Noah's Ark

When you mention Noah's Ark to the NON-believers, this image is no doubt what pops into their mind.



The fact of a global flood is not cute.

The destruction of all life is not sweet.

The worldwide devastation of planet Earth is not a cartoon.

It was a horrifying and nightmarish event.

Tell me.

...

...

Does this look cute to you?

The Catastrophic Earth

I think it is obvious that in the past there was a great catastrophe (or many catastrophes) that changed the face of planet Earth. Those who read and believe the Bible will say that a huge flood was responsible. Those who choose not to believe in the Bible will put forward a vast array of different explanations, each one as fanciful as the last. I think the flood happened. Yes, I do. I also think that the land upon which we live was very different back then. My flood catastrophe hypothesis explains many things science readily accepts as true I believe the catastrophe theory explains plate tectonics, erosion, formation of polar ice caps, fossilization, mass extinction, as well as mountain formation, and the wide-ranging dispersion of animals. I have a question for all scientists who claim to know without doubt what happened in the past. Were you there? Their answer of course must be no. So how can they be so sure? They can’t even tell me what I did in my bathroom last Friday. Although I’ll bet they would have some good theories based on certain information, odds, and common factors, the fact is, NO ONE KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED IN MY BATHROOM LAST FRIDAY. So how much less do they know about what happened thousands of years ago? They (we) simply do not know. One theory is as good as the next. Or as bad. The difference between the scientist and the religious adherent is the fact that the religious man can claim to have faith. The scientist cannot. There are other extenuating factors at work on behalf of the religious man. One important thing is the writings of God, called “the Bible”. Within these writings are the stories of Jesus, who billions recognize today as “resurrected savior”, “the creator of everything”, the “divine architect”, and in fact, God in human form. Many people on Earth have devoted their lives to this man in the hopes of one day living forever in a far-flung dimension known as “heaven” or “paradise”. I recognize that the whole thing seems fantastic to the human mind, but then anything having to do with God should, shouldn’t it? This man Jesus, the son of God, the resurrected Christ, mentioned something very interesting. He referenced Noah, and the Ark. Whether he referenced him as a real historical figure, or as a mythological figure in a story that makes a good point is open to some conjecture. But the fact is Jesus mentioned Noah. Most Biblical scholars, and I, believe Jesus saw him as a historical figure. If Jesus is who he says he is, then it is significant that he made specific reference to Noah. So, because he was referenced by the Son of God himself, we must consider Noah. Noah’s story is fairly straightforward in the Bible. It is the story of a man who God spared while the rest of the world was wiped out by a flood. He survived along with his family and a lot of animals in an “ark” (boat) and eventually everyone exited the ark and started over. This is the gist of the

 story

.  

 Most scientists think the story is complete balderdash and entirely laughable. It is often said that the story of Noah is an impossible myth, or a fairy tale. Many factors seem to justify this view, from a scientific standpoint at least. Most arguments against Noah’s Ark and the flood story center on the whole question of the animals. How did Noah fit all the animals on the ark? How did they get there? Could all the diversity we see today come from those few animals on the ark? Etc. Of course these are great questions. I think there is a plausible answer for each one. Could it have happened? Sure. I wasn’t there. Anything could be possible in the distant past. But I think I have a good theory about what happened that squares my religious beliefs with my scientific mind. I am satisfied with it. So let me share it with you. Many Christians will tell you that creation happened around 7,000 years ago. I don’t think so. What if it was more like 70,000 years ago? Or even 100,000 years ago? What if the events portrayed as "Noah's Flood" in the Bible really happened a long long time ago? I think it is possible. I think if Noah exited the ark 70,000 years ago, there would be plenty of time from then til now, to have the diversity we see in the animal kingdom. Even more so if it was 100,000 years ago. The point here is this... there is NO WAY to know exactly when it happened. I believe it happened because "the Bible tells me so". So I must justify in my mind what I believe with what is possible scientifically. Is it "possible" that Noah gathered all the animals into the Ark? Sure. It is possible. I think at one time most of the Earth's crust was above water. Looked at a different way, scientists have proposed a supercontinent they call "Pangea". I agree with this. I think before the flood there was, more or less, a super-continent. That is how all animals came to that huge barge known as "The Ark". During the flood, this continent broke all apart and began forming what we have today. Scientists have proposed "plate techtonics". I'm on board with that. I think the continents broke apart and the surface of the Earth was violently changed. As the Earth's crust split, volcanoes erupted, lava flowed, mountains formed, steam and ash filled the sky, etc. It was very cataclysmic. I believe it is quite likely that the deluge story is describing an eyewitness account of an actual polar shift. For more information put "polar shift" in Google. There are tons of websites dealing with it. Had this happened, it would have completely changed the Earth. Is it possible? Of course it is. The fact that nearly EVERY culture has a flood story in its ancient history tells me that something happened. Stripping away details leaves us with this list of highly probably accurances: 1. Something devastated the Earth in the distant past. 2. Millions of ancient creatures were killed and buried. 3. Floods played a major role in the destruction. 4. A large number of animals survived. 5. A small number of humans survived. These are the facts my scientific mind says definately happened. My religious mind says the details can be found in Genesis, chapters 6 through 9.

