The destruction of the golden calf (Ex 32

(20): A materials science perspective

Bibliographic Data

ID12856281
AuthorsC P Tarcisio H Gaitán B (0000-0001-8888-0118, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, corresponding author), Emigdio Mendoza Fandiño (0000-0001-5025-6010, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana), Piedad Gañán (0000-0003-2596-2591, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana)
Year2021
Volume42
Issue1
Publication date2021-04-20
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueVerbum et Ecclesia (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1609-9982 • E-ISSN: 2074-7705
PublisherAOSIS (PUBLISHER • ZA)
DOI10.4102/ve.v42i1.2175
OpenAlexW3156156509
LanguageEN
References cited18

One of the most fascinating and heavily debated episodes involving gold in the Old Testament is the destruction of the golden calf described in Exodus 32:20. This study considers, for the first time, this episode from a materials science perspective. Textual analysis and experimental results indicate that it is plausible to make a gold mixture fit for later human consumption by using the three steps described in the passage. The results thus suggest that Exodus 32:20 could be an ancient reference to the most commented-upon materials processes of our day: reduce the size of matter through a top-down approach. Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article brings for the first time an approach between theological analysis and a support by materials sciences to evaluate the technical viability of the destruction of the golden calf described in Exodus 32:20. It impacts the obtained results and indicates the appropriate use of technical aspects of the writers of this text

Art · Consumption (sociology · Epistemology · Literature · Old Testament · Perspective (graphical · Social science · Sociology · Theology · Visual arts · Archaeology and Rock Art Studies · Classics · History · Philosophy · Recycling and Waste Management Techniques