Final answer:
The theory that the first five books of the Bible had multiple authors is called the Documentary Hypothesis. It accounts for various discrepancies and similarities to other ancient texts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory suggesting that the first five books of the Bible were written by at least four different groups of scribes over several hundred years is called the Documentary Hypothesis. Observations of many similar discrepancies throughout its pages support the notion that the Bible has multiple authors. This hypothesis addresses the textual problem of sacred texts, as the composition, transmission, and canonization processes likely involved a complex interplay of oral traditions, scribal edits, and theological agendas. Over time, cherished stories were recorded, often influenced by prior texts, cultures, and beliefs. For example, Biblical tales such as the story of the Great Flood show striking similarities to earlier Mesopotamian legends like the Epic of Gilgamesh. The theory you are referring to is known as the "Documentary Hypothesis." The Documentary Hypothesis suggests that the first five books of the Hebrew Bible or the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), also known as the Torah or Pentateuch, were not written by a single author but rather by multiple authors or groups of scribes over several centuries. Scholars have identified different sources, designated by the letters J (Jahwist), E (Elohist), D (Deuteronomist), and P (Priestly), each contributing to the composition of these books. The Documentary Hypothesis is a significant theory in biblical scholarship aimed at understanding the literary and historical development of the biblical texts.