higher criticism

high·er criticism (hr)

n.

Critical study of biblical texts to ascertain their literary origins and history and the meaning and intention of the authors.

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higher critic n.

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higher criticism

n

(Christian Religious Writings / Bible) the use of scientific techniques of literary criticism to establish the sources of the books of the Bible Compare lower criticism

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Higher Criticism

the analysis of Biblical materials that aims to ascertain, from internal evidence, authorship, date, and intent. Cf. Lower Criticism.

See also: Bible

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

higher criticism - the scientific study of biblical writings to determine their origin and meaning textual criticism - comparison of a particular text with related materials in order to establish authenticity