A Scientist's View of the Bible and More
()
About this ebook
Dr Frank Christian
The author is not a theologian. He is a U.S. citizen who holds an earned Ph.D. in chemistry. He has taught chemistry, physics, math and astronomy at the college level as well as most grade levels from kindergarten through graduate school. He has industrial chemistry experience and nearly three decades experience in academia. He felt a need to write this in gratitude to Jesus and also he wanted a book of this nature.
Related to A Scientist's View of the Bible and More
Related ebooks
Poisons in Our Well of Faith Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBeyond Tithes and Offerings: I Am the God of Recompense Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGod's Truth About the End of Time Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHealing Belongs to You Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGod’s Design For the Church: Uniting the Old Testament with the New Testament Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsScriptures for Life Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThru the Bible Vol. 20: Poetry (Proverbs) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Misunderstanding, Nationalism, or Legalism: Identifying Israel’s Chief Error with Reference to the Law in Romans 9:30—10:13 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsKnowing Jesus in the Old Testament?: A Fresh Look At Christophanies Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDeeps Where the Elephant May Swim: An African Odyssey through 50 Key Bible Verses Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFast Facts on False Teachings Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5After 400 Years of the King James Version of the Bible: A Plow-Boy Speaks Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Speed of Favor: How God Exceeds, Increases, and Accelerates Your Life Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5And There Was Light: An Examination of the Claims of Young Earth Creationist in the Light of the Scriptures and Proven Science Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsEncountering God in Genesis Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Bible: a history: The making and impact of the Bible Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Revelation- Teach Yourself the Bible Series: The Future Foretold Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5End-Time Bible Study for the Faithful Remnant Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsHonor and Shame in 1 Samuel 1–7 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRevelation: a Letter to the Tribulation Christians and Those Left Behind Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBurned Alive: A Revelation of Yeshua's Fiery Love for His Bride Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsGospel Obstacles: Three Primary Obstacles to the Gospel of Jesus Christ And What to Do About It! Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsDisciple III Remember Who You Are: Study Manual: The Prophets - The Letters of Paul Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Fall and Rise of the Christian Church Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRevelation the Fair God Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Realities of the Endtime Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsJon Courson's Application Commentary: Volume 1, Old Testament, (Genesis-Job) Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A Great Revealing for All Peoples & All Nations Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsA Year With Bible Prophecy: 366 Page To A Day Readings Rating: 1 out of 5 stars1/5Forsaken, Forgotten and Forgiven - A Devotional Study of Jeremiah and Lamentations Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Christianity For You
Winning the War in Your Mind: Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Good Girl's Guide to Great Sex: Creating a Marriage That's Both Holy and Hot Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Book of Enoch Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Your Brain's Not Broken: Strategies for Navigating Your Emotions and Life with ADHD Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Screwtape Letters Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Holy Bible (World English Bible, Easy Navigation) Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Don't Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table: It's Time to Win the Battle of Your Mind... Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Mere Christianity Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5How to Lead When You're Not in Charge: Leveraging Influence When You Lack Authority Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Law of Connection: Lesson 10 from The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Warrior of the Light: A Manual Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies About Who You Are so You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5I'll Start Again Monday: Break the Cycle of Unhealthy Eating Habits with Lasting Spiritual Satisfaction Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Four Loves Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries Workbook: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Unseen Realm: Recovering the Supernatural Worldview of the Bible Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Changes That Heal: Four Practical Steps to a Happier, Healthier You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Less Fret, More Faith: An 11-Week Action Plan to Overcome Anxiety Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Boundaries with Kids: How Healthy Choices Grow Healthy Children Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Reviews for A Scientist's View of the Bible and More
0 ratings0 reviews
Book preview
A Scientist's View of the Bible and More - Dr Frank Christian
Contents of A Scientist’s View of the Bible
Introduction
Aaron’s Sons and Taberah
Absalom’s Hair
Adam
Adam’s Apple
An Eye For An Eye, And A Tooth For A Tooth
Ananias and Sappira
Ark and the Philistines
Ark of the Covenant’s Construction
Army Horses of the End Time
Babylon the great
Babylon the great Falls
Balaam’s Donkey
Barjesus
Beastly Future of 666
Brass Serpent
Burning Bush
Cures by Jesus
David’s Altar
Eagle
Eden
Elijah
Elisha
Erosion
Evaporation and Boiling
Eve
Exodus Numerology
Feeding Thousands
Gemstones
Genealogies to the Split Kingdom
Gideon’s Wool
God on Mount Sinai
God’s Name
Goliath
Hezekiah’s Recovery
In the Beginning
Jerusalem’s End Salvation
Jerusalem’s Rescue
Job’s Disease
Job’s Fire
Job’s First Sons
Joel’s Prophecy
Jonah
Jordan River Crossing
King Asa’s Feet
King Jehoram’s Bowels
Leviticus Foods
Locusts
Magog Mayhem
Manna and Quail
Marah’s Waters
Metallurgy of the Bible
Meteorite!
