An Unexpected Caliph

For millennia, people of faith around the world have viewed their religious texts as sacred, holy, and at times, even infallible when it comes to our understanding of our past. We have all used them as guidelines to chart our journeys on earth; not only regarding spirituality but also our relationship with other humans. Sometimes we use these letters written by our parent in heaven to assert our own ethnic or spiritual superiority over others. But as archaeologists and historians, religious scholars and scientists, have discovered through research, no one seems to have a lock on the truth or the perspective or the right holy way. Rather, this attitude has led to hatred, prejudice and violence as we all try to one-up everyone else. Imagine the consequences of the re-discovery of ancient manuscripts that support the notion of commonality- found in the homeland of World War IIs Third Reich, the idea that, regardless of religious belief, the best people rise to the top in an attempt to bring their society, their community, to the most civilized level possible. Imagine a set of documents that shows that ancient societies were more tolerant, and accepting, than todays world. And just imagine the impact that it might have in changing our world view- slowly, slowly as they say in the MidEast. DR. STEVEN L. DERFLER An international educational consultant, archaeologist, historian, researcher, teacher and writer, Dr. Derfler has been uncovering the histories of ancient civilizations for nearly 40 years. Tracing the development of western religions from their roots in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean countries, Dr. Derfler brings insight to current political and social events, bridging the past with the future to promote greater understanding between people from different faiths and walks of life. Dr. Derfler has been associated with institutions both in the Midwest and Israel; including Tel Aviv University's Institute of Archaeology, the Israeli Antiquities Authority, and The Negev Museum of Beersheva. Archaeological work in Israel has included serving as staff of Tel Sheva, Arad, Tel Michal and Tel Gerishe Expeditions, and as American director of the Nahal Yattir and Tel Keriot excavations. International study/travel programs under his aegis include Israel/Jordan/Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Greece, and Cuba. In the Upper Midwest, he is director of Educational Resources, Inc and is a retired professor from the University of Wisconsin River Falls. He also works closely with the Renaissance Academy of Florida Gulf Coast University and other venues in Southwest Florida.