Careful journalism

Chris Sinkinson  |  Features  |  defending our faith
Date posted:  1 Feb 2011
Share Add       

Noah’s Ark found in Turkey! A headline like that is simply bound to gain attention.

Last April a Hong Kong-based exploration team claimed to have discovered Noah’s Ark, or at least several large wooden compartments, 13,000 feet above sea level on Mount Ararat. Carbon dating of the wood was supposed to demonstrate it was 4,800 years old. The discovery was reported in the mainstream tabloid press.

Photographs from the interior of the wooden structure even showed a scattering of straw. Given our Christian concern for evidence and apologetics, should we have been first to promote this great new story? Absolutely not. In fact, there are good reasons for us to give these stories a wide berth. As far as apologetics are concerned sensational claims can quickly become an ‘own goal’.

Share
< Previous article| Features| Next article >
Read more articles by Chris Sinkinson >>
Features
The BBC and the Bible

The BBC and the Bible

A new BBC podcast in their “Intrigue” series, called Word of God, deserves a listen – while critical of …

Features
A tiny discovery with  a dramatic impact on  Biblical studies

A tiny discovery with a dramatic impact on Biblical studies

One of the most interesting Israeli archaeologists you could meet is Gabriel Barkay. His archaeological career spans the history of …

Looking for a job?

Browse all our current job adverts

Search

Subscribe

Enjoy our monthly paper and full online access from just £18/year

Find out more