Methuselah
Moses’ Rocks
Moses’ Signs
Noah’s Flood
Organizations and Christians
Paul’s Calling
Paul’s Miracles
Peter Cures
Plagues of Egypt #1-6
Plagues of Egypt #7-9
Plague of Egypt #10
Proof of God
Quails Alone
Resurrections and Jesus
Samaria Under Siege
Samson’s Hair
Sarah’s Child
Sodom and Gomorrah
Solomon’s Wisdom
Sons of God
Stilled Sun
Stilling of the Storm
Strange Books
Temple Dedication
The Creation of Life
The Crucifixion
The Exile
The Palestinians
The Parting of the Red Sea
The Pillar
The Seven Vials
The Seventh Day
The Sixth Seal
The Star of Bethlehem
The Temptation of the Wilderness
The Tower of Babel
The Transfiguration
The Walls of Jericho
Tongues
Virgin Birth
Walking on Water
Walking Through Doors
Wine from Water
Zacharias
Conclusion
About the Author
Introduction
This work is a collection of thoughts and observations regarding passages from the King James Bible of 1611 as made from one scientist’s viewpoint. It does not attempt to cover theology as that is beyond the realm of scientific analysis. This work is approached from a solely secular science viewpoint. It is a Bible study from a scientific perspective. No theological teaching or interpretation should be inferred. No blaspheming or heresies should be inferred or is intended. The thoughts within are the author’s own. The ideas within are not written with the intention of being accepted as automatically correct although the author certainly hopes that at least they might be scientifically plausible. The author can only hope that those of the Christian faith have their convictions strengthened by the words within this book. The author hopes those who are not Christians have their imaginations fired up by this text.
The author wishes to emphasize that he is no prophet. The author is neither a preacher nor even a particularly ‘good’ Christian. He is a competent scientist who wishes to record his scientific impressions of the text he has read within the Bible. None of the words should be thought of as theological teaching.
The author wishes to acknowledge that he is aware that he is not the first to have considered the Thera eruption as a timing event for the Exodus. The author does not know identity of the originator(s) but has arrived, from independent assessment of the text and data, at a similar conclusion.
It is perhaps a pointless exercise to attempt this work. One must remember the words of King Solomon.
Ecc 1:2
Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.
The author feels that there is good in this study. In his opinion, it is always profitable to thoughtfully consider texts of the Bible. If all the author’s words turn out to be results of an over active imaginations realize the following fact. We are all figments of God’s imagination. All things are figments of God’s imagination.
Aaron’s Sons and Taberah
Two sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu had followed inappropriate procedure with fire and incense while within the tabernacle. As a consequence, they ignited and were burned to death.
Lev 10:1, 2
And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not.
And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.
This was not the only time fire occurred. A fire also consumed parts of the Israelite’s camp at Taberah.
Num 11:1
And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the Lord heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.
It happened a third time with the rebels after the Israelites learned there generation was not going into the Promised Land.
Num 16:35
And there came out a fire from the LORD, and consumed the two hundred and fifty men that offered incense.
This last fire may have been the consequence of the earthquake that absorbed the rebel leader and associates. The reader should remember the fire that accompanied the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. The quake of chapter sixteen of Numbers may have been related to the Thera eruption. That eruption created a small archipelago between Rhodes and the southern tip of mainland Greece whose largest member is the island of Santorini. Crete is south of it.
Num 16:32
And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up, and their houses, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods.
Fire is a combustion type of chemical reaction called a combination or an oxidation. Chemists often have different terms for describing the same phenomenon. Specifically, it is a reaction with oxygen. In the reaction, oxygen chemically combines with whatever is burning. The result is an actual increase in mass. Much of the products rise up as particles of smoke. Fires can quickly make a volume of space difficult to see within unless an individual is below the smoke. Since the atmosphere is 20.9% O2(g) by dry air volume, fire safety is of extreme importance. The observation here is that one should always take diligent precautions to prevent burning. Fire alarms are a big help with modern fire safety.
Absalom’s Hair
King David’s rebellious son used to get a yearly haircut.
2 Sam 14:26
And when he polled his head, (for it was at every year’s end that he polled it: because the hair was heavy on him, therefore he polled it:) he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king’s weight.
