"
Next, we see parts of this theory fading out: the
inspiration of the rabbinical points begins to disappear. Adam,
instead of being taught directly by God, is "inspired" by him.
Then comes the third stage: advanced theologians endeavour
to compromise on the idea that Adam was "given verbal roots and a
mental power."
Finally, in our time, we have them accepting the theory that
language is the result of an evolutionary process in obedience to
laws more or less clearly ascertained. Babel thus takes its place
quietly among the sacred myths.
As to the origin of writing, we have the more eminent
theologians at first insisting that God taught Adam to write;
next we find them gradually retreating from this position, but
insisting that writing was taught to the world by Noah. After the
retreat from this position, we find them insisting that it was
Moses whom God taught to write. But scientific modes of thought
still progressed, and we next have influential theologians
agreeing that writing was a Mosaic invention; this is followed by
another theological retreat to the position that writing was a
post-Mosaic invention.
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