They are not just theorizing and demonstrating a "peek" at the text, they are now actually doing it!
http://arstechnica.com/science/2016/09/scholars-use-x-rays-to-read-ancient-biblical-text-for-the-first-time/
Thanks. Very interesting. Amazing patience and persistence must have been involved.
Medical science glorifies God. Hallelujah!
That is totally amazing that they could recover it after it was charred.
This is amazing technology.
Some news outlets are talking about the "oldest Biblical scroll" which I think is unlikely, given that we already had 16 Dead Sea Scrolls of Leviticus (14 from Qumran plus 2 from Masada).
I love that it was the same. If God wants us to have a letter from Him it is certainly within His power to preserve one perfectly for us across the centuries.
JRS,
In my excitement over this post I neglected to thank you for bringing this monumental achievement to the forums attention. Thank you!
Since I read the information you provided I have scoured the internet for the best coverage of this scientific advancement. I bring the gleanings of this search to the attention for those who have further interest such as I.
The article from the NYT is of special interest especially because for its discussion about the archaeological site at Herculaneum and the treasure trove that potentially awaits us there. It may be found here.
The article from Science is meant for specialists, but its Results section can be read and digested by non-specialists with good result. Find it here.
Thank you, Beloved.
It is a remarkable development and the best part is that the developer, University of Kentucky professor Brent Seales, plans on releasing the software as open source next year. Once he does that, I would imagine there will be a flood of all sorts of previously unreadable scrolls from antiquity that will be "unrolled" and published.
Here is yet another article on the topic - not as technical, but from a Christian perspective, published in World magazine.
the best part is that the developer, University of Kentucky professor Brent Seales, plans on releasing the software as open source next year.
As a scientist by training and a Christian by faith, I especially enjoyed the final quote from Bekker; "Science and faith are not enemies, but friends."
I look forward to many inspiring revealings resulting from this development. Thanks JRS.
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