[dervish]

"Archaeology" is imprecise hypothesis driven science. Again you are confusing the secular with matters of faith.

People who lack faith always make that particular mistake.

"Must not have been many copies out and in use!"

But even working on your terms, how many "copies" are needed of an archaelogical relic to establish a "fact" of that science? Why would you require more copies of the Torah? God only gave one to Moses, and that one founded Judaism and Christianity.

If you had ever seen a Torah written, you might perceive the matter of accuracy diffently. Do you have any idea of the cost of this meticulous process?

[muawiyah]

Faith that gets all wrapped up on objects and places really does need counseled by archaeology and science.

Otherwise it might be confused with a sort of rough idolotry.

[muawiyah]

BTW, having had a chance to watch more than my fair share of TV the last year +, I've seen the process of copying a Torah.

Xerography would be even more precise, so the object is not precision but to adhere to the tradition.

Folks who are into that have my OK if you need to know. I'm not into tradition all that much.

[muawiyah]

Regarding tradition, I still mark the bounds of my homestead with large rocks. I grow the very same birch trees my ancestors thought useful. And we have a festival of giving gifts and eating fine foods on December 24.

Beyond that, I not much into tradition.