The best (and most amusing) argument on this point is the fact that Egypt kept meticulous records of trade and economics at the time, many of which we’ve recovered, and nowhere is there evidence of the massive economic collapse that would have been caused by an entire slave population up and walking out. Not to mention the plagues.
One response theory that I heard was that Exodus actually happened in an entirely different country nowhere near Egypt and that, after that nation fell into ruin and obscurity, some later Israelite historian changed the name from that dead nation to Egypt, which was still around, so people wouldn’t be like “where?”
NOTE: I am non-Christian, but I find Christian myths and legends to be entirely fascinating and research them a lot for that reason.
And there is the fact that, that many people wandering around would have left signs of them being there, and there has been absolutely nothing found in the way of archaeological evidence to support it.
Even as a kid, I found that part to be a big hole in the story.
“They escaped Egypt and wandered the desert for 40 years”.
… Doing what? Is it possible to LIVE in the desert? Off of what, exactly? Why does nothing happen in their story for four decades?
That sounds to me like this isn’t an accounting of theirs, but others. Maybe the Egyptians?
“So the Jews buggered off and we didn’t hear anything from them for 40 years.” “What were they doing all that time?” “How should I know? I only heard when they came back.”
Also, I can’t cite any sources, but one accounting I read, said the main reason Pharaoh “changed his mind” and sent his chariots after them, had a lot more to do with them robbing the temple of Horus on their way out, and killing the priests. Also the “parting of the Red Sea” miracle was a bit more dramatic than the more realistic Jews fleeing through a swamp and the Egyptian chariot wheels getting stuck in the muck.
Being Smart is knowing that “Satan” is not a name but a title that the Judaeo-Christian God bestows on specific angels when he needs them to do bad stuff – like screw over or murder innocent people. The actual term is “Ha-Satan” and a Ha-Satan is in God’s employ, following his orders, not a rebel.
Being a smart-ass is pointing that out at every opportunity.
As you can probably tell from my replies above, this sort of history-myth comparison and research is kinda my jam.
As such, this is one of my favorite Walky comics ever. I love that he actually put this together and went there in fricken HIGH SCHOOL. I normally give him a lot of shit, but here – fuck yeah, Walky! Apply that logic! Do that critical thinking! Woo!
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Well, there really is no archaeological evidence for the Exodus story.
The best (and most amusing) argument on this point is the fact that Egypt kept meticulous records of trade and economics at the time, many of which we’ve recovered, and nowhere is there evidence of the massive economic collapse that would have been caused by an entire slave population up and walking out. Not to mention the plagues.
One response theory that I heard was that Exodus actually happened in an entirely different country nowhere near Egypt and that, after that nation fell into ruin and obscurity, some later Israelite historian changed the name from that dead nation to Egypt, which was still around, so people wouldn’t be like “where?”
NOTE: I am non-Christian, but I find Christian myths and legends to be entirely fascinating and research them a lot for that reason.
Ooh, I hadn’t heard that theory before, thanks! Also not Christian but also find them fascinating.
It’s the story of Passover, it’s originally Jewish and the Christians kept it when they made the Bible.
And there is the fact that, that many people wandering around would have left signs of them being there, and there has been absolutely nothing found in the way of archaeological evidence to support it.
Even as a kid, I found that part to be a big hole in the story.
“They escaped Egypt and wandered the desert for 40 years”.
… Doing what? Is it possible to LIVE in the desert? Off of what, exactly? Why does nothing happen in their story for four decades?
That sounds to me like this isn’t an accounting of theirs, but others. Maybe the Egyptians?
“So the Jews buggered off and we didn’t hear anything from them for 40 years.” “What were they doing all that time?” “How should I know? I only heard when they came back.”
Also, I can’t cite any sources, but one accounting I read, said the main reason Pharaoh “changed his mind” and sent his chariots after them, had a lot more to do with them robbing the temple of Horus on their way out, and killing the priests. Also the “parting of the Red Sea” miracle was a bit more dramatic than the more realistic Jews fleeing through a swamp and the Egyptian chariot wheels getting stuck in the muck.
Wait. There’s a difference?
Yup.
Being Smart is knowing that “Satan” is not a name but a title that the Judaeo-Christian God bestows on specific angels when he needs them to do bad stuff – like screw over or murder innocent people. The actual term is “Ha-Satan” and a Ha-Satan is in God’s employ, following his orders, not a rebel.
Being a smart-ass is pointing that out at every opportunity.
NOTE: See disclaimer above.
As you can probably tell from my replies above, this sort of history-myth comparison and research is kinda my jam.
As such, this is one of my favorite Walky comics ever. I love that he actually put this together and went there in fricken HIGH SCHOOL. I normally give him a lot of shit, but here – fuck yeah, Walky! Apply that logic! Do that critical thinking! Woo!
Wait, this is an actual high school where they’re supposed to teach actual history facts, right?
Fuckin’ Indiana.