"Frankie Teardrop" spooky song

"Frankie Teardrop is a song by synthpunk duo Suicide from their debut album “Suicide” released in 1977. The song tells the story about man who kills his own family and finally himself. The song was sung by Alan Vega." -internet

"...it is a ten-minute descent into the soul-crushing existence of a young factory worker, [the song's] tense, repetitive rhythms and Vega’s deadpan delivery and horrifying, almost inhuman screams make the song more literally and poetically political than the work of bands who wore their radical philosophies on their sleeves." -All-Music Guide

I find this thing to be curiously moving. Even scary. So, just for fun, see how much of this "song" you can take. Think of it as an endurance test. Let me know how far you get.



"Alan Vega" (real name: Boruch Alan Bermowitz)

Weird Paranormal Activity (WPA)

Here is a photo of Izzy and myself. Notice there is a strange ghostly entity in the photo. It could be an angel, or a demon, or a ghost. One thing is for sure, it is scary. Just look at it. What could it be? 

 I'll let you decide.  

 

Oh, hang on... its just a reflection of the light on the camera lens. Never mind.

My Springsteen Collection

Here is my Springsteen stash!!

Check out these hot chicks!

Some day they will grow to become this...



And ultimately this...



Which is what I am going to have for supper tonight at Bill Miller's!

BAR B Q !!!!!!

Me and Izzy found an awesome place near Woodlawn Park on Zarzamora! Name coming soon! It is an African-American owned BBQ joint. Smoke everywhere! Great menu! Great sauce! Huge portions! What can I say? It rocks! Here is the evidence for yourself to see! This aught to make your mouth water...



There is brisket, sausage, corn on the cob, beans, potato salad, cole slaw, and a slice of 7 Up Cake to follow! Mmmm mmmm mmmm!

The Flood of Noah

The following article is a clear perspective on the Great Flood of Noah. It retty much sums up my thoughts.

http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/nab/really-a-flood-and-ark

How to Fix The Economy

Here it is.. the sure fire fix for the economy...

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There recently was an article in the St. Petersburg Fl. Times. The Business Section asked readers for ideas on:
"How Would You Fix the Economy?"
I think this guy nailed it!
=====================================

Dear Mr. President,

Please find below my suggestion for fixing America's economy. Instead of giving billions of dollars to companies that will squander the money on lavish parties and unearned bonuses, use the following plan.
You can call it the "Patriotic Retirement Plan":

There are about 40 million people over 50 in the work force. Pay them $1 million apiece severance for early retirement with the following stipulations:

1) They MUST retire. Forty million job openings - Unemployment fixed.

2) They MUST buy a new American CAR.. Forty million cars ordered – Auto Industry fixed.

3) They MUST either buy a house or pay off their mortgage – Housing Crisis fixed.

It can't get any easier than that!!

P.S. If more money is needed, have all members in Congress pay their taxes...

Mr. President, while you're at it, make Congress retire on Social Security and Medicare. I'll bet both programs would be fixed pronto!
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This is tremendous. It might work!!!

