Noah's Ark, worst myth in history?

[TryingtoConvert]

Saw this the other day: http://arkencounter.com/

First one they're building, I wonder if they'll try to place two of every animal in it... and not clean it out for seven months, just give it that authenticity.

Also The Ark is a common 'feasibility' test that many 2nd year Naval Architects and Marine Engineers are given as an assignment. What the bible describes is a wooden vessel of at least 450 feet on length; it would leak as quickly as the proverbial sieve, capsize and sink even if it was placed on a dead calm sea/lake. Even if it did stay intact long enough to float, the slightest swell would break the thing into planks within minutes as the hog and sag stresses would splinter the longitudinal structural members from stem to stern. It couldn't stay afloat even empty. Laden with animals and foodstores, it wouldn't be able to ride out a clear day of sailing, much less forty days of the worst storm in history. It would break keel and fall apart.

How does this myth still hold any ground today?

[John of the North]

Because God is not limited by the laws of nature.

[Ortho_cat]

Ah been spending time at the happyatheistforum, I see. Are you Atrax Robustus, by chance?

http://www.happyatheistforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6318&start=15

[Τιμόθεος]

I was taught in Catholic school that the Ark story, as well as most of the OT, was a series of stories made up to unite the people. LOL.

Also, there is no such thing as a "happy" Atheist. Only one that is temporarily caught up in an emotional high.

 

[JamesRottnek]

That's because happiness is just a lie that those stupid religious people make atheists believe in so that the atheists think they're missing something...

[PeterTheAleut]

Saw this the other day: http://arkencounter.com/

First one they're building, I wonder if they'll try to place two of every animal in it... and not clean it out for seven months, just give it that authenticity.

Also The Ark is a common 'feasibility' test that many 2nd year Naval Architects and Marine Engineers are given as an assignment. What the bible describes is a wooden vessel of at least 450 feet on length; it would leak as quickly as the proverbial sieve, capsize and sink even if it was placed on a dead calm sea/lake. Even if it did stay intact long enough to float, the slightest swell would break the thing into planks within minutes as the hog and sag stresses would splinter the longitudinal structural members from stem to stern. It couldn't stay afloat even empty. Laden with animals and foodstores, it wouldn't be able to ride out a clear day of sailing, much less forty days of the worst storm in history. It would break keel and fall apart.

How does this myth still hold any ground today?

Are you sure what you've read is all there is to know about the Ark?

Another question: Are you sure we believe that a literal interpretation of the earliest Genesis narratives is foundational to our Orthodox Christian faith?

[orthonorm]

Do you know what "myth" means outside its watered down pedestrian sense?

If you do, please explain how a myth can worse or better than another.

And: The use of the superlative shows the greatest deficit of imagination.

[Alveus Lacuna]

I'd be interested to see a constructed replica based on the actual dimensions specified in the Genesis account, as this has yet to be done. Of course I wouldn't really want to go in person, but to see a video or something of it would be cool. Going to look at it would seem like engaging in some kind of an Evangelical Protestant pilgrimage, which I'm sure the canons forbid on penalty of death.

[Schultz]

This thread should be entitled, "TryingToConvert, worst atheist (plagiarist masquerading as an) apologist in history?"

[Papist]

^ I like it.

[podkarpatska]

me too!!

[Τιμόθεος]

I apologize for my comment a few posts up. I have been a little overwhelmed and last night I fell and took to a bottle. Pray for me!

[Andrew21091]

How does this myth still hold any ground today?

But really, what does the story mean? I love the story honestly. Do I take it literally? It depends. I have mixed feelings about it. If its for me to understand then God has willed it. Its also God's will if I don't. I think it is more important to see the message and symbols within the story of Noah's Ark. I believe it is entirely possible that the Israelites picked the story up in Babylon during their exile after hearing of the flood story from the Epic of Gilgamesh and then made it their own to convey some meaning in showing the works and power of God, as well as His compassion. To be honest, whether or not the event actually happened doesn't really concern me that much since I can see the beauty and meaning behind the stories. When looking at the story in the context of the Church, it makes even more sense.

[NicholasMyra]

Saw this the other day: http://arkencounter.com/

First one they're building, I wonder if they'll try to place two of every animal in it... and not clean it out for seven months, just give it that authenticity.

Also The Ark is a common 'feasibility' test that many 2nd year Naval Architects and Marine Engineers are given as an assignment. What the bible describes is a wooden vessel of at least 450 feet on length; it would leak as quickly as the proverbial sieve, capsize and sink even if it was placed on a dead calm sea/lake. Even if it did stay intact long enough to float, the slightest swell would break the thing into planks within minutes as the hog and sag stresses would splinter the longitudinal structural members from stem to stern. It couldn't stay afloat even empty. Laden with animals and foodstores, it wouldn't be able to ride out a clear day of sailing, much less forty days of the worst storm in history. It would break keel and fall apart.

How does this myth still hold any ground today?

You need to learn more about Near-Eastern literary genres and motifs, my friend.

[chrevbel]

If you do, please explain how a myth can worse or better than another.

And this is my question, as well.  By what criterion are you measuring better and worse?

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