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Does
the Bible Contain a Mathematically Incorrect Value for "Pi"?
.
Construction techniques in those days were surprisingly
advanced. We can assume that their mathematics was precise and measurements
handled with care. Properly understood, the Bible is not only correct, it
foreshadows modern engineering truth.
BY
JOHN D. MORRIS, PH.D.
The
Institute for Creation Research ICR
If it does, this calls into question its
moral and spiritual authority. Much is at stake.
Let's carefully examine one of the most
frequent charges of error.
When describing
Solomon's Temple and its fixtures, Scripture tells of a great basin cast of
molten brass "ten cubits from the
one brim to the other: it was round all about, . . . and a line of thirty
cubits did compass it round about" (I Kings 7:23).
The circumference, c, of a circle is
related to its diameter, d, by the ratio "pi" or "P"
according to the equation c = Pd.
Mathematical derivatives have calculated
the precise value of P to many decimal places, but for most applications the
approximation 3.14 is sufficient.
Inserting the value of circumference and
diameter given by Scripture into the equation yields a value of P to be 3, and
it is this apparent error which gives Bible detractors such glee.
Construction techniques in those days were
surprisingly advanced.
We can assume that their mathematics was
precise and measurements handled with care.
Notice that the
basin "was an hand breadth thick, and
the brim thereof was wrought like the brim of a cup, with flowers of
lilies" (verse
26).
A "hand
breadth" is an inexact distance of about four inches, but sufficient
for this general description.
The whole basin flared out at the top, much
like a lily. So, exactly what do the dimensions given really represent?
But the circumference would be measured by
placing a cord around the outside, then measuring the length of the cord.
Furthermore, at what elevation along the
tapered basin was the measurement taken?
Obviously, these are not intended to be
precise, but to give the overall impression of great size and beauty.
Engineers have adopted a technique to
insure that reported measurements are properly understood.
To do this they use the convention called
"significant figures."
The number 10 is quite different from the
number 10.0 or 10.00 in the precision it implies.
To an engineer the number 10 can actually
mean anything between 9.5 and 10.5.
Likewise, the number 30 can actually mean
anything between 29.5 and 30.5.
While the number P is accurate to many
decimal places, the other two numbers do not have this precision.
When one precise number is multiplied by an
imprecise number, the product should be reported with no more precision than
the least precise factor.
Multiplying the diameter, 10 (i.e., 9.5 to
10.5) by P, is properly understood as implying a circumference somewhere
between 29.8 and 33.0.
When constructing an object for which
extremely high precision is needed (e.g., the space shuttle), numbers are
designed, reported, and fabricated to several decimal places, but to expect
such precision in a lay description of this huge basin cast from molten brass
is not only improper, it shows lack of understanding of basic engineering
concepts.
Properly understood, the Bible is not only correct, it foreshadows modern engineering truth.
The Institute for
Creation Research
(ICR) wants people to know that God’s Word can be trusted in everything it
speaks about—from how and why we were made, to how the universe was formed, to
how we can know God and receive all He has planned for us.
After
50 years of ministry, ICR remains a leader in scientific research within the
context of biblical creation. Founded by Dr. Henry Morris in 1970, ICR exists
to conduct scientific research within the realms of origins and Earth history,
and then to educate the public both formally and informally through
professional training programs, through conferences and seminars around the
country, and through books, magazines, and media presentations.
https://www.icr.org/article/does-bible-contain-mathematically-incorrect-value-/
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