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Out of Egypt begins with an impassioned appeal for healing and restoration of the dignity of the people of Egypt as a result of a new appreciation for the legacy of ancient Egypt in Western Civilization. The diversity of Christian faith in the 1st Century A.D. was inexorably replaced by a doctrinal monoculture resulting first from the zeal of Paul, and later from overt persecution by the Bishops of Rome. The success of the Roman Catholic Church in eradicating Egypt's spiritual and historical connection to its past has made Mr. Osman's task a formidable one indeed, however further insights are promised in a future work. Mr. Osman's deep respect for Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faith is evident in all of his writings.
Out of Egypt itself is dedicated "to the Coptic Church of Alexandria." Despite the luminary nature of his research, Mr. Osman's sense of modesty has not allowed him to flaunt his discoveries or demand the end of faith as we now know it. I hope with Ahmed Osman that the startling insights that he and others are gaining into the ancient world will not diminish true faith and the good that it produces. I do hope that this knowledge will help put an end to religious intolerance (whether it be Christian, Jewish, or Muslim) and the fear and suffering that it produces.
With Akhenaten (Moses) and Tutankhamun (Joshua) we have the timeless conflict of totalitarianism vs. liberalism, legalism vs. compromise, purity of religion vs. tolerance, faith vs. works, love vs. fear, unity vs. diversity, etc., etc.) that was later reconciled (or at least attempted) in Christian "dualism" as fulfillment of "the Law" of Moses through the "Grace and Truth" of Jesus. In "Out of Egypt," we have new potential for bringing closure for millions of people who are by so many methods compelled to believe that they can only receive the gift of eternal life (and be spared from damnation as well) through repentance and faith in the Messiah (first of the Israelites and later of the World). The cruelty and senselessness of this Savior's death has perhaps only been exceeded by the pernicious disguising of his actual life, death, and "resurrection" and its original unadulterated significance. "
Out of Egypt" presents compelling proofs that the Bilblical figure Joshua was not merely a "pre-existent" symbol or type of the Christ who was later to come, but the original source of the Messianic Hope itself! Mr. Osman puts the larger pieces together in this stunning and major new picture of Judeo-Christian origins, and offers the opportunity to reevaluate its worth in today's world. The landmark breakthrough, which in retrospect is quite straightforward and logical, was achieved only after decades of patient research in the true cosmopolitan tradition of Alexandrian scholarship. This author has triumphed, not only through sheer persistence, but as a result of his original perspective as a native son of Egypt and his freedom from the insidious biases that invariably plague this particular type of endeavor. This book will provide scientists, theologians, and serious thinkers of all kinds with inspiration for new research, meditation, and scholarly debate for many years to come.
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I have to recognize the tremendous courage of Mr. Osman in steadfastly pursuing his research to its logical conclusion presented in
House of the Messiah. One may chose to ignore or reject his views (and I certainly don't agree on every point), however the evidence upon which his conclusions are based is valid and now available to all.
If Osman's theory had been proffered by a liberal theology school professor, he or she would have been hailed as the dawning of a great new talent, however it has instead been evinced by a native Egyptian, and our Judeo-Christian chauvinism does not readily allow a Muslim to be granted such credibility, even in liberal scholarly circles. Yet, where is the forum for an intellectual Egyptian to present his research on events that transpired within the borders of his own country, and are of equal importance to his own people!? It should be noted that Osman was assisted in his most recent book by Helmut Koester, the renowned Harvard University Professor of the History of Ancient Christianity, and a quote from Koester graces the book's jacket.
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The title of Mr. Osman's fourth book,
Out of Egypt: The Roots of Christianity Revealed published in England only in September of 1998, is perhaps unfortunate. I hope when it is published in North America, that it will be given a title that achieves a more scholarly, as well as a more popular, appeal. I would think something along the lines of "
The Amarna Kings and the Emergence of Israel" would be more telling of the book's theme and relevance.
The genius of Osman's theory derives from "out of the box" thinking, yet this is another reason (apart from its controversial nature) that so many cannot begin to perceive it. On the surface, Osman's ideas seem so unorthodox that experts and novices alike would tend to dismiss them "out of hand." Ahmed Osman is so far ahead of his class that even the faculty thinks he has a problem! In reality, Osman has solved a problem of enormous importance. The challenge that remains is the steadfast refusal of the mainstream Media, as well as Egyptology and Religion professionals to even recognize the existence of his insights, and thereby open the way for so many genuine seekers to be given the opportunity to at least consider them.
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...Surely, there will be a deep sorrow and then tremendous joy in the world if the historical consciousness of Israel's birth can ever be reawakened, and multitudes of Egyptians, Jews, Arabs, and Christians are made aware of their common physical and spiritual heritage...
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...to recognize that discretion is still the better part of valor. To everything there is a season, and it is presently not a season for destruction, but for tolerance, forgiveness, and healing."
- Charles N. Pope,
Review of Ahmed Osman's Out of Egypt</blockquote>
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