
A Discussion of the Works of Atwill, Piso, Gallus, and Davis
Building on previous work from Joseph A. P. Wilson, who discusses the trend of ¡°outsider archaeology¡± developing in popular spheres, and the need for criticism, this article discusses a similar trend of ¡°outsider biblical studies.¡± These are studies conducted by non-professionals (or scholars-in-exile) who develop their own theories and methods for doing historical research on the bible. These are hinged on both disavowing mainstream scholarship, but also consistently seeking the approval of mainstream scholars. As a result, they exist in a paradoxical state, which is only further dampened and entrenched by their poor methods. Since these works are almost never challenged, the following article not only exposes some of the more nonsensical theories being propounded, but also the need for academics to address these theories, as they become very easily widespread and popularized.