By Cheryl Catts
A group of Russian mathematicians have reason to believe the parting of the Red Sea could be explained scientifically.
According to Exodus 14:21, there was a 'strong east wind' that blew all night, and 'made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.'
As these eastern winds blew, the mathematicians believe the children of Israel may have escaped over a reef exposed near the surface.
Richard Draper, professor of ancient history at BYU, said this theory has existed for some time, but it is hard to prove.
The Hebrew translation for Red Sea comes from the word Yam Suf, which can also mean Reed Sea.
Draper said the Reed Sea is an upper portion of the Red Sea known for being marshy and devastated by wind, a place where the Jews could have easily crossed.
'You cannot always say is the last word,' said Brian Hauglid, assistant professor of ancient scripture at BYU. 'We must use our minds and our hearts in our search for truth.'
BYU science and religion professors alike are inclined to agree God can and does work through the laws of physics, but said it is important people apply faith to strengthen a testimony, rather than relying on scientific explanations.
'I do believe God does rule the earth through natural phenomena; I also believe he can impose his will upon nature,' Draper said.
Stephen Nelson, assistant professor of geology, said he thinks the basis of religious faith ultimately lies in personal experience.
'It is a blessing to us that God cannot be measured in the laboratory,' Nelson said. 'If that were possible, we might be relieved of the necessity to seek him through study, faith, and prayer, and thereby lose the opportunity to be taught by the spirit.'
People should be cautious when exploring naturalistic explanations for miracles because theories can be disproved or misrepresented, Nelson said.
He said he tries to separate his scientific observations from his personal convictions.
Hauglid said proven scientific truths agree with scripture and truth we already have. Scriptures, words of the prophets and science often coalesce together.
'I think there is a point that comes when science and religion, if you want to separate them, come together ... and it''s truth, and truth is right and it''s light,' Hauglid said.