Supplementary Lesson 5: Biblical Criticism

Biblical Criticism

During the last few centuries, scholars developed a new area of biblical studies called "biblical criticism." This does not necessarily mean that they are criticizing the Bible in a negative way (although some do), but that they are evaluating (critiquing) aspects such as the manuscripts, the composition and style of the biblical documents. Often scholars make a distinction between "lower criticism" and "higher criticism." On the one hand, lower criticism, also called "textual criticism," studies the existing copies of the biblical manuscripts. It is a fairly objective scientific study. On the other hand, higher criticism studies the probable history and composition of the books of the Bible. This is a much more subjective and speculative study.

QUESTION: 

Which of the following best explains the general meaning of "biblical criticism"?