Mesopotamian myths: The Epic of Gilgamesh & its Flood Story inspired Noah's Ark?

[jamesH]

Recently, I watched a program called "The Strangest Things," which claimed that the Epic of Gilgamesh and its Flood Story predate the story of Noah’s Ark. As a Christian, I find such claims deeply misleading and frustrating to say the least. This is yet another attempt to discredit Christianity and sow doubt among believers.

The program suggested that the Epic of Gilgamesh came first simply because it was written on a stone tablet, which was technically older than the written manuscripts of the Old Testament. This argument is often used by atheist academics with an agenda to disprove the Bible rather than uncover the real truth. But does this claim hold up under scrutiny?

When comparing the dates, Moses's life is traditionally dated around 1400-1200 BC. The Epic of Gilgamesh and its flood story, dates back to around 2100 BC. While this makes the Epic older in terms of its written form, it does not automatically mean it is the original source of the flood story. Oral traditions can predate written records by centuries, and the Hebrews had a robust oral tradition long before Moses wrote Genesis (an uncorrupted record of past history).

Additionally, the Epic of Gilgamesh was likely influenced by even older Mesopotamian myths like the Atrahasis Epic. This shows a pattern of cultures adapting and modifying existing stories, which further supports the idea that the Mesopotamians could have been influenced by earlier flood narratives. Rather than discrediting the Bible, this is further evidence that there was indeed a great flood in ancient times—a significant event that people wanted to remember. However, the Mesopotamian versions of this great flood are evidently corrupted compared to the uncorrupted version written by Moses in the Bible. This also shows there was a need for Moses to have written down Noah's story, inspired by God, if other cultures were passing around different corrupted versions.

When comparing the two accounts, the biblical narrative in Genesis is more substantial and profound. It explains the flood as an act of divine judgment against human sin, yet also highlights the mercy and love of the Christian God. Noah, a righteous man, is chosen to build an ark and preserve life, demonstrating that God's justice is balanced with compassion and the opportunity for redemption.

In contrast, Mesopotamian myths, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh, feature multiple gods who are often capricious and morally questionable. These gods are depicted as quarrelsome and sometimes malevolent, which paints a very different picture from the singular, just, and loving deity of the Christian account. Furthermore, the Mesopotamian narrative talks about a man, Utnapishtim, who is granted immortality by the gods. This claim of immortality raises questions, such as the whereabouts of this immortal man today, further suggesting the mythological and corrupted nature of the Mesopotamian version.

Additionally, the Mesopotamian gods are portrayed as being driven by whims and personal vendettas, unlike the Christian God, whose actions are purposeful and grounded in a moral framework. This difference underscores the theological and moral coherence found in the biblical account, which provides a consistent message about human nature, divine justice, and mercy.

To flatly claim that the Epic of Gilgamesh predates the flood story in the Bible and that the Old Testament was inspired by it is misleading as there is no concrete evidence suggesting that the Biblical account was copied or inspired by Mesopotamian myths.

We, as Christians, believe in the divine inspiration of the Scriptures. Let us not be swayed by theories that aim to undermine our faith. I invite you all to share your thoughts, experiences, and any additional evidence you may have. Together, we can stand firm in the truth of God's Word and help those who might be doubting their faith due to such misleading claims.

P.S. Remember, our faith is not just based on historical evidence but on the undeniable truth that the Bible is the word of God, untainted and eternal.

[HowNowBrownCow]

I totally get where you're coming from. It's frustrating when people try to undermine our beliefs with these so-called "historical" claims. Oral traditions were a huge part of ancient cultures, and just because something was written down first doesn't mean it's the original story. Oral traditions passed through the Hebrews were likely far older and more accurate. The Mesopotamian stories, while interesting, lack the moral and theological depth found in Genesis. It just goes to show that the Bible’s account is more substantial and trustworthy. Things are being dug up all the time an we may one day find a Jewish artefact that is even older.