"THE EXODUS REVEALED" VIDEO

Just curious, I haven't seen the "Exodus Revealed"...but I probably will. My curiousity lies in the significance of a "proposed substantiation--not proof of the particular details of an exodus which can not be denied--other than in the details. Regardless, any good "thinker" can counter loosely strung circumstances with an also acceptable explanation. Why is this important?...does anyone debate the historical reality of an exodus?...I think not. What is debated over and over in this forum and elsewhere is the sensibility(credibility) of biblical text in modern times. It does not take a scientist to realize the Bible is-- at best--a mediocre history book and clearly not the word of a "deity". The facts of its origination alone correspond to the development of our own constitution. A bunch of leaders got together and wrote a "one for all" document/book to be placed in all the RC churches. However, in both cases...the basic flaw still exists...humans will never completely agree as to whatis right or wrong for everyone.I was saved at age five but figured that out by age ten, too!Sorry, no true answers on this one.

"Magnitude"...as described in Exodus? Again, the Bible can be described as a mediocre historical text...perhaps because recording history was not the main intention of its design. It's like trying to find historical details in the US military charter and policies documents. Not much there!
As for Egypt or any other culture tracking (noting) that a load of folks moved out...why would they? Their movement left a lot of property and opportunity for those who remained. This would be like trying to find specific details in Israel of the several hundred thousand Palestinians (who left Israel in the 70's) and are still living, as refugees, in 30+ year old tents in Lebanon today. I guarantee--- you will be hard pressed to find details on that event in Israeli documentation of the times. The region (historically) is steeped in slanting most events to suit the needs and goals of those in power. (Sunni vs. Shiite- Phalangist's vs. Christian--etc.)It's hard to give creedence to the "details" of the exodus, but certainly we should accept that a fairly large group of people left Egypt at a point in time. Enough such-- that it was worth writing about. Movement of oppressed/conguered peoples is nothing new...it happens over and over again. Even if we were to accept the Exodus as written, the other inconsistencies throughout the Bible render it's text largely as story telling being passed, like Indian lore, from one generation to another. However, I doubt we'll see convincing proof in our lifetime that the majority of things in the Bible are historically true.

In much more formal terms you have re-iterated the foundational reasons for not taking the Bible and other so called "ancient" writings as a literal and credible text. I applaud you. As Jar put it-if we take the Bible literally--the Exodus would have been noticed by others. That leaves me with only this assumption. What better way to impress your followers than to include (in your book of doctrines) a story as impressive as the Exodus? The reality may have been only a small group of people (albeit--everyone to them) and only a small group of soldiers (but it seemed like the whole army). Sure--let's expand the whole STORY to increase it's importance for those we wish to accept what we're saying. Who needs proof---? No one at that point in the history of the world. Today, however--proof is becoming more and more a necessity concerning events regarded as true according to a belief system. For those that continue to accept the Bible as literal truth, I am amazed...but I do see how it serves their purpose. If that purpose fades away it would be another story in itself...the EXODUS of of the modern day churches. Somewhere in time, perhaps this too will become an impressive story in which the details can be debated.This message has been edited by N-lighter, 06-01-2004 09:09 AMThis message has been edited by N-lighter, 06-01-2004 09:10 AM