The Bible Unearthed - Exodus

Hi all,I am new to these forums, but have been reading through many of the threads over the past several weeks.I believe that many of the arguments on this thread have been based on early misunderstandings and assumptions. Possibly, not being involved in the discussion leaves me a little better able to see the whole picture. (maybe I'm full of camel dung )I think that W_Fortenberry is merely trying to make a point about assumptions and critical thinking. I have seen no where that he has actually come out and stated a belief, rather he seems to be attempting to get people to think for themselves. He is very precise in his wording and makes it clear (to me at least) that he is only trying to get you to think about your assumptions. IMHO W_Fortenberry is a philosopher in the Socratic tradition: don't take anything at face value, don't assume anyone is right or wrong, make your own decisions with well thought out reasons, question everything.As pertains to this thread in particular, Orion opened with a quoted passage from Finkelstein's book, part of which I quote below: The parenthetical scriptures listed above are as follows: All I can see W_F doing is stating that the scripture listed in the quote by Finkelstein does NOT say anything about a "considerable" time. All that can be seen in those verses is "many days". Many days can mean many things. W_F does not seem to be stating that the conclusions by Finkelstein or others are right or wrong, he is only stating that those particular verses of the bible do not imply that conclusion. The word "lie" may be strong and have the wrong conotation, I personally would not have chosen that particular word, yet looking at it objectively, the claim that Deut 1:46 and Deut 2:14 state that the Hebrews spent a considerable amount of time at Kadesh is in no way, shape or form TRUE. These verses along with other scripture may lead one to infer the 38 year stay at Kadesh, but I see W_F's point that the exact quote of Finkelstein's is wrong.I am not stating my opinions on this topic either, just pointing out what I "think" W_F is trying to do._________________________________________
One last thought. John, you stated in post #43 that all of the places seemed to be within 150 miles of Kadesh. Seeing as the Sinai Peninsula is only approximately 230 miles by 150 miles, (smaller than the state of Maine or of Scotland) a range of 150 miles from Kadesh would basically take up the entire peninsula. Just food for thought (edited to fix typos)
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Asgara"An unexamined life is not worth living" Socrates via Plato[This message has been edited by Asgara, 05-21-2003]

Hi John,Personally, I'm not disagreeing with you. Not having a training in critical thinking or in archealogy, and not having the ability to travel to the Middle East and do my own research, I place great stock in reading other's opinions and the reasoning and evidence behind them. I personally am a big fan of Finkelstein's. I do believe though, that you have misunderstood my point to you in the previous post. You state: All I was saying to you was that given the size of the Sinai Peninsula, saying that these places are all within 150 to 200 miles of Kadesh is only saying all are within the Sinai Peninsula._________________________
Asgara"An unexamined life is not worth living" Socrates via Plato

Hi Brian,Nice to meet you also.I can see your point concerning researching exactly what Finkelstein DID say. I am guilty of "assuming" that what Orion was saying was quoted from the book. (when quoting anyone, whether that be a poster or an outside source, I try very hard to remember to use the quote functions to distinguise it from my own writings.)I also am "assuming" that you probably have read more of W_F's postings than I have. My only point was that in the threads I have read where W_F is a contributer, I have never seen him state a belief. All I have ever seen him do was to question the exacting way that others state their reasoning. (I will correct myself here and state that YES, he called Finkelstein a liar and I made the assumption that I thought I knew what he was referring to).My apologies to the board for my assumptions, and to W_F for arguing a position that might not be where he is coming from. On my own behalf though, I want to state that if I had the knowledge to critically argue minute points in reasoning, I would have much more fun arguing these points with an evolutionist than with the average biblical literalist (IMHO that would be like being proud that I could hold my own in an argument with my five year old nephew )___________________________
Asgara"An unexamined life is not worth living" Socrates via Plato

Damn Brian,The W_F post you linked in your message just blows me out of the water. I so liked the idea that someone was just holding everyone to an exacting standard** hides head in shame **my entire belief in my own belief has been shattered beyond redemption. ________________________
Asgara"An unexamined life is not worth living" Socrates via Plato