Noah’s Ark Finally Found?

Has Noah’s Ark really been discovered by a group of evangelicals from Hong Kong? Well the firestorm of news coverage that erupted after certain photographs were leaked concerning this expedition might seem very convincing. Convincing that is, until all the information concerning these photos was revealed.

It turns out that these photos were not taken by anyone from the expeditionary team. They were supplied by the same person who “found” the site originally. This was a Turkish national by the name of Parasut, who has already been known to con ark researchers in the past, and it would appear that this particular case was no different. Parasut has been the “guide” for the Hong Kong team and pictures, replete with cobwebs (something that would never appear in an archaeological site of such antiquity), originated with him.

This was all very reminiscent of the 1955 sighting of the elusive Ark by Fernand Navarra. After two previously unsuccessful expeditions, Navarra claimed to have found hand-hewn wood in the ice at the 13,750 foot level. He retrieved a small sample of the wood, however, even die-hard archeologists suspected fraud. The final nail in the coffin of the 1955 hoax was the report of Navarra’s guide. When questioned about the discovery, Nararra’s guide revealed that Navarra was in possession of that the very same wood he claimed to have hauled down from the 13,750 foot level when Navarra went up the mountain in the first place! Not to be easily dissuaded, in 1969, small pieces of wood were found exactly where Navarra directed people to dig. Again, fraud was suspected.

There have been a long line of honest Ark expeditions, and some honest mistakes in the process of hunting for this biblical artifact, however the Parasut discovery is not in that category.

So what shall we say to this, and so many other biblically-based frauds throughout the history of our modern era? Should we even be searching for ancient biblical artifacts? The answer to that is a resounding yes! The field of archaeology has within it a sub-section that has been identified as Biblical Archeology. The history of archaeology rooted in the Bible contains many valuable lessons for people of faith as well as historians and archeologists whether they are Bible believers or not. Much of the biblical record has been found to be rooted in the reality of history, and greater insights have been afforded from biblical archaeology to those who study the Bible as the foundational document of our faith.

So what is the danger? The danger comes in the form of wanting discoveries to be true that support our faith, without thoroughly examining all the facts surrounding these discoveries. In evangelical creationist circles, we should not make the same mistakes that our evolutionary opponents make with predictive regularity. They find a fossil and label it transitional. They inevitably make a big deal out of very little and very often must eat their words, even if they do so privately, with very little fanfare.

The Bible clearly teaches us that the Messiah sent his disciples out into the world to minister with the following instruction, to be as wise as serpents, but as harmless doves, Matt. 10:16. Let’s take that instruction to heart. Where matters of faith are concerned, we already have many infallible proofs of our faith, including the proof of biblical prophecy. We do not walk in faith that is blind. The wisdom of the world does not lead people to the truth. The light of God’s Word leads us into all truth, the ultimate Truth, our Messiah, the holy One of God.

Come near to Me, listen to this: From the first I have not spoken in secret, From the time it took place, I was there and now the Lord GOD has sent Me, and His Spirit. “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, Who leads you in the way you should go, Isaiah 48:16-17.

Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way? ”Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through, Me,” John 14:5-6.

Submitted by Steven Rowitt, Th.M., Ph.D. (c)