When I hear the word ‘prehistoric’ I think that history from the beginning of time has been recorded (the Bible), so what do they mean when they say ‘prehistoric’? A sister in Christ in Natchez MS ~ Marie Harrell
Generally, when someone refers to “history,” he refers to secular history. “Prehistoric” means, “of, relating to, or existing in times antedating written history” (Merriam). However, in addition to secular history, of course, you and I know that there is biblical history. Often the two overlap and agree with each other, as it were, independent witnesses to the same events, places and people. Sometimes, these two histories have contradicted each other, and in many of those instances, biblical archaeology has confirmed the biblical account and corrected the secular, historical record. However, biblical history outdistances secular history in a way, frankly, that secular history cannot be faulted; through divine revelation, biblical history goes back to creation itself—beyond the reach of strictly human composition of historical records. At other times and usually, perhaps, when someone refers to “prehistoric,” he purposely chooses to ignore biblical accounts. You, though, are correct that in the strictest sense the word “prehistoric” is a word with no valid meaning when we include biblical history in the consideration of human history.
Works Cited
Merriam-Webster, I. Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. 10th ed. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster, 1993. CD-ROM. Seattle: Logos Research Systems, 1996.
