IT would be instructive as well as gratifying for Christian Scientists to know what contributions have been made by different persons to the scientific concepts of God and man. The Scriptures contain comparatively few dates, they are not always arranged or compiled in chronological order, and they do not always name the actual authors of documents or writings.
For instance, nobody knows who wrote the first document in the Bible (Gen. 1:1 to 2:3), even though this account of creation is one of the most momentous parts of the entire Scriptures. A competent scholar has spoken thus: "It is impossible to read this narrative without being struck by its dignity and lofty tone. . . . The theology is advanced; God needs no physical means or material agency; his word suffices. The whole narrative is an expression of the supreme truth that God is the author of the universe, expressed in a form suited to a people of high intelligence, developed culture, and lofty religious thinking" (Professor Theodore H. Robinson, of the University of Wales). Genesis is evidently a composite work; its ascription or dedication to Moses does not denote authorship; and all indications are that the first document in Genesis was written at least several centuries after his time.
Since Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy record many acts, sayings, and writings directly attributed to Moses, these books can be studied to find what contributions he made to what we regard as the final theology. Then, if the student tries to find and give him credit for his most characteristic or most notable contributions, they might be found in the ideas that the God of Israel is the Supreme Ruler of the universe, and that His power is available as it is needed in behalf of all people who are obedient to Him. These two ideas can be regarded as fundamental in the entire "law" which Moses received and recorded.
