How accurate is the bible?

Im new here, so I just want to first say hi to everyone! Hopefully someone here can help answer questions Im sure to have, and I look forward to discussing/debating with some of you!Okay, heres an honest question looking for an honest answer: How accurate is the bible? Specifically, how accurate is it in relation to history and archaelogy? I hear the bible being said to be one of the most accurate historical/archaelogical documents all the time, and I was wondering if there was any backing to prove it.
Also, are there any instances when it contradicts other historical documents, or even contradicts itself? When talking about contradicting itself I specifically want to know if there are any blatant contradictions in it, not little blurbs here or there.

First let me apologize for not using the search feature. For some reason it just went over my head.To answer your questions
1) I think the bible has some good philisophical stuff in it (treat others as you want to be treated, that kind of thing)
2 and 3) I dont really have an opinion on its historical or internal consistancy, thats why I asked the questions. On the creation story, however, I think it should not be read literally, but as a big story used by an ancient culture to answer things like where we came from, how rainbows were made, and why snakes crawl on their bellies.And sorry if I came across as trolling, I know how much that can be a pain.

Ill be sure to read them, but first I have to crash. Its like 6:00 in the morning and I havnt gone to sleep yet...@_@ Ill respond to your question in the morning.
Goooooood night (or morning)

ConsequentAtheistI dont have an opinion on all those things because I dont know that much about it, and I try and keep an open mind about things I dont know much about.PaulKYou wouldnt happen to have a link for that would you? It seems like it could be interesting.

Absolute rubbish? So how is not jumping to conclusions without knowing a subject rubbish? I know enough about astrology to say that it makes too many vague generalisations and has many characteristics of a pseudoscience, but I dont know anything about the "Daoine Sidhe" so if someone was to tell me about it I would listen to them. After listening, Id ask for evidence to back it up, do more research, then form a thought on it. It may seem impractical, but I find that it works.So heres two questions for you: are there any instances where the bible is contradicted by other historical documents? Are there any instances where archaelogical expeditions disagreed with the bible? PaulK's already sort of mentioned one, it would be nice to hear some more.

So why dont you help me form an opinion on the matter by answering my questions?Here, again, is two questions for you: are there any instances where the bible is contradicted by other historical documents? Are there any instances where archaelogical expeditions disagreed with the bible?These are the two points Im mainly interested in, and it was the reason I made the topic.

Okay, I can live with that.

Heh, its not a big deal. And I know that the board as a whole is nice, thats why I joined.