What is the focus of historical criticism in biblical studies?

The focus of historical criticism in biblical studies is primarily concerned with determining authorship and historical context. This approach seeks to understand the Bible not just as a sacred text, but also as a collection of writings produced in specific historical circumstances. By examining the cultural, political, and social conditions surrounding the creation of various texts, scholars can gain insights into the intentions of the authors, the audience they were addressing, and how those factors influenced the content and meaning of the scriptures.

Historical criticism places significant emphasis on investigating the historical background of biblical passages, including the dating of texts, the identities of their authors, and the historical events that may have shaped the narratives. This method allows scholars to differentiate between various layers of interpretation and to produce a more nuanced understanding of the Bible’s messages, thereby enriching the study of its literature and theology.

The other approaches mentioned in the question emphasize different aspects, such as literal preservation of the text, fundamentalist views, or doctrinal accuracy, which do not align with the analytical and context-focused nature of historical criticism. This makes it essential to recognize the specific aims of historical criticism in its scholarly framework.