A shekel equaling 180 grains of barley is not a reproducible standard; however, 11.4g is a good approximation. Absalom’s undoubtedly had oiled and perfumed hair and a beard. A mass of 2.28kg (5.03lbs) for cut hair is considerable despite the additives. It can be concluded that Absalom had a lot of hair on his head. His probable excellent diet would have assisted with his hair growth.
Hair, by the way, is made of a protein called keratin. This material is the same as that which comprises fingernails and it is also a large component of skin. Proteins are, themselves, strings of amino acids. Amino acids used to construct proteins by bodies are alanine, arginine, asparagines, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine and valine. They are often written with three letter abbreviations. Several are called essential amino acids since they are required in the human diet. They are found in human breast milk, eggs, fish and meats. Diet should, as a consequence, be closely monitored. After all, you are what you eat, or more generally, you physically are what you consume.
Amino acids in humans have the structure +H3NCHRCO2-. The positive and negative parts of the structure make an amino acid into what chemists call a zwitterion. R represents an organic, i.e., C and H containing molecular fragment. Each amino acid has its own specific R group of atoms. When two amino acids chemically combine, they release water, H2O(l), and an amide linkage, RNHCOR. The same type of reaction forms many plastics. In digestion, the reverse is caused to occur.
Adam
Adam’s creation is described in the second chapter of Genesis.
Gen 2:7
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.
The words are the Lord God’s as given to Moses since no human being witnessed the event. It is important to realize that fact. Moses did not personally see the creation.
If it is assumed that a great deal of time on Earth is represented, then Adam was created slowly. In this case, life originated from ground dust. It would have likely washed into water or have already been in water. A mechanism for life’s spontaneous appearance is unknown at the time of this writing. The author’s scientific training leads him to be of the opinion that it simply will not happen. Such an event seems a violation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Living organisms are highly structured and well organized. Natural chemicals are not. They are instead, usually found as mixtures. To this scientist, it seems a miracle is required for life’s spontaneous appearance. One might wonder that if life appeared by itself long ago, then why does it not appear spontaneously now? After all, the raw materials for living organisms abound in our present world. In any event, the author has mixed many chemicals in laboratories and has never noticed anything alive forming from such a mixture. Nor is the author aware of anyone else mixing or cooking up something alive from an inanimate mixture.
If the creation was a direct miracle, a question arises. Why do studies in embryology, paleontology, and DNA all indicate stepwise changes tempered by environmental influences causing different species to appear and disappear down the millennia to the present? People appear to be a result of evolution. The answer is provided by the words of Jesus.
Mt 12:39
But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
If humans were formed directly without internal past organism influences, then faith would not be required to believe. Our Creator seems to desire trust and faith in this matter. Also, it is logical for God to create Adam using the same techniques He used for all of the plants and animals. After all, why should He change methods that have worked perfectly?
Adam’s Apple
The tree of the knowledge of good and evil has often been portrayed as an apple tree. The text does not actually indicate the tree’s species.
Gen 2:17
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
It must say plenty about the nature of human beings when Adam and Eve partake of the tree that is the only one they are forbidden to eat of.
Gen 3:6
And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
Note that the Lord God stated that they would surely die upon eating of the forbidden tree. Indeed, Adam and eve have long since reached and surpassed their expiration dates. Their physical deaths were not immediate however.
What of the tree’s name? The fruit itself does seem to have made a change in Adam and Eve’s brains. After all, they began to clothe themselves with fig leaves.
Gen 3:7
And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
Why did they sew fig leaves? Perhaps it was all that was readily available. Then again, it may have been figs that they ate. A fig tree would then have been right there next to them. After all, Adam was with Eve when she ate the forbidden fruit.
It is apparent from the above that food intake does affect the brain’s function. This only makes sense as our bodies have certain nutritional requirements. It is an interesting observation to note that as populations became more technologically advanced during the twentieth century, the intelligence of the average inhabitant increased. At least it seems that way based upon I.Q. data. Better nutrition and better education, appear the cause. This trend has become referred to as the Flynn effect.1 The United States government does have a list of optimal nutritional intake values for foods, minerals and vitamins. The U.S. National Academy of Sciences prepared the list. They are called the recommended daily intake, or RDI, values. It is logical that following those guidelines should result in a person’s optimal brain function level to be realized.
(1) Herrnstein, R. J.; Murray, C., The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life, The Free Press: New York, 1994.
An Eye For An Eye, And A Tooth For A Tooth
The text of the Bible includes many well-known phrases. One such example is that of the heading. The following verse contains a phrase that is often repeated
Ex 21:24
Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,
Tooth enamel is a very useful chemical. The enamel of teeth