Archives for posts with tag: ancient man

Leviathan Story Writing Contest

2015/02/01 //
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CreativeWritingIndigo

We are holding a Leviathan story writing contest. The deadline for submitting your work is the 30th of September, 2015. A prominent feature of your story must be the biblical Leviathan.

There will be separate contest winners for each age category: under 10 years old, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30+

We are seeking those who will want to contribute prizes for our winners, thus promote their favourite organization through our contest. We know some of you will want to enter the competition regardless of the prizes, so we are giving you a head start. Please subscribe to this blog so that you will be notified when we announce the prizes that can be won for each category.

The Job Project must have the coolest dragon ever, as our Leviathan. We cannot skimp, or settle for second best. The Leviathan scene is crucial to this story. Leviathan fans around the world are counting on us to get this right! God speaks for the entire chapter 41, exclusively about this fierce animal. This gives us a lot to work with, plus it gives us time, during His description, so the video can display a good deal of action for this awesome beast.

It would be good to have several independent designs, so that we can choose the best for this production … thus our creative writing contest. We also may be able to combine features from the various designs.

There is no restriction as to when your story was written. If you wrote a story years ago about the biblical Leviathan then, by all means, submit the work as a contest entry. The age category for the contest will be based on your age on the 30th of September, 2015, rather than your age when you wrote the story.

There is no size limit for your entries. If you write a 200,000 word tome, and it is actually about the biblical Leviathan, then our judges will evaluate it along side the other entries. The extra length will not necessarily improve your standing.

Plagiarism will result in disqualification. If you submit “Beowulf” as if it were your own work, we will notice.

There is no limit to the number of entries each person can submit.

All story entries must be written in English.

You are still free to publish your original story that you have submitted. Each submission is a contribution to the project, though you will still hold the copyright. You are granting us the right to use any part of the story in our project, or to revise the story, as we see fit. We will not publish your original story, except with your permission, or except to the degree that we incorporate elements of your work into our project.

Story content limitations:

  • No super-powers, like force fields or magic, except those mentioned in Scripture (armour plating, fire-breathing, invincible, etc.). The power of the real Leviathan is impressive enough, so stick with that.
  • We have no interest in stories that portray Leviathan as a myth, metaphor, parable, or allegory. Your story is a work of historical fiction, not fantasy, mysticism, or folklore. We can trust God’s Word that Leviathan was a real historical creature whose attributes were not fanciful word pictures or legendary fabrications.
  • No offensive language. Yes, we are aware that bad people use bad language and that you may have some bad people in your story. Just tell us that they used offensive language, rather than telling us the offensive part of what they said. Thanks!
  • No disgusting or hideous descriptions. As above, you can give the reader a picture of how disgusting something is by describing how someone reacted to it, rather than giving the graphic details directly.
  • The Leviathan in your story must fit within the biblical limitations. See below for such considerations.

In the Bible, Leviathan is defined as a sea monster, or sea creature. He is big, and he is scary. This creature is a fire-breathing dragon.

Each model must completely fit within the biblical framework and limitations. For example, the question is not whether he was breathing fire, but the question is what that looks like. The question is not whether he was a sea creature, but the question is what that means.

God tacitly states that several activities are not feasible, regarding the Leviathan:

  • Fishing for him with a hook and line
  • Subordinating him with a nose ring or prod
  • Making sport with him
  • Taming him
  • Hunting him for food
  • Domesticating him as cattle
  • Spearing him, or harming him by shooting arrows
  • Fighting with him, especially not winning

God concludes that no one would be able to endure a battle with Himself, since no one would even dare to pick a fight with Leviathan, which He created. So, it is important to emphasise the utter insanity or ignorance of anyone who would even consider attacking the king over all the children of pride, the Leviathan.

Here are some of the features each plan needs to include:

  • Scales and skin like armour
  • Terrible teeth
  • Strong mouth
  • Fire from his mouth, sparks and smoke from his nostrils
  • Strong neck
  • Fearless
  • Tears up the banks of the water
  • Thrashes the water
  • Intimidating

Answers in Genesis has proposed, at different times, both the Sarcosuchus and the Kronosaurus as potential candidates for Leviathan. They are not dogmatic about this, as those are just possible ideas. Both of these creatures are known by their fossil remains. The Sarcosuchus is an absolutely massive crocodilian. The Kronosaurus is a form of plesiosaur.

It seems difficult for Kronosaurus to be in a position to kindle a fire, since he is in the water. Due to his paddle like appendages, it is not feasible for him to get far from the water. Though he certainly would tear up the river banks, whenever he did come ashore, as the Bible’s description of Leviathan indicates. Maybe they came inland to lay their eggs. There is one kindling scenario that comes to mind. Wooden ships would be vulnerable to attack from such a creature, since it would be reasonable to expect that he could paddle in such a manner to hold his head out of the water, while scorching the timbers.