A Lawyer Joke

A Mafia Godfather finds out that his bookkeeper has cheated him out of ten million bucks. His bookkeeper is deaf. That was the reason he got the job in the first place. It was assumed that a deaf bookkeeper would not hear anything that he might have to testify about in court. When the Godfather goes to confront the bookkeeper about his missing $10 million, he brings along his attorney, who knows sign language.
The Godfather tells the lawyer, "Ask him where the 10 million bucks he embezzled from me is."

The attorney, using sign language, asks the bookkeeper where the money is.

The bookkeeper signs back, "I don't know what you are talking about."

The attorney tells the Godfather, "He says he doesn't know what you're talking about."

The Godfather pulls out a pistol, puts it the bookkeeper's temple and says, "Ask him again!"

The attorney signs to the bookkeeper, "He'll kill you if you don't tell him!"

The bookkeeper signs back, "OK! You win! The money is in a brown briefcase, buried behind the shed in my cousin Enzo's backyard in Queens!"

The Godfather asks the attorney, "Well, what'd he say?"

The attorney replies, "He says you don't have the balls to pull the trigger."

Attention Golfers...

ATTENTION GOLFERS

01. Keep Your Back Straight, Knees Bent & Feet Shoulder-Width Apart.
02. Form a Loose Grip.
03. Keep Your Head Down.
04. Avoid a Quick Backswing.
05. Stay Out of the Water.
06. Try Not to Hit Anyone.
07. If You are Taking Too Long, Let Others Go Ahead of You.
08. Don't Stand Directly in Front of Others.
09. Quiet Please... While Others are Preparing.
10. Don't Take Extra Strokes.

WELL DONE! NOW FLUSH THE URINAL & GO PLAY GOLF.

Push Button

Presidents

This is amazing. ALL the surviving presidents in one picture. But who is the old twit in the striped tie?

A Talking Snake?

 

The notion of a “talking snake” is one item in the Bible that thoughtful atheists use to discredit the whole book as a fairy tale. While I am biased to disagree, I feel it would be beneficial to point out an explanation, which may instruct the thoughtful atheist why I am biased thus, and am not swayed negatively by the idea of a “talking snake”. 

 First of all, the Bible gives few details about the creature in the Garden of Eden which supposedly spoke. Here is all there is: “…the serpent was the most cunning of all the wild animals that the LORD God had made.” “So the LORD God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, "Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life.” From the above we can logically deduce that this so-called “serpent” was very smart, and apparently, at first, moved in such a way that its belly did not contact the ground. God’s curse caused it to contact the ground. Whether that means it was a snake and it had legs originally and God removed them is pure conjecture. It is entirely possible that the creature mentioned in the Bible passages, translated “serpent”, was not your common everyday “snake”. No specific details are given as to the appearance, but it is known from the above passage that whatever it was, its method of locomotion was elevated from the ground. Then as a curse from God he caused whatever it was to come in contact, during locomotion, with the ground. Since, unlike many scientists, I believe that what are currently referred to as “dinosaurs” actually lived up into the contemporary era, I have no problem with the notion that the creature mentioned in the Bible, who tempted Eve, may have been one of a myriad extinct so-called dinosaurs. Perhaps the text would be better served if it said “reptile” instead of “serpent”. 

