>>Glenn's baaaaacccckkkk<<
Is this Poltergeist VII?
Jim asked:
>>Then I assume you have "no problem" with revalation of the story to the
Chinese, Hindus, Mexican Indians, etc. (you'd have to, since the 5.5 million
year old story could not have been carried orally). <<
I really am not sure how the information was passed down, revelation or oral
transmission. The fidelity with which something is passed down should be
somewhat determined by how important the chain of individuals thought that
piece of information was. The information on how to make an Acheulean hand
ax was passed for a million years. They are quite similar (according to
reports) from the beginning of the time they were made to the end and
throughout the geographical range overwhich they were made. IF man thought
the information was important enough to ensure proper transmission to the
next generation then I see no problem with oral transmission. Various groups
which arose would view the flood information with varying degrees of
importance and much would be lost. But if only one group believed in its
importance and that importance continued from generation to generation, I see
no reason why it could not be transmitted indefinitely.
We see some similarities in the way bear carcasses are treated in Neanderthal
settings with the way the Chippewa and Ainu treat them. How long has this
tradition been passed down?
On what basis do you say that the story could not be carried orally?
What is the data you want to bring to the table to prove your point? While I
will freely admit that I can not prove that the information was transmitted
orally but I see no data really saying that it couldn't and some information
indicating that these types of beliefs can be transmitted over a 80,000 year
period.
glenn