Unfortunately, the words “criticism” and “critical” are often misunderstood. As used here, the words do not refer to criticizing Scripture—that is, tearing it down or demeaning it—but rather to exercising judgment or discernment concerning every aspect of it.3 As I use them here, the words indicate nothing other than the good use of reason and the various tools available in understanding and interpreting the Bible.4 Criticism in this sense is not an option but an absolute necessity