Now, to this business of the serpent talking. The idea of a “talking snake” is, on the surface (scientifically speaking), so far-fetched as to be laughable. It seems cartoonish. In fact it appears to be logically inane. However… when one objectively considers it from all points of view, it actually seems believable. Here are the passages with the so-called talking snake: (Genesis 3:2) The woman said to the serpent, "From the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat… (Genesis 3:3) …but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.'" (Genesis 3:4) The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! (Genesis 3:5) For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." (Genesis 3:6) When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. Notice that the command to not eat the fruit of the forbidden tree extended, or at least it was Eve’s understanding that it extended, not just to her and Adam but also to ALL the other creatures in the Garden of Eden. So here was the “serpent” eating it and not getting zapped, poisoned, or otherwise killed. Looking at verse 6 makes me think that perhaps all the talking serpent stuff was in Eve’s mind. Her eyes communicated to her what she wanted to hear. If the serpent had dropped stone dead after touching the fruit, Eve probably wouldn’t have touched it. But here it was, having consumed the prohibited fruit, and not only was it not dead, it was perfectly healthy and happy. That told her (see what I mean?) all she needed to know. Or so she thought. Soon it was obvious a huge transgression had been committed. There is an old saying that “actions speak louder than words”. Could it be that the actions of the snake are what “spoke” to Eve? It’s entirely possible. It is also within the realm of credulity to consider that Eve was using an inner dialogue during the temptation event and essentially imagined the “serpent” to be talking. Consider this. People of all walks of life, in all levels of intellect, and in all cultures will, from time to time, refer to some incident where an inanimate object spoke to them. For instance, in a criminal case evidence is said to have “spoken”. Scientists are frequently opining that their particular scientific findings “told them” something or other. For instance, Paul Sandberg reports in the April/May issue of National Geographic Adventure that “The degree of developmental maturity of the bones told us that he was between the ages of 19 and 22". Yet no one would conjecture that Mr. Sandberg heard the bones talking, would they? Besides, the idea here is that the creature “communicated” with Eve. Whether Eve actually saw the snake talking like that snake named Kaa in Walt Disney’s The Jungle Book, is highly unlikely unless one considers a supernatural explanation.

On a more paranormal level, we must consider that the malevolent entity known as “Satan” or “The Devil”, who is himself a spirit, could have inhabited for a time this cunning creature referred to as “the serpent”. He could have, therefore, spoken through the animal at that point. For those who are predisposed to believe such supernatural matters, this, in itself, would suffice as an explanation. 

 Another possibility is the unavoidable distortion of oral history. Meaning that when Eve, and Adam told their story (no doubt many times), they would have obviously told the story as they perceived it. Later, when the story was retold as oral narration, down through successive generations, the small details of the original account were replaced by slightly more poetic, and/or fantastic elements. It is merely conjecture to guess how far removed from the specific and actual particulars the real occurrence was by the time it was recorded by Moses. Clearly the story had been told as family lore for centuries prior to its eventual appearance as recorded history. Nevertheless, this doesn’t imply inaccuracy as to the essential elements of the tale. They are clearly this: The first human couple, who lived in a place of soothing beauty, perhaps even innocence, through temptation and disobedience ate something which was forbidden by God, due to an outside agency, resulting in negative consequences, specifically: expulsion from their homeland. The rest is (theological) history. 

Also it is instructive to notice that whales have long been known to “speak”. While it is not permitted by logic to assume that a “serpent” was as developed as a whale, since we are not entirely sure of what kind of animal the Biblical “serpent” was, it may have been a sort of animal that was able to communicate its intentions in some communicative fashion. Therefore referring to it as a “talking snake” is to oversimplify it, lift it from its historical context, and intentionally discredit the story on the surface, by spinning it away from logical possibilities into the realm of fantasy.

Furthermore, since the Bible plainly deals with supernatural events it contains several incidents which strain credulity. The anti-theist might be surprised to know that a “talking snake” is only part of his problem. Wait until they read about the talking donkey (see Numbers 22:28).

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But wait! Here's more!!

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1. Biological / Natural Explanations

A. The serpent was originally different

Some Jewish and early Christian traditions held that the serpent in Book of Genesis may not have been like modern snakes. After the curse (Genesis 3:14), it is told to “go on your belly,” which some interpret to mean it previously had legs or a different form.

Possibilities:

• A reptile-like creature capable of vocalization

• A now-extinct animal

• A creature with anatomical features lost after the Fall

This view keeps the story literal but suggests biology changed after the curse.

---

B. Humans originally understood animal speech

Some argue that before the Fall, humans may have had heightened cognitive or perceptual abilities — including the ability to understand animals. In this scenario:

• The serpent made sounds

• Eve perceived them as meaningful language

There’s no scientific evidence for this, but it fits a literal Edenic pre-Fall “different order of nature” model.

---

C. Advanced mimicry (like parrots)

Some animals mimic human speech today (parrots, ravens, mynah birds). A serpent does not have vocal cords capable of speech — but if we hypothesize:

• A unique anatomical structure

• Or a different kind of reptile entirely

It would still be biologically extraordinary.

Scientifically speaking, a modern snake cannot produce articulated speech.