It seems that there has been a change in the size estimate for the Kronosaurus. There is a huge fossil reconstruction of this creature in the Harvard Museum. At the time, little was known about this animal, so some liberties were taken to guess how many vertebrae were needed. Apparently, this was overestimated. So, the Kronosaurus may not be as big as was first imagined.

However, just as there is great variety in the cat kind, in the horse kind, in the dog kind, etc., there is also a family of such beasts of the deep, called plesiosaurs. They all have paddles for appendages. Some have longer necks, some quite short. They all have spiked teeth. Some of the creatures are large, and some are absolutely monstrous. Included in the plesiosaur family is one reputed to be the largest predatory carnivore ever, somewhat dwarfing the land dwellers, such as T. Rex, Ceratosaurus, and Spinosaurus. Predator X featured a head two times the size of a T. Rex skull, with a bite that was estimated to be eleven times more powerful. In this family is also the Styxosaurus, with a very long neck, which would fit the “serpent” description of Leviathan in Isaiah. This would also align with many of the legends of the creatures sighted by sailors at sea. With a longer neck, it is much more feasible to lift the head far above the water.

So, it would be reasonable to piece together our monster from the attributes of this family. We could have a mouth big enough to to chomp a few sailors at once, and his body is the size of an island, held rock steady with his powerful paddle legs, so that his head is lifted significantly above the deck of a mid-sized ship. He is also completely armoured with ossified scales, plus flames and sparks and smoke spewing from his mouth and nostrils.

It is easy to understand why Kent Hovind prefers the famed Tyrannosaurus Rex monster as the best possibility for the Leviathan. Who would ever attack such a fierce creature, with daggers for teeth?

The Spinosaurus dinosaur seems like the closest fit for many of the dragon legends. He is even bigger than T. Rex, though his mouth is not bigger, and his teeth are less like daggers. With his long, reptilian neck and tail, he can easily be considered in the broader category of a serpent. In order for him, or the T. Rex, to qualify as a sea creature, they would need to be hunting for prey in the rivers, lakes, deltas, or sea coasts. It seems that they would need to wade in, about hip deep, so their weight is still anchoring them securely to the floor of the water. Since the arms are on the short side, the attack would be mainly with the mouth, though one hind foot may be employed to pin the quarry down. This activity would arguably make the kind of water thrashing described in Scripture.

Then there is the option of a dragon. All of the previously mentioned creatures could be considered dragons, but this would be yet another beast, styled after the legends, rather than fossils. We can learn from the mistakes others have made, when they assumed the animals described in the Bible were always among those we know in current day science.

Other than the book of Job, we also have some information in Scripture that we can consider, regarding the description of Leviathan. Psalm 104 says that Leviathan plays in the sea. Isaiah describes Leviathan as “that crooked serpent,” “the piercing serpent,” and “the dragon that is in the sea.” The meaning of his name is “mourning,” and is translated that way once in the Bible. This one occurrence is none other than Job, himself, lamenting his losses, before his “friends” start giving him “advice.”

In future posts, we plan to share more information, such as the process for you to submit your entries, the judging process, and even some sample Leviathan stories.

leviathan.png

Birthday decoration made for me by my children.

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Book Review: The Tower Of Babel

2013/06/09 //
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TowerOfBabel

“The Tower of Babel; The Cultural History of Our Ancestors” by Bodie Hodge, published by Master Books.

I will admit my bias up front, I think I would recommend any book published by Master Books.

When browsing the contents of the book, I noticed that there was one appendix, and it was discussing the chronological placement of the book of Job. So, of course, I skipped to that part first! This provided a good deal of helpful information to shape the bibliography for my own research. Thank you Mr. Hodge!

Starting with the pronunciation of the word Babel, as an example, Mr. Hodge points out the powerful effect of distinct languages to place a barrier between people. Then he sketches the common attacks against the Bible regarding this historical account. Demonstrating that these battles are to be engaged as a biblical authority issue, he then addresses these attacks, showing why they are not valid.

Using Bible study to establish the foundation for history, this book proceeds to teach us, all of us, about our ancient ancestry. When you go back in history far enough, we all have the same family tree. Related topics that are included are languages, plate tectonics, legends about the tower and language split, decrease in life span, and more.

The tower of Babel is within the same era as the landing of the ark, so this time frame is the re-starting point of history. From that perspective, this book helps us to comprehend a biblical framework to view and understand all ancient history. Since history is key to understanding our world, I recommend this book as an aid to infuse the Light of Truth into all of your thinking, providing discernment to your studies.

