Hello S. Joshua Swamidass:
You wrote:
“Multiplied a large number of maybes together and everything looks impossible.”
Question: What does Scripture [i.e. God’s instruction book/manual] instruct regarding conflicting testimony? This topic is discussed in both the Hebrew Bible and Christian Bible.
Deuteronomy 19:15 ESV /
“A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.
2 Corinthians 13:1 ESV /
This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
Matthew 18:16 ESV /
But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
John 8:17 ESV /
In your Law it is written that the testimony of two people is true.
1 Timothy 5:19 ESV /
Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
Numbers 35:30 ESV /
“If anyone kills a person, the murderer shall be put to death on the evidence of witnesses. But no person shall be put to death on the testimony of one witness.
Matthew 18:15-17 ESV /
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
Revelation 11:3 ESV /
And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
Hebrews 10:28 ESV /
Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.
Deuteronomy 17:6 ESV /
On the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses the one who is to die shall be put to death; a person shall not be put to death on the evidence of one witness.
Now, what do you think happens IF the testimony of the two (or more) witnesses does not agree?