Hi Friends! If you were to ask me the reasons why I have pursued a life devoted to animals and animal care, I would simply in turn ask, please pull up a chair. It may be a long fireside chat. Since I am a man of faith, one source I seek inspiration will often spark controversy and debate. Yet, the Bible has stood the test of time. The lore of the Bible is as much lesson-infused narrative as it is the stuff of epic films. Take for example the latest Hollywood blockbuster starring Russell Crowe as Noah, as in, the ark, the paired-up fauna, and that infamous flood. What is it about this particular tale of death, survival and resurrection that makes it so gripping, and how much do we really know about what it means? Over the past hundred years or so, archaeologists, scientists, anthropologists, and Christian leaders have worked to make sense and find evidence of the story of Noah’s Ark. As recently as this year, a British scholar discovered a 4,000 cuneiform tablet from what is now Iraq, which contains a story similar to the biblical account of Noah’s Ark. There is mention of a divine flood, and a sole survivor on an ark, who takes all the animals on board to preserve them. The tablet even includes the famous “two-by-two” phrase to describe how the animals—one male and one female of each species—boarded the ark. However much of the story is fact and how much is fiction, we may never know. But below, here are 18 surprising things you probably didn’t know about the biblical story itself and the Russell Crowe film, which opens in theaters March 28. 1.As the Bible tells it, the designer of the ark is God. Noah had no previous shipbuilding (much less ark-building) experience. If only the men in our lives could follow directions like that, right? I mean, we struggle to assemble our Ikea dressers so I can’t imagine putting my man in charge of an entire ark! 2.If you think you were a late bloomer, consider that Noah was 480 years old when he began building the ark, as the Old Testament recounts. Researchers aren’t sure whether people actually lived longer during those days or if the measure of “years” was different. Many biblical characters are said to have lived hundreds of years so many hypothesize that a “year” meant a different unit of measurement than we use today. 3.It is said that Noah preached righteousness to the people while he built the ark. Because we all know the importance of keeping everyone engaged and involved. 4.According to the Bible, it took Noah 120 years to build the ark. Again, it may feel like it takes a century to get that dresser assembled but you never know how this was being measured at the time it actually happened. 5.Most historians and archaeologists guess that the ship was made from cypress wood. Cypress refers to a large number of trees and shrubs that are conifers and grow in the northern temperate regions. 6.Noah was not only told by God to give the animals a ride—he was instructed to include food and care for the animals (Genesis 6:21). Well, if you’re loading hundreds of animals into an ark, you should probably take good care of them while they’re there lest they start eating each other or passing along communicable diseases. I mean, that’s just common sense. 7.Many in the science community suggest that some natural causes that are given as explanations to the flood include: •A rapid shifting of the Poles. •The collapse of the vapor canopy surrounding the earth. •Volcanism and earthquakes. •The shifting of the earth’s crust. And the scary thing is that all this could actually happen again thanks to the global climate crisis! How crazy would that be? Now where’s our generation’s Noah when we need him? 8. The Bible says that the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat, which is believed to be present day Eastern Turkey (Genesis 8:4). It has a high altitude and a harsh climate with long winters and short summers. Still, probably better than living on an ark. 9. The story of Noah not only comes up in the Old Testament, but it also in the Koran, where he is known as the True Messenger of Allah (XXVI: 107) and Grateful Servant of Allah (XVII: 3). We love it when religions intersect and are united by common beliefs. 10. Noah died 350 years after the flood at the age of 950 (Genesis 9:29-29). He was close to being the oldest person in the Bible, but missed by a few years as Methuselah, played by Anthony Hopkins in the film, lived to be 969 years old. Coincidentally, it is noted that Methuselah passed away just seven days before the Great Flood. 11. According to the commentaries of the Bible, Noah was seen as the first wine drinker—the first person to discover the soothing, consoling, and enlivening effects of wine. Thank you, Noah! 12. In Jewish tradition, rabbis blame Satan for saturating the vine with intoxicating properties from the blood of certain animals, thus Noah didn’t know what he was doing (Genesis Rabbah 36:3). That said, wine has become an integral part of Jewish celebration and worship, so we suspect that Noah was just ahead of his time. 12. There are various sites around the world that claim to be the tomb of Noah—including: Tomb of Noah, Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan; Imam Ali Mosque, Najaf, Iraq; Tomb of Noah, Jordan; Tomb of Noah, Cizre, Turkey. Like most biblical figures, the details are hazy. 13. There is a water park in Wisconsin Dells, WI called “Noah’s Ark,” replete with rides called Flash Flood, Dark Voyage, and Time Warp. Most park visitors think this is awesome but a select few don’t appreciate anyone making money off a biblical legend. 14. The role of Noah, played by Russell Crowe in the upcoming film, was first offered to Christian Bale and Michael Fassbender, both of whom declined. Bale will star as the one and only, Moses in Ridley Scott’s upcoming epic, Exodus. I actually think Crowe was the right choice and we have no hard feelings because we cannot wait to hear Christian Bale’s rendition of “Let My People Go.” Oh, that won’t be in the film? Oh well…and all will be well...and yet, Im rather the purist...so, hopefully I will survive. 15. The film was banned in Pakistan, Bahrain, Qatar, and UAE prior to its release, as the local governments claim it goes against the teachings of Islam. The film was also banned in Egypt as it violates Islamic law and could “provoke the feelings of believers.” Censorship laws are fascinating, aren’t they? 16. At the beginning stages of production, the ark in the film was built in Oyster Bay, NY. During the process, award-winning director Darren Aronofsky was actively tweeting sneak peaks for followers. 17. The film was largely shot in Iceland and New York. Filming was reportedly challenging at times with Crowe himself tweeting, “I’m living on a vast plain of volcanic ash in the lee of a volcanic glacier. The commute to work is a hike up a mountain.” 18. In late 2012, the production of the film had to be put on hold because of the flooding damage left by Hurricane Sandy. Can you say “Ironic?” And sad. Following the lead of her director and the star of the film, Emma Watson, who plays the part of Noah’s adopted daughter in the film, tweeted “I take it that the irony of a massive storm holding up the production of Noah is not lost @DarrenAronofsky@russellcrowe @MattyLibatique.” On a more personal note, I established a group at a large non-denominational church called Noahs Ark Animal Lovers. Perhaps not the most creative or unique name; however, applicable. Being a sensitive and compassionate person, I see beauty in the underdog and seeking out to love all Gods Creatures Great & Small. This is why I decided on the name for my pet care business -- Creature Comforts Great & Small. Animals are unique and precious beings, and each one is known and loved by its Creator. As Gods children created in His image, were meant to model His care for them, and were called to play a crucial role in the redemption of all creatures: great and small, domesticated and wild, cherished and disregarded. Caring for animals doesn’t typically receive much attention in Christian communities. Many Christians wonder if the Bible even has much to say about the subject at all. But there are many scriptural references to animals and their well-being and suffering, and from start to finish the Bible is clear that God cares very much for every creature He has lovingly made. God desires for us to relate to animals with compassion and appreciation, just as He does, and has given us the responsibility of caring for them as stewards of all of His creation. Regardless whether you are in a faith community, religious and the type of religion you are affiliated, my hope and prayer is to always give you, your families and your animals the tremendous respect, care and love you and they are so deserving. I consider it a privilege to know you and I consider myself fortunate to care for your pets. Warmly & Fondly, Paul Paul F. Flotron Creature Comforts Great & Small, LLC Giving your creatures the comfort they deserve creaturecomfortsgreatnsmall/ 314-200-8561 Cell: 314-775-7107 PaulFFlotron@yahoo
Posted on: Fri, 28 Mar 2014 16:44:53 +0000
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