A BOOK FROM GOD

A Book That Agrees With Science

The Bible is not a science  textbook. It is, however, a book of truth, and truth can stand the test of time.  (John 17:17)  The Bible has not been threatened by scientific discoveries.  When it touches on matters related to science, it is completely free from ancient "scientific" theories that proved to be mere myths.  In fact, it contains statements that not only are scientifically sound but also flatly contradict the accepted opinions of the day.  Consider, for example, the agreement between the Bible and medical science.

Ancient physicians did not fully understand how disease spreads, nor did they realize the importance of sanitation in preventing sickness.  Many ancient medical practices would seem barbaric by modern standards.  One of the oldest medical texts available is the Ebers Papyrus, a compilation of Egyptian medical knowledge, dating from about 1550 B.C.E.  It contains 700 remedies for various afflictions,  "ranging from crocodile bile to toenail pain."  Most of the remedies were merely inaffective, but some of them were extremely dangerous.  For the treatment of a wound, one of the prescriptions recommended applying a mixture of human excrement combined with other substances.

This text of Egyptian medical remedies was written about the same time as the first books of the Bible, which included the Mosaic Law.  Moses, who was born in 1593 B.C.E., grew up in Egypt.  (Exodus 2:1-10)  Raised in Pharaoh's  household, Moses was "instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians."  (Acts 7:22)  He was familiar with "the physicians" of Egypt.  (Genesis 50:1-3)  Did their ineffective or dangerous medical practices influence his writings?

Next time: Conclusion of A Book That Agrees With Science

Watchtower, 1998