The aim of BAR is to make available in accessible language the current insights of professional archaeology as they relate to the Bible. BAR strives to be:
◾ Scientific. Our commitment is to scientific truth, not to sacred truth—not that we deny or denigrate the validity of sacred truth; rather, sacred truth is simply for each person to find on his or her own, in his or her own way. We do not believe it is likely to be found through a study of biblical archaeology, but we have no objection to someone’s finding inspiration here. On the other hand, neither do we believe one’s faith will be undermined by a study of biblical archaeology—regardless of the archaeologists’ findings.
◾ Accurate. We have a commitment to accuracy. That goes without saying.
◾ Interesting. We have a commitment to be interesting. That means focusing primarily on the new, the unusual, and the controversial. And there is plenty in archaeology that is all three.
◾ Independent. We have a commitment to independence. We call the shots as we see them. To use a current metaphor, we do not tilt toward our friends or against those who may not like us.
◾ Open. We have a commitment to openness. We welcome your suggestions and ask for your reactions. And we value our readers—every one of them.
