Wow. I am just simply awestruck by this so-called documentary that I thought to be, from the description, a scientific collaboration of geologists and historians about the flood myth. I thought it was going to present varying views, as many research studies have been produced on the topic (combined with literary and oral traditions that span cultures and religions throughout the world) to show that there likely was in fact a major deluge at some time in human history in the Mediterranean world, which by the way was the known world at that time. It is so far removed from either in all aspects. I actually created an IMDB account just to comment.
As a former Biblical Scholar with a degree from Yale University in this subject, the circular logic is astounding. Starting with the assumption that the Bible says as much and is therefore truth, followed by claims that use the Bible as the sole evidence for these arguments is just absurd. There is literally zero extra-biblical evidence or perspective in the film, nor is there any scientific research or counterfactual included whatsoever. It begins with the reasoning that the Bible says there was a flood. It then proceeds to use the Bible to confirm it's own null hypothesis...for those of you who are actual scientists or researchers.
As someone who is both Christian and a historian of the Bible (don't get me started on that separate level of analysis alone in terms of historicity and interpretation), I find this film insulting to critical historians and Christian believers as well. It negates the value of biblical literature as one source of human history by asserting that a single document is the sole truth and account of humanity.
I gave the film 5 starts out of 10 for a reason. I would have given a rating of 1 star. Based on it's deceitful marketing and nonsensical presentation. However, as a current lobbyist who argues for a living and spins webs of propaganda into debatable talking points, I am dumbfounded by the sheer brilliance of these "researchers" in the film. Just in complete awe. I have to respect that along with their dedication to perpetuating this mythos.
As I stated above, as a former scholar of the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, I wholeheartedly believe their starting point is just blatantly missing the point of what these "divine" texts intend.
We are not meant to interpret the Bible or any other holy text literally. Even the ancients, at their time of collectively writing the "Bible" that later became canonized texts (based on political reasons under the Roman Empire), did not take these accounts literally. Again, there is no space or time here to delve into so many details. But, current biblical apologists simply miss the point.
Accounts of God, Heaven, miracles and so forth were not meant to be "scientifically" proven by modern-day believers. In my honest opinion, this dilutes the intended message that was understood even by the numerous original authors of the biblical texts. It just defeats the purpose. Faith is a completely different concept than proof. If evidence existed to humans of biblical accounts, faith would be irrelevant. Faith is what believers hold dear for the very fact that there is not proof. Attempting to prove biblical stories totally misses the point - both for us currently and for the ancients living in biblical times.
I could write books on this topic, but I'll end here. For those who need to prove the Bible through supposed "scientific research," I would question your own faith. The two are irreconcilable. For those who need proof, faith is nonexistent by definition. For those of us who question and rely on science, no amount of faith will ever suffice. I neither deny nor affirm any absolutes. I find solace personally in living in the realm between belief (or faith) and reason.
