A Refutation?

The Mt. Ebal Curse Tablet

Facts

Opposing Claims I

[Post twenty-one of thirty-three]

Influential scholars criticize Stripling’s Heritage Science article. Many declare its claims debunked.

Here, I focus on the work of one such critic, Mark S. Haughwout. He is a respected Hebrew scholar at Indian Bible College in Flagstaff, Arizona.

There are a couple of reasons for this.

First, his writing on this subject is clear. He gives his thoughts. Plus, he summarizes the dominant views of other prominent voices.

The second reason is that his publisher, Heritage Science, is the same as Stripling’s. His article is thus free and accessible online.

This makes a layperson’s review of his work practical.

Before plunging into the body of Haughwout’s article, let us consider its title. It is: “Mt. Ebal curse tablet? A refutation of the claims regarding the so-called Mt. Ebal curse tablet.”

A keyword is “refutation”.

Merriam-Webster defines it as “the act or process of refuting”.

For the root word “refute”, it gives these alternative definitions:

1. : to prove wrong by argument or evidence: show to be false or erroneous
2. : to deny the truth or accuracy of

In these meanings, a wide difference exists.

Which did Haughwout intend?

Does Haughwout prove Stripling’s claims false, or does he deny their truth?

To underscore the vast difference in these ideas, consider Matthew 9:5 NIV.

Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?

Matthew 9:5 NIV

The answer is the former.

Also, denying the truth of Stripling’s claims is one thing. Proving that they are wrong is another.

So which is it? How can we know?

By happenstance, Haughwout answers himself. His conclusion states:

“The only substantiated claim that Stripling et al. can make at this time is that they have found a very old, small piece of folded lead on Mt. Ebal using wet sifting.””

By using the word “refutation”, Haughwout says that he has disproved Stripling’s claims. This declares more than a dispute.

We thus perceive how Haughwout’s and Stripling’s ideas conflict.

One alleges that the Mt. Ebal tablet depicts something important.

The other claims to have refuted, i.e., disproved, those contentions. He declares, “Currently, this tablet presents nothing of consequence.”

One says, “Take notice, world! This artifact likely challenges history.”

The other declares otherwise. Thus, scholars and serious journalists should ignore the claims about this artifact.

Esteemed professionals back both. Peer reviewers vetted both. A respected scientific journal published both.

How do we resolve this tension?

Whose arguments should carry the day?

Our next posts will explore this.

Now some questions:

Do you think different standards should apply to these situations:

• A scholar presents evidence that challenges an academic premise.
• He or she declares that their work disproves the premise.

If so, what should those standards be?

Next post: “Between WWN, Sun, and Earth”

To view the memorandum from the beginning, click here.

For the composite footnotes, click here.