God killed every person and every animal on earth except a handful in a zoo boat. Saw something to that effect on social media recently. They were referring, of course, to the biblical story of Noah’s flood. Scientifically, a universal flood is impossible. There isn’t enough water. Theologically, it is even more problematic. 

God is exactly like Jesus. Jesus is the perfect reflection of who God is. He said, “If you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father.” Jesus loves, forgives, brings life and grace and mercy. He doesn’t drown innocent children and puppies.

So, what to make of the flood story? It’s a sacred myth, repeated in different forms in many cultures around the ancient world. It’s based on a collective memory of a terrible flood that devasted the world as they knew it. Most likely, it’s based on a number of catastrophic local floods. Like all sacred myths, it teaches profound spiritual lessons. Lessons about caring for the earth, about the evils of violence, about selfishness, and hatred. And, lessons about mercy, new beginnings, hope for the future. 

If you would like to explore the science, check out: https://biologos.org/resources?query=flood.

Some thoughts on the theology of the flood: https://reknew.org/?s=noah