I received this from a friend of mine. This was concerning a piece regarding an explanation of some archaeology and scientific findings about the Red Sea crossing, the Jewish people being led out of Egypt by Moses. This was my response …..
.
First, a couple of notes. My experience is that most people (not all, but most) studying biblical history and theology tend to lose sight as to the purpose of the Bible. That is, by far, the # 1 problem. In addition, most do not keep the Scriptures in context; that is to say, the immediate setting in which something is said/written/occurs, how it fits with surrounding verses and chapters, how it relates to the purpose and structure of the book in which it is written, and finally, how it fits with the whole counsel of God’s Word.
.
—-Original Message —-
To:Robert Fawcett
Sent: Tuesday 7:09 AM
Subject: Red Sea Crossing
.
I thought you might find my brother’s comments of interest. He is studying Jewish Theology.
.
Harry
.
—- Original Message —-
To: Harry
Sent: Tuesday 6:30AM
Subject: Red Sea Crossing
.
The slide show on the Red Sea Crossing is very interesting. However, it’s important to understand that actually the weight of contemporary scholarly opinion is that Genesis and Exodus do not have much historical support, and there was proabaly no single major exodus from Egypt. It is true that Egypt held sway over the land we call Israel now, and they enslaved Israelites, and brought them to Egypt. They was probably several mini-exoduses from Egypt back to Israel, or alternatively, throwing off Egypt’s hegemony over Israel. Despite the photos — interesting — there is nothing in the Egyptian records supporting the exodus — and one would suppose that such a mass exodus would be reflected somewhere in those records.
More important, communities of faith — including our own — do not necessarily rely on the historicity of the narratives that are at the center of faith — but rather they function as compelling stories — that woven together create symbols which command belief and adherence. To place one’s faith on the presence or absence of an historical record is to make one’s faith community subject to refutation based on history. Real history in the Bible starts with Kings — there we have independent historical confirmation of history. Most of what comes before — myth. But it shouldn’t dissuade you from Jewish allegiance.
Bert
.
.
—- Original Message —-
To: Harry
Sent: Wednesday 6:00 PM
Subject: Red Sea Crossing
.
Dear Harry –
.
Two quick comments:
First, while I disagree with your brother’s general view of the historical record, the real point is that the vast majority of students studying Jewish history/theology get tangled-up in the shortcomings of history. The real story is that of Abram, or Abraham, and therefore, what God was trying to do.
Second, there is a quote in my book by D. L. Moody that says it all: “The Bible was not given to increase our knowledge, but to change lives.”
Why don’t you send him a copy of my book, and have him review the book. Either you or he can order off of the website: www.MajorReligions.com.
You just need to remind him that this is a book written by a lay person for lay people — it is offering some common sense to a very simple subject that most folks tend to complicate.
My best to you,
Robert
P.S. Your Jewish allegiance, by the way, has to give way to Jewish belief, and therefore, faith in the Jewish religion (there’s a definition of “faith” on the website — bottom of page on “Is There A God — Overview“. Go to this link: http://www.majorreligionsoftheworld.com/god_is_there_a.php
It isn’t about allegiance — it’s about study and belief and faith.
