Many modern archaeological studies in Egypt and Israel point out that there is no material evidence of the biblical plagues of Egypt or the Exodus itself, strongly suggesting that these accounts are not based on historical fact. However, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá sometimes refer to elements of the Exodus story. How are these references to be understood? When Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá mention the Exodus—when They enter this traditional discourse—are They confirming the historicity of that biblical story or is there another explanation?
In this program JoAnn Borovicka will (1) present Bahá’í teachings regarding the significance of the story of the Exodus and the plagues of Egypt, (2) examine Bahá’í guidance about how to understand passages in which the Central Figures enter a traditional discourse, and (3) demonstrate through the Bahá’í Writings how the biblical story of the Exodus is highly relevant today.