The Local flood theory or a limited flood theory is an interpretation of the Genesis flood narrative, where the flood of Noah is interpreted as a local event, generally located in Mesopotamia, instead of a global event.[1][2][3][4][5]
Some old Earth creationists reject flood geology,[6][7] a position which leaves them open to accusations that they thereby reject the infallibility of scripture (which states that the Genesis flood covered the whole of the earth).[8] In response, old Earth creationists cite verses in the Bible where the words "whole" and "all" clearly require a contextual interpretation.[9]
Background and history
19th century
The local flood interpretation of Noah's flood became accepted by many Christians after 19th century scientific findings [citation needed]. The view was defended by 19th century Scottish geologist Charles Lyell, in his book Principles of Geology (1833), where he concluded that the Genesis flood must have been a regional affair and not a global deluge.[2]
Creationist view
Young Earth Creationist organizations such as Answers in Genesis and Institute for Creation Research have criticized a local flood theory as faulty exegesis.[4][10]
However, Old Earth creationist Dr Hugh Ross has defended the local flood theory, and promoted the view in his book "Navigating Genesis".[3][11]
Evidence of real floods that inspired the Biblical story
There exists geological evidence that a large local flood did happen in Mesapotamia, additionally extra biblical writings such as Gilgamesh and the Epic of Atrahasis suggest that a local flood happened in ancient Mesapotamia.[12][13]