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University research: Jesus walked on ice

FSU scientist floats new idea in attempt to explain miracle
Posted: April 4, 2006
7:33 p.m. Eastern


© 2006 WorldNetDaily.com

Sea of Galilee
A Florida State University researcher believes he has a natural explanation for the biblical account of Jesus' miraculous walk on the surface of the Sea of Galilee – ice.

Professor of Oceanography Doron Nof and the co-authors of his study theorize that a rare combination of optimal water and atmospheric conditions resulted in a unique, localized freezing phenomenon called "springs ice," according to Physorg.com, which specializes in news about science, technology, physics and space.

A frozen patch of ice floating on the surface of the lake would be difficult to distinguish from the surrounding unfrozen water, making it appear as if Jesus were walking on water, according to the theory.

Nof's study – with Prof. Ian McKeague of Columbia University's biostatistics department and Prof. Nathan Paldor of Hebrew University of Jerusalem's department of atmospheric science – is titled "Is There A Paleolimnological Explanation for 'Walking on Water' in the Sea of Galilee?" The study appears in the April 2006 Journal of Paleolimnology, a scientific publication that addresses the reconstruction of lake history.

"As natural scientists, we simply explain that unique freezing processes probably happened in that region only a handful of times during the last 12,000 years," Nof said, according to Physorg.com "We leave to others the question of whether or not our research explains the biblical account."

Matthew 14:22-33 says in the New International Version:

    During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.

    But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

    "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."

    "Come," he said.

    Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"

    Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

    And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."

The Sea of Galilee, in northern Israel, is known today as Lake Kinneret.

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Nof's study used paleoceanographic records of the Mediterranean Sea's surface temperatures, combined with analytical ice and statistical models to arrive at his conclusions. He and his colleagues believe their analysis of a small section of Lake Kinneret, near salty springs, supports the likelihood a brief blast of frigid air, combined with generally cooler weather during that time period, produced the conditions in which an ice patch could develop.


Professor Doron Nof of Florida State University

"In today's climate, the chance of springs ice forming in northern Israel is effectively zero, or about once in more than 10,000 years," Nof said.

"If you ask me if I believe someone walked on water, no, I don't," he told Reuters. "Maybe somebody walked on the ice, I don't know. I believe that something natural was there that explains it."

"We leave to others the question of whether or not our research explains the biblical account."

Nof also is known for his theory about the parting of the Red Sea in the book of Exodus. He suggests a combination of strong winds and a land ridge in the Red Sea could explain how Moses was able to lead the Israelites to safety from the pursuing Egyptian army.

Physorg.com notes Nof has received numerous honors throughout his career, including the prestigious Nansen Medal from the European Geosciences Union last year.

My note; When will these fools give up............

Now, let me see if I've got this straight. :-X

Jesus walked on an ice bridge that miraculously formed in front of Him....and He was able to distinguish it from the surrounding water.  Or, it was just a small patch of ice, a floe, that He rode like a surfboard through the stormy seas.  Surf's up, dudes! ::)

Then the guys in the boat, fishermen who knew the lake, and had spent their lives on it, had no clue what was happening, having never seen anything like it before.  And, Peter managed to accidentally step on to another piece of ice that just happened to form in the right place as he was stepping out of the boat.  Unfortunately, Peter's surfing abilities didn't match those of Jesus, so he crashed.

And to top it off, the once in 10,000 year occurence just happened to fall during the time when Jesus wanted to go to the boat.

Right.

Which is the greater miracle?