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2. Spiritual / Supernatural Explanations

A. Satan speaking through the serpent

This is the most traditional Christian view.

The serpent is identified with Satan in:

• Book of Revelation 12:9

• Book of Revelation 20:2

Here the serpent is called “that ancient serpent, who is the devil.”

Under this interpretation:

• The snake itself did not possess speech

• Satan used it as a mouthpiece

• Similar to demonic possession in the Gospels

This parallels Balaam’s donkey speaking in Book of Numbers 22 — where God enables an animal to speak.

---

B. A direct miracle of God

God temporarily enabled the serpent to speak — just as in Balaam’s donkey.

In this view:

• No natural mechanism required

• It is a divine suspension or alteration of normal biological limitations

This is consistent with a theistic worldview in which miracles are possible.

---

C. The serpent was a spiritual being appearing as a serpent

Some early Jewish interpretations and some Church Fathers suggested:

• The serpent was not merely an animal

• It was a fallen angel manifesting in serpent form

In that case:

• The being already had intelligence and speech

• The serpent form was either symbolic or a chosen appearance

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3. Symbolic / Literary Interpretations

A. The serpent is symbolic

Many modern scholars read Book of Genesis 3 as theological narrative rather than zoological reporting.

In this framework:

• The serpent represents temptation

• Or human desire

• Or chaos

• Or a rival wisdom tradition

Speech is literary device, like talking animals in parables.

---

B. Ancient Near Eastern literary style

In surrounding cultures (Mesopotamian, Egyptian), animals sometimes spoke in mythic narratives. The Genesis author may be engaging in that literary world while making theological claims.

---

4. Psychological / Visionary Interpretation

A. Eve experienced a vision

The encounter may not have been a normal sensory event but:

• A visionary experience

• A symbolic encounter

• A dreamlike spiritual test

Speech would then occur within that altered state.

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B. Internal dialogue externalized

Some theologians propose:

• The serpent represents internal temptation

• The “conversation” dramatizes internal reasoning

So the speech is narrative theology rather than zoological speech.

---

5. Pre-Fall Different Physical Laws

A more speculative theological view:

• Before the Fall, nature functioned differently.

• Death, predation, and biological limitations were altered after sin.

• Animal communication may have operated differently in a pre-corruption world.

This view is common in some young-earth creationist circles.

---

6. Mythic-Theological but True in Meaning

Some conservative scholars hold:

• The story communicates real theological truth

• But not necessarily via modern literalistic categories

The talking serpent functions like parable — conveying:

• The origin of evil

• Human rebellion

• The nature of deception

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7. Hyper-Literal but Unknown Mechanism

A final possibility:

• It happened exactly as written.

• The mechanism is unknown.

• Human science simply lacks the explanatory framework.

This is the “mystery within a theistic framework” answer.

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Summary of All Logical Possibilities

1. Extinct or different serpent anatomy

2. Humans originally understood animals

3. Unique biological anomaly

4. Satan speaking through it

5. God miraculously enabled speech

6. Fallen angel appearing as serpent

7. Pure symbol

8. Ancient literary style

9. Visionary experience

10. Internal temptation dramatized

11. Pre-Fall altered physics

12. Literal but unexplained mechanism

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There is EVEN more...

===================================================================

1. Literal Biological Possibilities

1.1. The serpent originally had speech capability

Some traditional Jewish and Christian interpreters have suggested that before the Fall, animals may have had abilities they later lost.

• Genesis 3:14 says the serpent would “go on its belly,” which some interpret to mean it previously had legs.

• If its physical form changed after the curse, perhaps vocal capacity changed too.

This assumes pre-Fall creation functioned differently than today.

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1.2. Unknown extinct creature

The Hebrew word nachash can mean serpent, snake, or shining one. It could refer to:

• A reptilian creature unlike modern snakes

• A creature with vocal anatomy more advanced than today’s snakes

From a strictly naturalistic standpoint, this is highly speculative, as reptiles lack vocal cords capable of articulate speech.

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1.3. Animal vocalization miraculously enhanced

God could have temporarily enabled a serpent to speak using its existing anatomy—similar to how:

• Book of Numbers 22 describes Balaam’s donkey speaking

• God can suspend normal biological limits

This would be a one-time supernatural empowerment.

