The Biblical Stories of Noah and Fish: A Misunderstanding of History and Mythology

When we read the story of the Great Flood in the Bible, we might be puzzled by the strange fate of the fish. Some might ask, “Why weren’t fish punished in the Great Flood by God?” or “What did fish ever do to deserve such a fate?” Yet, as we explore the historical and mythological context behind these stories, the answers become clearer.

Contradictory Narratives of Fish in the Flood

It is commonly believed in religious circles that fish were not punished in the Great Flood. However, a closer examination of the events described in the Bible reveals a different picture. Freshwater fish perished upon contact with saltwater, while saltwater fish died due to the flood diluting the sea's salt content. Thus, the stories do not reward fish but rather reflect a complex narrative that intertwines natural phenomena with theological explanations.

Reevaluating the Noah's Flood Mythology

Consider the phrase, "the story of the Great Flood actually rewards fish" - it makes one ponder what reason fish might have had to deserve such a fate or what they did to be saved. But the answer lies in the broader context of the story and its historical origins.

No Evidence of a Global Flood

One of the most compelling arguments against the historical accuracy of the Great Flood story is the lack of substantial evidence to support it. While many wish to believe that the Bible was inspired by God, the stories of Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah, and the flood were, in fact, borrowed from other cultures, with the earliest known versions appearing 1500 years before the Hebrews began telling them. These stories were adapted and retold by each subsequent generation, eventually being recorded in the Bible.

The book, as we know it, is a collection of Hebrew mythology, much like the Greek myths. Early accounts featured make-believe characters such as Adam and Eve and Noah. Even the story of Moses and the invasion of Canaan are considered mythology. Over 100 years of historical and archaeological investigations have shown no evidence supporting the existence of Moses or an escape from Egypt.

The Genesis and Exodus as Myths

The books of Genesis and Exodus are entirely made up, with no historical basis. There was no Adam and Eve, no Hebrew sojourn in Egypt with Moses setting them free, and no Hebrew invasion of Canaan or Joshua. The lack of evidence even extends to the existence of King Solomon. This raises significant doubts about the accuracy and historical reliability of the Old Testament.

The Gospels and Their Anomalies

Another area of dispute concerns the Gospels, the foundational texts of Christianity. Contrary to popular belief, the Gospels were not written by Christ's disciples as many have assumed. The books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all contain differing accounts due to their being written at different times and in different locations to promote different ideas.

For example, the first Gospel, Mark, did not mention the virgin birth and was written around 70-73 years after Jesus's death. Matthew was written between 80-90 years after Christ's death, and Luke between 93-100 years. The claim of the virgin birth was added to both to align Christianity with other Pagan religions. The Gospel of John, written between 100-118 years after Christ's death, was not an eyewitness account but a Greek storytelling style known as chreiai.

The Earliest Fragments and the Authenticity of the Gospels

The earliest known fragment of any Gospel, a portion of John's Gospel Chapter 18, is dated between 125-150 CE. This fragment is only the size of a playing card. Interestingly, the names of the Gospel writers were first added between 175-180 CE by Bishop Irenaeus, suggesting they are not authentic. No authentic or original copies of the Gospels exist today, and we only have compilations by anonymous authors.

Theological and Historical Significance of the Stories

These stories serve both a theological and historical significance. They embody the early Hebrew and Christian perspectives on creation, human nature, and divine will. While they may lack historical verifiability, they remain deeply impactful documents of religious belief and cultural heritage.

In conclusion, the stories of Noah and the Great Flood, as well as the biblical narratives in general, should be approached with a balanced perspective. While they provide profound insights into ancient belief systems, their historical accuracy is often questionable. Understanding the mythological and historical contexts is crucial for a comprehensive interpretation of these texts.