Old Testament: new ideas

"The Miracles of Exodus," written by Colin Humphreys, the Goldsmith's Professor of Materials Science, claims many of the miracles of the Exodus story have a natural cause, which modern science can explain.

The Exodus miracles that Professor Humphreys gives scientific explanations for include a burning bush that wasn't consumed, the 10 plagues of Egypt, a pillar of fire and a pillar of cloud in the sky and crossing the Red Sea. Some of the natural explanations Professor Humphreys gives for these events are so specific they enable the precise site for where the miracle occurred to be located. This then enables the route of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt to be reconstructed.

Professor Humphreys has found that the Old Testament text is remarkably accurate and coherent, unlike the views of many modern scholars. However he has also found that the text has often been misinterpreted. Of particular importance, he has found that the true Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments, is not in the Sinai Peninsula, but is in Saudi Arabia. The mountain Professor Humphreys identifies as the true Mount Sinai, the volcanic Mount Bedr, fits the biblical description of Mount Sinai perfectly, down to points of tiny detail.

Professor Humphreys said:

"If my book is correct, and I believe the evidence is very strong, then world maps will need to be redrawn to relocate Mount Sinai. History books, travel guides and biblical commentaries will need to be rewritten. What I have found is that the events of the Exodus are even more dramatic than is generally believed. The Exodus of the ancient Israelites from Egypt really is one of the greatest true stories ever told."

Professor Humphreys is the Goldsmith's Professor of Materials Science since 1990. He is the author of more than 450 publications and is a member of several UK National committees in the materials field. His breadth of knowledge of materials research is reflected in his presence on the Editorial Board of seven high quality international journals, including Journal of the Physics and Chemistry of Solids and the Journal of Materials Science - Materials in Electronics. He is Editor-in-chief of Reports on Progress in Physics.

He was recently honoured by the Queen with the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire, for services to science research and communication.

The book is currently available in the US from Harper Collins for the retail price of $24.95. The book will be distributed in the UK in July 2003 by Continuum publishing house.