---

2. Supernatural Agency

This is the dominant traditional Christian view.

2.1. Satan speaking through the serpent

The New Testament identifies the serpent with Satan:

• Book of Revelation 12:9 calls Satan “that ancient serpent.”

• Second Epistle to the Corinthians 11:3 references the serpent deceiving Eve.

Under this model:

• The serpent was either possessed

• Or used as an instrument/medium for Satan’s speech

This parallels demon possession narratives in the Gospels.

---

2.2. The serpent as a visible manifestation of Satan

Rather than possessing an animal, Satan may have appeared in serpent form.
Similar to:

• The angel of the Lord appearing in visible form

• Satan appearing in visible form in Book of Job

In this case, the serpent is not “just a snake” but a spiritual being in embodied form.

---

2.3. Fallen angelic being symbolized as serpent

Some early Jewish traditions (and later Christian ones) connect this to fallen angels.
The serpent could represent:

• A rebellious heavenly being appearing as a serpent

• A throne guardian figure gone rogue (drawing on ANE imagery)

---

3. Psychological / Perceptual Explanations

3.1. Internal temptation externalized

Some scholars suggest:

• The serpent represents Eve’s internal reasoning process

• The “conversation” dramatizes temptation

In this model, it’s literary-theological rather than zoological.

---

3.2. Visionary or altered state

Eve could have experienced:

• A visionary encounter

• A supernatural perception event

Similar to prophetic visions in Book of Ezekiel or Book of Daniel.

---

4. Literary / Genre-Based Explanations

4.1. Ancient Near Eastern symbolic storytelling

In the Ancient Near East:

• Serpents symbolized wisdom, chaos, immortality

• Talking animals appear in didactic narratives

The Genesis account may use symbolic narrative to communicate theological truth.

---

4.2. Mythic-protohistorical genre

Some theologians classify Genesis 1–3 as:

• “Mytho-history”

• Theological narrative grounded in real events but told with symbolic compression

Under this reading, the serpent’s speech communicates theological meaning rather than biological fact.

---

5. Symbolic-Theological Interpretations

5.1. Serpent as chaos-creature

In the ANE worldview, serpents often represent chaos or rebellion against divine order (cf. Leviathan imagery in Book of Isaiah 27).

Genesis could be portraying:

• Evil entering creation through a chaos-symbol.

---

5.2. Serpent as wisdom figure

Serpents were symbols of:

• Craftiness

• Secret knowledge

Genesis 3:1 calls it “more crafty” (arum), playing on Hebrew word associations.

---

6. Hybrid Models

Many theologians combine views:

• Literal historical event + Satanic possession

• Historical fall + symbolic narrative structure

• Real tempter + literary shaping

For example, many conservative evangelical scholars hold:

A real historical Eve was tempted by a real supernatural being who operated through a literal serpent.

---

Philosophical Question: Why Didn’t Eve Seem Shocked?

This is often raised. Possibilities include:

1. Animals spoke pre-Fall

2. She wasn’t startled due to innocence

3. The serpent communicated telepathically

4. The narrative condenses reaction

5. It was clearly a spiritual being, not merely an animal

---

From a Strictly Naturalistic View

Without allowing the supernatural, a talking serpent would require:

• Evolutionary anomaly (no evidence)

• Hallucination

• Literary device

• Mythic symbolism

Biologically, snakes cannot form human speech due to anatomy.

---

Summary of All Possibilities

Natural

• Extinct creature

• Unknown anatomy

• Hallucination

• Literary symbolism

Supernatural

• God-enabled speech

• Satan possessing snake

• Satan appearing as serpent

• Fallen angel manifestation

Theological-symbolic

• Wisdom symbol

• Chaos symbol

• Literary dramatization of temptation

Kunjufu on Obama

Skills Like This - Golfing with the Walks

Alright Yeah

The Roof Caved in!

Last night Me and James went to see Avatar, the new James Cameron action flick, and when it was over, Izzy called me to say that the roof had caved in. Great.

We have people coming to look at it, and hopefully fix it. Geez.

Here is what it looked like last night (this is after Izzy had cleaned up the mess on the floor).




Here is another view to show the size of the hole.