Not me. And since it’s from the Discovery Institute I doubt it’s very accurate.
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a)?
b) What story is that? Why are you pretty sure of it? I am too:
Evidence from the Bible suggests that the Exodus from Egypt formed a “foundational mythology” or “state ideology” for the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
It sounds like pretty good pseudoscience to me too Mark!
I’m beginning to find it all a bit… blasphemous. Idolatrous.
There is a problem with dismissing facts just because the fact finder is YEC or ID, however. Günter Bechly is a case in point.
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No one who is scientific in their thinking to the extent that they don’t let pseudoscience compromise that thinking would reject any disinterestedly attested reproducible fact from any pseudoscientifically compromised source.
Not even
…
Sometimes the…“charm” of YEC methodology bleeds into other disciplines; for example, the notorious archaeologist Bryant Wood casts aside proper carbon dating methods so he can retroject his idea of Joshua’s Conquest onto layers of destruction.
Intellectual dishonesty is difficult nigh unto impossible for those who practice it to perceive in themselves.
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Red tides do occur outside of the ocean, though whether that is what the plagues describe (versus, for example, muddy water) is another question.
Evidence that Israel emerged in place from Canaanites is lacking - the same standards of evidence need to be applied consistently.
Amos is perhaps the first written prophetic book; 2:9-10, 3:1, 5:25, and 9:7 all refer back to the Exodus explicitly - it’s a fairly common theme.
The number of firstborn recorded in Numbers 3 does not match well with the millions interpretation of the census numbers.
Gold is extremely easy to work - skill, not technology, is key.
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Occam’s razor therefore has precedence.
700 years after the myth is set.
[Three and a half thousand years ago.]
Some myths are true.
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Look up:
Biblical Archaeology Review 24:1, January/February 1998
Let My People Go and Go and Go and Go
Egyptian records support a centuries-long exodus
By Abraham Malamat
What does it say? Looks promising. Can only see the summary. From 24 years ago. Nothing since. Ah well.
I will get the article. I don’t think anyone denies that the story contains a kernel of truth.
Which truth?
A reflection in history.
The Miracles of Exodus: A Scientist’s Discovery of the Extraordinary Natural Causes of the Biblical Stories by Colin Humphreys is an interesting book written by a Cambridge (UK) scientist. It modifies the numbers of the exiles in a plausible manner and provides natural explanations for the plagues. I would interested in any feedback if you have read the book.
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Pardon my irritation, but is there also a natural explanation for the burning bush or glory cloud on the mountain?
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Some have mused about hallucinogens and a volcano, but I think these speculations are missing out on the context of it all in the ANE.
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Colin was interviewed by Australia’s ABC, here is his take on the burning bush and other narratives: