When the Great Abyss Opened

In this book David Pleins looks at the history of our attempts to understand Noah's Flood, from medieval Jewish and Christian speculation about the details of the ark to the latest efforts to link the story to scientific findings. He explores the parallel Mesopotamian flood stories and opens up their mythical dimensions and their deeper social and psychological significance. He considers the tale's positive uses in theology and moral instruction, but also shows how the story of Noah has been used to justify racism, slavery, and homophobic views. Throughout this lively and accessible book, Pleins sheds fascinating new light on our continuing attempts to understand this ancient primal myth. Noah's Flood, he contends, offers a unique and compelling case study that illuminates timeless and timely questions of fact and faith.