Lecture on the Discovery of Noah's Ark

Introduction

• Location: Near Mount Ararat, Turkey.
• Debate: Scientists see a rock formation, some claim it's Noah's Ark.

Biblical Context

• Ark's Landing: Bible states the Ark landed in the Mountains of Ararat after the Great Flood.
• Objective: Investigate if the boat shape matches biblical descriptions.

The Site

• Description: Bounds of the 'boat' are visible, unusual for a natural formation.
• Lead Investigator: Andrew Jones, devout Christian and longtime researcher.
• First Visit: 1997; has visited 16-17 times since.
• Technology: Use of ground penetrating radar and survey equipment.

Historical Attempts

• Marco Polo: Mentioned the Ark on Mount Ararat, but too snowy to climb.
• James Irwin: Astronaut made multiple expeditions but found no evidence.

Current Expedition

• Goals: Use radar to detect structures below ground resembling boat beams and ribs.
• Dutepunar Site: Declared a national protected area by Turkish government in the 1980s.

Geologic Criticism

• Geologists: Argue the formation is natural, shaped by glacial movement and earth flows.
• Counter-arguments: Creationist beliefs vs. mainstream science.
• Geological vs. Creationist Timescales: Geological era vs. creationist 6,000-year timeline.

3D Mapping Results

• Observations: Visible outline closely matches biblical dimensions of Noah's Ark.
• Dimensions: 30 cubits high, 50 cubits wide, 300 cubits long (approx. 15m high, 26m wide, 155m long).

Structural Feasibility

• Skepticism: Historical logistics and feasibility questioned (e.g., building large wooden ships).
• Modern Example: The Ark Encounter in Kentucky constructed using modern tools.
• Noah as a Superman: Challenges of managing animals, building the Ark with Bronze Age tools.

Radar Survey Insights

• Preliminary Results: Indicate parallel vertical and horizontal structures, possibly man-made.

Additional Investigation

• Grave of Noah: Nearby site believed to be Noah’s grave; ransacked, contained oversized sarcophagus.
• Drug Stones: Heavy stones with holes believed to stabilize the Ark, later used as Christian tombstones.
• Geological Evidence: Geologists dismiss the possibility of a worldwide flood.

Mesopotamian Flood Myths

• Epic of Gilgamesh: Contains similar flood narratives; possible source of the Noah’s Ark story.
• Babylonian Tablets: Oldest writing system, first discovery of flood myths similar to Noah’s Ark.
• Shared Story Elements: Specific instructions for building the boat, sending out birds, etc.

Skepticism & Interpretation

• Main Arguments: Biblical story likely influenced by Mesopotamian myths or regional floods.
• Creationist vs. Scientific Views: Different interpretations based on faith and geological evidence.
• Future Efforts: Andrew Jones aims to gain permission for excavation to find definitive proof.

Conclusion

• Ongoing Quest: Jones's mission to prove the Ark's existence and validate the biblical account.
• Ultimate Goal: Uncover a ship with decks and rooms matching the biblical description of Noah's Ark.