Why Anyone, Particularly Ben Carson, Should Not Screw with Someone Who Knows the Bible

Kannafoot researched the history of Joseph and the Pyramids to discover if there's any possibility the things Ben Carson said are true.  Kannafoot has a profound and sincere religious belief and he's not someone to be pushed around.  Here is the result of his research.

Carson was recently asked about a statement he made 17-years ago in which he said he believes Joseph built the pyramids in Egypt to prepare for the 7-years of famine that had been prophesied. He confirmed that it is still his belief.

This got me curious as to whether or not it was even remotely possible that the Biblical account of Joseph was behind the construction of the Pyramids at Giza as grain storage units.

First, the dates in question. Archaeological studies date the building of the pyramids to approximately 2585-2504 BC although another popular account dates them to 2560-2540. (That latter account is based on an account by Herodotus to his Egyptian guides, but it does not match historical records.)

When Joseph lived is far less precise, however based upon Biblical accounts, we place him between 2000 and 1600 BC. Using the specific Biblical account, however, we can easily place Joseph under two Egyptian rulers: Sesostris II (1897–1878 BC) and Sesostris III (1878–1843 BC).

Based on this alone, it's obvious that the Pyramids predated Joseph by about 700 years. The final blow to Carson's theory, however, comes from the time it took to build them. Herodotus claimed it took 20 years using 100,000 slaves, however historical records show the construction lasted 85 years. The latter is more believable, given the lack of construction materials in that time period. Even the 20 year period, however, is problematic.

Joseph predicted 7-years of prosperity followed by 7-years of famine. He was tasked with setting aside 20% of the harvest in those prosperous years. Based on Biblical accounts, though, he was about 30 years old when the famine hit, meaning he could not have sparked the construction of pyramids that took a minimum of 20-years and more likely 85-years to build.

The actual style granaries that were used in the Egyptian Middle Kingdom pyramid were very simple structures - typically adobe style buildings - with low roofs and somewhat deep holes dug into the floor to maintain a cool temperature for the grain. Building of this style granary was quick - if it took a week, it was a long time - and they could easily be constructed where and when they were needed. That type of granary is far more consistent with the Biblical account of Joseph and the Egyptian famine, and it would have serviced Joseph's need for storing grain where it would be most useful.

Adding the pyramids into the mix is unnecessary and - as we can see - not even possible.

When I say I respect real Christians, I also am sincere and the above is why.  Ben Carson shows the example of belief based on the Bible alone and Kannafoot shows, much more convincingly, how the Bible integrates into history.  Carson's credibility is highly questionable but Kannafoot's credibility is impeccable and that's based on fifteen years of friendship with him.

Bad idea to question Kannafoot's faith or his knowledge of the Bible because, as I say, the man knows the material.

Hat tip, Kannafoot!