October, 1995

"Who wrote the Bible's 5 Books of Moses? - A linguistic and historical investigation"

Speaker: Marvin V. Zelkowitz

For many hundreds of years, philosophers, religious leaders, and archeologists have been investigating the origins of the first five books of the bible (The ``5 Books of Moses''). Fundamentalist interpretations claim that Moses wrote down the text, as dictated by God. However, many believe that other men were the authors. If so, who? why? when?

This talk will explore the various historical and linguistic evidence that has been uncovered to try and answer these questions. Rather than being written about 1300 BC at the time of the Hebrew exodus from Egypt, many now believe that the Books of Moses were written some 700 years later during the eras of kings David, Solomon, and the kings of the second temple.

Is there or is there not a God? This is a relevant question, but outside of the scope of this talk. Simply starting with the premise that Moses did not write the bible, we will explore what alternatives are consistent with the available evidence.

Saturday, October 21, 2pm
Davis Library,
6400 Democracy Blvd,
Bethesda, Maryland

Free admission -- Everyone Welcome

Call the NCAS Skeptic Line at 301-587-3827 for further info.

SAVE A TREE DAY

Have old skeptical literature you no longer need or want? Need some fresh new material? Join the NCAS book swap. Before each meeting bring books or newsletters to trade. Bring a book, take a book. Here is a chance to obtain literature from a variety of sources. This is a new activity that NCAS would like to test for a few months. Bring your books to help make it a success. After the meeting, any unusable leftovers will be placed in the nearest recycling bin.


DOORWAYS TO OLD VIRGINIA GHOST TOUR

Join other NCAS members for a tour of old Alexandria. $4 adult, $3 ages 7-17 (not recommended for younger children, not because it's scary, but because they'd be bored). The tour offers: Legends, Folktails, Oddities, Trivia, ghoulish and bizarre tales of death.

Let's meet for the 7:30pm tour on October 21 at Ramsey House (Visitors Center) at corner of King and Fairfax Streets. The tour is conducted over two separate and simultaneous 1-hour 6-block long routes, which end up at either Christ Church or in a nearby cemetary, both said to be near commodious public houses offering a full range of refereshments. (If you cannot make it then, the tour is also offered 7:30pm and 9pm from October 20 to 31. -- Info: 703-548-0100) Come early since space is limited.


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Last Change: October 7, 1995