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Sample Draft Of Story

2012/03/24 //
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SampleCloth

Here is a rough draft of the beginning of The Job Project story line.

Introduction

Our Heavenly Father has given us a great gift in the Holy Bible’s book of Job. The Holy Creator has blessed us with a revelation of truth that we would not have known, a dispensation of wisdom. Thank the Lord for this gem, this precious treasure. Within the pages of this Biblical account is not only human history, but also heavenly history. The veil was pulled back enough to actually see what was happening in Heaven and how it affected human history. Then the veil was cast aside, for a time, when we heard the audible voice of God Himself preaching a sermon as only He could preach it.

The story, in this book and movie, surrounds the historical record of Job’s trial of faith and ties in other historical figures and events from the Bible. What was it like to live in the centuries after the flood, during the ice age? That is what the young lady in our story is trying to imagine. This is not a bad exercise. It is a form of meditating on Scripture.

One of the reasons that these historical events even happened is so that they could be recorded in Scripture and we could learn from them.

Thank you for joining us as we take a stroll within the Biblical boundaries of what might have happened.

The Tornado’s Approach

The green of the sea water cannot be seen over the distant plain, but it’s effect on the weather is quite apparent in the southern sky. As the mountainous clouds of the hurricane approach, many preparations are done, which have been practiced many times before over the stormy years. Many hearts turn from hurry to dread as the colour of the clouds start to take on a green hue.

This time is different than any other tornado in recent centuries, though, as the entire city is dumbfounded to hear music. From the distance is heard a massive brass orchestra, as if it were heralding the approach of the cyclone. It is a new song, composed and performed by Heaven Itself.

[Visual, from high above, of region with approaching hurricane, full of lightning flashes, to the Southwest of the city. The sky directly over the city is clearer, so the city can also be seen. The massive ziggurat is in the foreground with three tiers and huge zodiac sign carvings, three per side, covering the second tier. Just after the viewer descends below the level of the flat cloud ceiling of the hurricane spiral, a large lightning bolt strikes the apex of the building, still in the distance below, yet too close for comfort. As the viewer moves North, the canal can be seen reaching out into the plain to the West, extending the ship trade deep into the city.]

The majesty and power of the music is so compelling that all human activity stops West of the great river, from the region of the canal in the North, to the area around the great ziggurat in the South, as the wind halts, signifying the near presence of the powerful whirlwind.

[As the viewer approaches the heart of the city, the view turns to the West, seeing the funnel cloud, and bolts of lightning, in the plain outside the city. People are tentatively leaving the heavily fortified stone storm shelters, not knowing what to think of the music.]

It was as much as their hearts could take. But, then their hearts melted in terror when they heard the voice. Each thunderous word rolled echoes along the valley to the north.

Everyone knew the pronouncement of Eber that they would hear a message from God today, but no one could have imagined the form that it took.

A supernaturally large lightning bolt washes out the view of the tornado a split-second before the first word, “Who …” The thunderous voice shook the earth as the music continued. [Lightning bolt] “Is …” as the shout of a distant company of warriors, as the voice of many waters. [Lightning bolt] “This …” each word transformed to rolling thunder as its echo died.

Tea time

“Jane …” No response. “Hello … Jane,” her smiling mother persisted, slightly amused at her daughter’s daydreaming. Mom is coming into the parlour from the kitchen and found Jane gazing out the window at the springtime view of the garden, with a book open in her lap.

“Sorry … what Mom?” Jane said a bit sheepishly, shaking her head as if trying to wake up as she turned her head toward her mother.

“Sorry to interrupt your thoughts,” said Mom caringly, then smiled, “what were you dreaming about?” She sat down across from Jane to listen to her answer.

“I was imagining what it might of been like for them to hear the voice of God from the tornado. They must have been quite scared of the thunderous voice.”

“The tea is ready,” said Mom, “do you remember seeing the tornado when you were much younger?”

“Yes, I remember a green funnel-shaped cloud, but not very clearly. That was a nice visit to our family in Oklahoma. I was thinking about the Bible study this evening about the book of Job. The preacher said that it was the first book of the Bible that was written, so I wonder who wrote the book of Job.”

Mom stood up as she answered, “That sounds like a question for your dad. Let’s go see what he has to say about it after we get some tea for him.”

As they carry the tray over, they hear Dad and Jane’s brothers talking with some visiting guys about fishing, and stop to listen for awhile. As the banter wears down, Mom steps forward to offer the tea. Setting the tray down and pouring, she hands out cups and snacks while she talks to Dad. “Jane has a question for you about the Bible.”

“OK, what is your question?” He asked, then he sampled the snack and sipped the tea.

