You got me to reread Job. My conclusion is that whoever is talking to Job does not have the benefit of modern scientific knowledge. For example, he or it appears to think that light and darkness are two different things, e.g.,



If you read the rest of Chapter 38, you will see more evidence that the source of revelation in Job does not understand what modern science knows to be true.

So what does this mean. The possibilities are:

1. The Rabis made up the Book of Job, or perhaps embellished a story handed down with what they would have expected god to say to Job. So that the science we see in Job is consistent with the thinking of humans some 2,000-3,000 years ago.

2. Some supernatural being actually spoke to Job, but that being only had the benefit of what was already known about nature, or what was then thought about nature. That being is also pretended to be god. And in doing so is trying to convince Job that he, god, is far superior to Job. That is not what I would expect from a strong god.

So if it is actually an example of revelation from god, the conclusion is that god is a weak god who is far from knowing the truth.

More likely it is like the stories that make up the Midrash and Talmud which are somewhat like the story of job and are definitely made up by Rabis- based on scripture, of course.

Here is an example. After six days when god decided to rest, the angels came to him and said that he had much more creation to accomplish. He replied that it was unnecessary as on the last day he created two legged creatures who would carry out the remainder of creation for him.

So the Rabis perhaps thought that they had the right to act like god. In creating scripture, they were therefore infallible in their minds.

Regards,

Richard

• show me what you are talking about - mike00 - March 15, 2002 - 00:26 UTC
  • Here is one - occupant - March 15, 2002 - 05:02 UTC
  • more examples - yanniru - March 15, 2002 - 14:48 UTC
    • just noting - occupant - March 15, 2002 - 15:28 UTC
      • Apropos randomness - yanniru - March 22, 2002 - 00:08 UTC
        • One more time with Gusto - occupant - March 22, 2002 - 00:54 UTC
          • Are you expert on management? - yanniru - March 22, 2002 - 14:50 UTC
            • in regard to your questions - carefuluniverse - March 22, 2002 - 19:23 UTC
              • Sorry-I take the vacate back - yanniru - March 23, 2002 - 00:38 UTC
                • What you just said does not earn my assent - carefuluniverse - March 23, 2002 - 02:59 UTC