higher criticism

noun

1. the study of the Bible having as its object the establishment of such facts as authorship and date of composition, as well as determination of a basis for exegesis.

higher criticism

noun

1. the use of scientific techniques of literary criticism to establish the sources of the books of the Bible Compare lower criticism

Word History and Origins

Origin of higher criticism¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

But that changed in a series of cultural tidal waves — the Darwinist account of human origins, the application of higher criticism to the text of the Bible, the sexual revolution — which swept away old certainties.

From Washington Post

I suppose that even Turner will presently begin to wane before "the higher criticism."

From Project Gutenberg

The manuscripts and early translations carry us back to a time when neither ending was known; though only to leave us wondering how the necessity arose for composing them—a question of the higher criticism.

From Project Gutenberg

The ‘higher criticism’ has been a dubious ally of Biblical Christianity.

From Project Gutenberg

He supplied guidance when it was much 863 needed as to the methods and results of the higher criticism.

From Project Gutenberg