Was Noah's Ark real?

Hi Dirk,

I'm going to start out by letting you know that:

1.) I am still researching some of the things Moses had written about in the beginning of Genesis, myself. - But from some things I know already there are other places such as China that have documented a "Great Flood", so it makes me think that - something - happened back then, but was it to the extent of flooding the entire planet? I'm not sure.

2.)  As a Christian (Christ Follower) The genocides in the Old Testament are very hard for me to put my arms around. But its the New Testament for me that keeps my faith strong, because through Jesus all of that was completely changed. Which makes me wish that the Muslims didn't only have the Torah - which is the Old Testament teachings - And makes me want to see what the Prophet Mohamed's teachings are, because I had thought his teachings were about peace, but now I'm not so sure.

I'm not sure if that helps. If not I'll write a bit more about this when I get home from work, if no one else chimes in on this thread.

Karen

There are many, many stories regarding a world-wide flood. I've provided a link to the wiki story here on Gilgamesh and the great flood. And yes, the idea of genocide on such a global scale is gut-wrenching. However...

One must remember that, prior to becoming the chosen ones, the Hebrews were nomads. They wandered everywhere and heard tales from every culture. Being a nomadic tribe lends one to being influenced by these cultures. They might have incorporated these tales into their own histories. I can imagine how such a thing might transpire. Let's not call it plagiarism, per se, but instead, a case of literary license.

We, as Christians, are guilty of the very same sin. Does anyone really believe that our Savior was born on December 25th?

So, yes, I believe the flood was real. Yes, countless numbers of humans died, but not necessarily from anything more than an imperfect planet.

I agree. He wants us to seek. The scripture says "Seek ye first..."

God doesn't mind us complaining, either. Just ask Job.

Have you heard the Song of Job by Seatrain? Originally released in 1970, it's a fabulous synopsis, set in true 1970's music. It's six minutes long, but really, really cool.

Edit:
But like most things, the book is better.

I'm familiar with Job, and have read many books for and against the existence of God, including some extreme views on both ends of the spectrum.

There are two "versions" of God in the book, one in each of the two characters' heads, telling them different, even conflicting things. The intent is to keep open throughout the book whether this is the real God doing these things for a purpose, or simply mental illness on the part of the two teens. God doesn't really "toy" with them, except for some light humor.

Joseph, the fundamentalist, is the character who is beginning to ask questions. He's been tasked by God to create a revolution in faith for the 41st century, to save mankind from a self-inflicted Apocalypse. Joseph's been told to write a new Bible, new commandments, etc. Everything is on the table.

As part of Joseph's struggle, I want to include faith-based arguments for some of the more troubling aspects of the Bible, including God's wrath. The arguments I've read are usually either 1.) the Bible was written a long time ago and not everything in it is true, or 2.) every word in the Bible is the Word of God, and if you question it, you're going to Hell.

I'm wondering if those of a Christian faith have come across other answers.

Thanks.
Dirk

A faith-based argument matters because one of the possibilities throughout this book is that these two teens are really hearing God. Based on your beliefs, what explains or justifies the killing of all life on Earth?

Thanks
Dirk

Hi Dirk, like JL has explained when you are born again, God's Spirit becomes your guide, confidant, helper and is with you every step of the way.

I love that this novel idea has been placed on your heart to write. You have lot's of things to consider here. Besides whether these teens are really hearing from God or not. It's both of these characters - character arc - that you must also think about as you develop this story. In my mind - being a Christian - the most powerful ending would be that both teens begin to truly realize they are hearing from God and that their faith in Him grows stronger and they accomplish the missions/tasks He sets before them to complete.

As for the genocide portion of the Old Testament. I've been questioning God about that myself. Asking Him if He really condoned that the Israelites completely destroy everyone that were in the land He promised them. Or if their human nature wrote about it that way to assuage any guilt they felt over committing genocide.  Yes I'm going beyond the great flood portion and Moses stating it was God's wrath that caused that great flood. Because I believe like JL does that Moses took the tales that he heard about that event and created the story of Noah's Ark from that folklore. I also do believe there was a man named Noah around that time and that he did follow God's command after God gave him a vision that this flood was going to occur. It's more the Wrath of God part that I question, because it's hard for me to imagine the loving, tolerant, humorous God I know to be vengeful. To me that's something Lucifer would want you to believe about God. So that's my reasoning for questioning the how, extent and why of that event.

I am still waiting for my answers to my questions about these things. But in my waiting I have a sense of peace that I know only God can give me. I feel without that the first part of the Old Testament would be very hard for me to get through. I'm not sure if it's His way of telling me that I am partially correct in my thinking. I can't say for sure. But I continue to wait and listen for His answers to those questions.

I also fully agree with JL that no one, should tell you you're going to go to hell for questioning what you read in the Bible. Questions are how we all learn and grow in everything that we are doing. What I'm about to write is in no reflection on the people that told you this, because they were only saying what they thought to be true. But sadly they allowed Lucifer/the deceiver to color their words to you. The thing is he will sneak in and cause havoc anywhere he can even with loving caring Christians if they are only following the teachings of other believers and not digging in and studying God's word for themselves. My intent is to not condemn these teachers, but to make people aware that not everything you are taught is to be fully believed without studying the scripture for yourself. I feel these people should be loved and prayed over so that their eyes can be opened, so they can cast these deceptive ideas from Lucifer aside.