Patterns of Evidence - Book - DVD - Releasing today!! Reviewed

PATTERNS OF EVIDENCE: THE EXODUS (HARDCOVER BOOK)

After interviewing some of the world’s leading archaeologists, author and filmmaker Tim Mahoney comes to a profound question: What if the experts have been looking for evidence in the wrong time period? The result is one of the most revealing and in-depth investigations into the Exodus ever captured on film, one that allows you to come to your own conclusions about an amazing pattern of evidence and what it might mean for today.

The companion book includes valuable insights and additional interviews not seen in the film, giving the reader a chance to get know the scholars and their positions better. Its pages are filled with beautiful photography of Egypt and Israel, scenes from the biblical re-creations, maps, charts, and diagrams.

“PATTERNS OF EVIDENCE: THE EXODUS” DVD is the award-winning feature-length documentary by filmmaker Timothy Mahoney that chronicles an in-depth archaeological investigation in Egypt as his team attempts to corroborate the biblical text. Now on DVD and Blu-ray (Aug. 4), the powerful film explores one fundamental question:  Is there any evidence that the Exodus story actually happened? Twelve years in the making, this provocative documentary reveals new or rarely seen evidence regarding the Israelites’ descent into slavery, their Exodus from Egypt and their ultimate conquest of the Promised Land.  Although many scholars and archaeologists deny the validity of the Exodus story for lack of proof, “Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus” builds a case that sheds new light on the story. The film received accolades at over a dozen film festivals and was presented as an exclusive Fathom event this past January (2015) at over 600 theatres nationwide.  Generating positive critical and editorial response, the Fathom event had sold out performances with over  ​85,000 moviegoers attending the event, which included an encore performance.​ “What started out as a crisis of my own faith led me on an incredible journey of discovery,” said filmmaker Tim Mahoney. Through the success of the Fathom event and the demand for the U.S. home entertainment release, we are confident that “Patterns of Evidence: The Exodus” will spark conversations from people around the globe who have an interest in history, culture or religion.”

My Thoughts:

“Our role was simply to go to the scholars, hear what they had to say, and turn their views into a visual presentation.”  (p. 201) 

Timothy Mahoney has taken on a monumental task!!  There was nothing simple about this twelve year journey.  When you try to examine and sort through multiple levels of faith practices, academic backgrounds and specialties, believers and non-believers, and try to settle the validity of the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, you face a monumental task!  I have to believe that the very fact that I hold this book in my hand is evidence that God has nothing to hide from His creation.  He has invited them on this journey of discovery to transform lives, birth an eternal faith and answer every hard questions thrown his way.

This is a beautiful book, and it is filled with data derived from some of the most brilliant minds in God’s creation.  The film is equally beautiful and intriguing.  I look at all of it with great admiration and amazement.  However, like other similar projects I have encountered, this leaves my heart with a dull ache.  Faith IS the substance of things not seen, and there will never be time enough to find all of the answers our brilliant minds seek.  I want to know why it is so difficult to believe that that God who created the earth can’t bring His chosen people on a 40-year journey?  Why go to all of the trouble, expense and anxiety to try to get a bunch of people across multiple faiths to agree that an event did or did not happen? 

The Patterns of Evidence line up.  They always do.  God’s Word is true.  It always has been.  Always will be.  But, because this film and book exist, I know that God is lovingly answering all of the questions His children ask.  He always will!  This is a pattern of evidence of His great love for us!  Enjoy the journey! It’s an amazing, beautiful journey of discovery that God will use to change lives!