Is there a connection between the ancient
eruption on Santorino and the Egyptian biblical watergate? Most people go to
Santorino for bathing, sunbathing and relaxing. In 1986 I went there mostly for
partying. Later I understood that the island had more "to dive in to" than I
expected. It was not only the beautiful black beaches, the sunset, the hot
bubbling water and the white houses that stunned me, but it was first and
foremost the amazing stories about the volcanic eruptions that hit me.
The
revelation
For me it was a kind of revelation to see the
volcanic traces and relate them to other historical events. It there really a
link? I could clearly see that no other nature catastrophe had a bigger impact
of people life around the world. It was at this time that the old part of the
bible was written, and later as we know turned in to be a global religious power
struggle and big business.
Early in
the evening I took my time to think more about at the sunset. First it was very
lively around us. Just before the sunset I heard the sound of silence. The
relaxed atmosphere made me fall in to the deepest thoughts. What kind of history
do this island really hide?
Photo.
Admiring the sunset.
We
enjoyed the sunset combined by drinking and listening to classical music. Just
perfect for romantic couples. I almost fell in a trance. It was amazing how
silent it could be with so many people around.
Photo. The
sunlight was red as the freshest tomato.
Immediately after the dark set the noise started. It was definitely party
time, and we threw ourselves out in the wild night.
From time to time nature catastrophes have been
referred to "gods will" by religious fanatic and power sick people. Based on
thoroughly scientific researches it can be explained naturally. The eruption was
definitely not a sign from any god. It was the Mother Nature own brutal
work.
The bible:
folklore, supposition or scientific?
Is the bible true or false? There is not
absolute answer here. This question can be related to what happened on Santorini
in 1450 before Christ and at the same time when Moses and his people escaped
from Pharaohs men. Is it really connection here between the eruption and the big
wonders in Egypt and other parts in the world? It was not from a helping hand
from a higher invisible power. It was a real natural wonder!
·
Is the
bible the biggest bluff ever in the world's history?
·
What
stimulates people's mind most? Money, power, history or religion?
·
What is
religion really based on?
·
Can
history be studied in a rational way?
·
How
would you react if someone told you that there is no god?
·
Is it
truth what the scientific says now a days that life was brought by the Big Bang,
and by not any invisible god?
·
Is the
bible written of people who want power or people who couldn't understand the
power of nature that time?
Why and how? These questions have been the
driver for humans curiosity, hunger for knowledge and research. But with
religion in the back of their mind: can really scientific explorations leads to
rational answers?
Is there a connection between
Santorino and the Egyptian watergate?
What do you suppose God
did? Since I where a child, I have wondered: how did God make it possible for
the Israelites (Hebrews) to cross the Red Sea, the Gulf of Suez or where ever it
was without boats or a bridge? And why could not the Egyptians get across in the
same way?
Photo. The
Sphinx. This sculpture was very symbolic for the Egyptian well developed culture
and power.
The fear
of God was in the Egyptians after the terrible plagues, which had befallen them
by the Hand of the Israelites' God. At this time the entire country tried to
recover from the catastrophic destruction the country has suffered as a results
of the plagues brought by the God of the slaves.
From my bible schoolbook, I remember that that the sea opened up and it
looked like a gate with walls between them. This was made available for them to
escape the Egyptian soldiers from the Pharaohs army. So when the Israelites past
the gate to the other side, the walls of the water on both sides collapsed, and
the Egyptians drowned. But is it true?
God
caused a strong wind to blow over the water, and it blew all night until the
water was blown aside far enough to make a passageway of dry ground over which
the Israelites could march through. What a wonder! God certainly knows how to do
things, doesn't he? Or
was it something more natural, which can be explained
scientifically?
For me Santorino
was a journey in to one of the nature's many mysteries. I still wonder: is this
the volcanic eruption that made the bible for the story how Moses and his people
escaped from Pharaoh's army?
What is the truth?
I am not an expert. I don't know the
truth! Who do? No one have the monopoly on the truth. My view is not important
here. My reflections here made me even more curious about this mystical island.
The conclusion is up to you. Find out yourself by reading relevant sources, but
the most important is to travel out there: you have to see for yourself.
In the
volcanic black landscape we had our hard time balancing on the back of donkeys.
Sitting on the back of a donkey descending the steep hillside was an interesting
experience.
Photo. Riding
donkeys down the steep hillside.
Travelling is an important source for
knowledge. Only by travel around the world you will be able to see the whole
picture with the essential details. It's like a mosaic or puzzle where you had
to put piece by piece together to fulfil it completely. You will see: the truth
is out there. Santorino is probably one place where you can find deeper
understanding of historical events in a wider perspective.
Stein Morten Lund, 25 March
2002.
Additional information and
links
Search for more information on Discovery`s
website.