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Providentissimus Deus judged the Markan Priority theory.
(End of Section 17). “There has arisen … an inept method, dignified by the name of
the ‘higher criticism,’ which pretends to judge of the origin … of each Book from internal evidence
alone. It is clear, … that in historical questions, such as the
origin and handing down of writings, the witness of history is of primary importance; … internal evidence
is seldom of great value except as confirmation. This vaunted
‘higher criticism’ … will not throw on Scripture the light which is sought, or prove any advantage
to doctrine, it will only give rise to disagreement and dissention, those sure notes of error, …”
NOTE: This Encyclical, by Pope Leo XIII, was issued in 1893. Emphasis has been added by churchinhistory.org
Version: 14th April 2009
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