“Well, I was wondering who wrote the book of Job? Did Job write it himself?” She asked, then she sampled the snack and sipped the tea.

Finishing chewing and swallowing, “That’s what some of the commentaries say,” said Dad, “but the Bible doesn’t say, does it?” Then he took another bite.

“Not that I remember,” confirmed Jane, then she took another bite.

“So do we know who wrote it?” Asked Dad.

“I guess not, but who do you think wrote it Dad?”

Dad was thoughtful as he took another sip, then said, “Well, considering the high commendation of Job, it seems unlikely to me that he wrote it himself. His righteousness would prevent such boasting.”

“That makes sense to me too,” said Jane nodding thoughtfully.

Dad continued, “I think there must have been a prophet at the time who is not necessarily mentioned in the book of Job. He could have been the one to have the heavenly visions and to keep a historical record of these events. In the book of Job, there is a narrator, this would be the inspired prophet explaining how everything fits together and the lessons we can learn.” Then Dad took another sip and held up his finger as if he thought of something interesting, “If you notice carefully, after Job repents, God rebukes Job’s three friends, but this time it doesn’t say that God is speaking from the whirlwind any more. So, this message might have been delivered by the prophet as well.”

“Oh, I never thought of that, wow, thanks Dad!”

Jane’s brother chimed in, “Dad, what about when preacher said Elihu was preaching the gospel? I thought the gospel was in the New Testament.”

Dad thought through another sip, “In a way, the gospel is a New Testament thing, but not completely. The atoning blood of Christ was shed once for all human history. When we do baptism and communion, we are looking back to what Jesus did [as he points behind]. In the Old Testament, their rituals were looking forward to what the Messiah would do [as he points forward]. So, all believers in history are saved the same way.”

“OK, I get it, thanks Dad,” said his son, with his mouth full of food.

Dad half-smiled, slightly amused by his son’s garbled answer and said with a wink, “Some day, when you are more mature, you will eschew talking with food in your mouth.”

Fishing trip prep

As Jane walks away, sipping tea, her imagination gets the best of her again as she finds a comfortable chair. As she sits, you can see in her hand a book called “The Puzzle of Ancient Man” with her finger holding her place.

…

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The Dispersion

2012/03/21 //
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hello-in-100-languages

The concept of having “back story” is that little to none of this would be included in the book or screen play. There would just be hints, implications, or assumptions that touch on these topics, giving depth to the cultural setting of the story. Here is some of the back story regarding the impact of the Babel dispersion.

It took about a hundred years, but the technology was finally re-established, and in full production to again make the pre-flood product, beetle lights. These lights mimic the light production of the illuminated insects that use chemicals to produce a cold light in a pale yellow colour, with a touch of green.

The light from this device is intense enough that it is ample for reading, more so than a candle. The appliance itself is a medium-sized box, with a triangle-shaped knob on the side to turn on the light with a clockwise turn, then off again with another clockwise turn. The light comes out the entire bottom and the lower half of one side of the box.

The top of the box has a lid that opens to add fruit scraps. The first stage of the chemicals in the appliance convert the fruit into the chemicals needed for the second stage, that produces the light. The apparatus lasts for several years of daily use, then the chemicals run out and it needs to be reloaded at the production facility.

There were seven production facilities in Shinar. Soon after that, the confusion of languages caused a lot of fighting, during which three of the machines were damaged beyond repair. This did not take much damage, since the knowledge to repair them no longer existed. Between the death of one key technologist, and the creation of new languages, the combined knowledge needed to build, or repair, the machines no longer resided within any one language-tribe. Operating the machines was still possible, as were minor repairs and maintenance.

Of the remaining four machines, three were moved to other regions, and two did not survive the move. The one remaining machine in Shinar failed beyond repair, after about 7 decades, leaving the one in Ur as the only remaining beetle light production facility in the world, at the time of the story.

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Old And Improved

2012/02/13 //
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Antikythera-Mechanism

There is an awesome book by Donald Chittick, called “The Puzzle of Ancient Man” published by Creation Compass. It talks about the apparently lost knowledge that humans once had, in very ancient times, that we today either don’t know or have only recently re-discovered. For example, it is clear that men moved stones so large that we could not move them with current technology. The time frame in history for the story of The Job Project lies within this mysterious zone of technology.

One product we have invented for our story we call the beetle light. It is a lighting appliance that produces chemical cold light in a similar manner to lightning bugs, etc. As part of the story, we hint at how the dispersion brought the demise of the knowledge needed to continue producing these lights. So, this aspect of the story could put it into the science fiction category. At the same time, no one has an automobile, telephone, or even a banana, and writing is only beginning to become widely used.

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