University research: Jesus walked on ice
People will do anything to try to explain away Jesus as the son of God. This latest theory, which speaks about the account of Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33) , is one of the more far fetched ones I've heard lately.
So let me get this straight.
Jesus stood on ice (which is slippery) as it bobbed around in a turbulent sea, and somehow successfully navigated it to a boat that was also being moved about in the wind and waves. Then He called one of His disciples out of the boat, knowing good and well that he would sink.
What a bunch of nonsense.
Let me tell you how it really happened.
Jesus, the son of God, walked across the water, which was in a liquid state. He came to the boat and called for His desciple to come out too Him. Knowing that the faith of man is weak, He saved the disciple from sinking. No ice involved here.
A Florida State University researcher believes he has a natural explanation for the biblical account of Jesus' miraculous walk on the surface of the Sea of Galilee – ice.
Professor of Oceanography Doron Nof and the co-authors of his study theorize that a rare combination of optimal water and atmospheric conditions resulted in a unique, localized freezing phenomenon called "springs ice," according to Physorg.com, which specializes in news about science, technology, physics and space.
A frozen patch of ice floating on the surface of the lake would be difficult to distinguish from the surrounding unfrozen water, making it appear as if Jesus were walking on water, according to the theory.
Nof's study – with Prof. Ian McKeague of Columbia University's biostatistics department and Prof. Nathan Paldor of Hebrew University of Jerusalem's department of atmospheric science – is titled "Is There A Paleolimnological Explanation for 'Walking on Water' in the Sea of Galilee?" The study appears in the April 2006 Journal of Paleolimnology, a scientific publication that addresses the reconstruction of lake history.
"As natural scientists, we simply explain that unique freezing processes probably happened in that region only a handful of times during the last 12,000 years," Nof said, according to Physorg.com "We leave to others the question of whether or not our research explains the biblical account."
Matthew 14:22-33 says in the New International Version:
During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."
"Come," he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
The Sea of Galilee, in northern Israel, is known today as Lake Kinneret.
Nof's study used paleoceanographic records of the Mediterranean Sea's surface temperatures, combined with analytical ice and statistical models to arrive at his conclusions. He and his colleagues believe their analysis of a small section of Lake Kinneret, near salty springs, supports the likelihood a brief blast of frigid air, combined with generally cooler weather during that time period, produced the conditions in which an ice patch could develop.
"In today's climate, the chance of springs ice forming in northern Israel is effectively zero, or about once in more than 10,000 years," Nof said.
"If you ask me if I believe someone walked on water, no, I don't," he told Reuters. "Maybe somebody walked on the ice, I don't know. I believe that something natural was there that explains it."
"We leave to others the question of whether or not our research explains the biblical account."
Nof also is known for his theory about the parting of the Red Sea in the book of Exodus. He suggests a combination of strong winds and a land ridge in the Red Sea could explain how Moses was able to lead the Israelites to safety from the pursuing Egyptian army.
Physorg.com notes Nof has received numerous honors throughout his career, including the prestigious Nansen Medal from the European Geosciences Union last year.
3 Comments:
Isnt it funny that we have never heard of this "unique freezing process" until now? I realize that I am not a phD or anywhere close, but it seems strange to me that all of the sudden the Middle East, which is normally quite hot, has come under suspicion of glacier activity. Who knew?
Oh yeah, did I mention that some scientists are stupid?
;-)
This was one of the more far fetched ideas I've heard lately. It'd be kinda funny but for all the non-Christians who are so ready to buy into it as fact.
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