“We have examined all possible forms which language can assume, and we now ask, can we reconcile with these three distinct forms, the radical, the terminational, the inflectional, the admission of one common origin of human speech? I answer decidedly, Yes” (Muller 46-47). In his book, Science of Language, the celebrated professor wrote: Muller (1823-1900) was one of the world’s foremost comparative philologists, i.e., one who studies ancient languages and observes their similarities and differences. The fact is, however, there is absolutely no valid reason for questioning the reliability of the biblical narrative-and for the following reasons: Philologyįirst, language studies have led many scholars to the conclusion that the varied human tongues ultimately can be traced to a common source. Bowie sees the account as a “child-like” “story-answer” characterized by “symbolism,” which was simply primitive man’s way of explaining the origin of different human tongues (1952, 562-565). The approach of religious modernism is scarcely better. “It is highly unlikely that the human inhabitants of the whole earth have ever spoken only one language” (Allen 1990, 43, 44). One infidel has classified this narrative as a “nonsensical” legend. Skeptics answer negatively and openly scoff at the account. 11:8).ĭid the biblical account the Tower of Babel have its basis in actual history? The sacred decree was implemented, human languages were born, and men were scattered abroad upon the face of the earth (Gen. “Come, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech” (Gen. The divine Godhead was displeased with the unholy enterprise, hence declared: Intent on making a name for themselves and remaining relatively localized in direct disobedience to Jehovah’s command to fill the earth (Gen. An ambitious humanity congregated in Shinar (Babylon) and set about to build a great tower, the height thereof reaching unto heaven. One of the beginnings in Genesis is the record of how human beings came to speak different languages.Īccording to the Bible, originally “the whole earth was of one language” (Genesis 11:1). The book of Genesis is a narrative dealing with “beginnings,” as the title of the document indicates.
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