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The Bible is a complex book, and although it was written to be understood by anyone, many people struggle to understand it. The holy book raises many questions, from its origin and original authors to some stories that were left unanswered. Some of these questions are essential for Christians, starting with the tale of Adam and Eve.
Adam, Eve, and the rest of the human population
Adam and Eve were created by God and expelled from the Garden of Eden. But then what? They went on to have children who dated their brothers and sisters, and that’s it? Scientifically, almost 40% of those who had parents who were first-degree relatives had some form of severe handicap. It is not just wrong but also impossible to have one set of parents to create an entire species.
The Garden of Eden’s location
Many believe that Eden was located in modern-day Turkey or Armenia, while others think it was ancient Mesopotamia. The hints about the location come from Genesis 2, which says that a river floats into the garden and branches out into four. Still, there is no evidence to fully support where the Garden of Eden was or still might be. It could be a metaphor, but it could also be a real place.
Jesus’s lost years
Jesus’ “lost years” have been the subject of many discussions. Considering that he is the central figure in Christianity, not knowing what happened to Jesus for 18 years is puzzling, and historians have tried to give some insight. Some said he was with his uncle, traveling all the way to Britain, while others argued he studied in India. Yet, there is no firm evidence regarding Jesus’ whereabouts when he was 12 to 30.
Noah’s Ark
There are two significant questions regarding Noah’s Ark. The first one is its current location. The second is how Noah, his family, and all the animals crammed into the ark in the middle of a massive storm. There is also no evidence of a global flood, making the whole story sound like critical pieces are omitted.
Where is the city of Sodom and Gomorrah?
Jesus said, “Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.” So, where is today’s Sodom and Gomorrah? For centuries, this was a question without answers. Sodom and the neighboring city of Gomorrah were destroyed by God, according to the Book of Genesis. Yet, Dr. Steven Collins, the archaeologist, claimed he uncovered the Biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Kingdom of Jordan in 2015. This has yet to be proven.
Where did Cain get his wife?
The first son of Adam and Eve went east of Eden, and the Bible says Cain “knew his wife, and she conceived.” The Bible mentions only Cain, Abel, and Seth as Adam and Eve’s children. So, who was Cain’s wife? It was likely his sister or his niece. Or, God created another woman, like he made Eve. This is one mystery that can only be solved with a higher power.
Jonah and the whale
The story of Jonah and the big fish is simple. The fish swallowed Jonah, and God set him free after three days of praying. The fish was sent to protect Jonah, but how he survived for three days remains unclear. It also begs the question of whether Johan died and was resurrected.
Crossing of the Red Sea
Moses parted the Red Sea, per Exodus 14:21-29. No evidence supports this story, but there is a possible explanation. The Washington Post talked to a group of researchers, who shared, “Given the conditions of the lake a couple of thousand years ago, a coastal phenomenon called a “wind setdown”—very strong winds, in other words—could have blown in from the east, pushing the water to create a storm surge in another part of the lake, but completely clearing water from the area where the wind was blowing.” Such events have happened relatively recently in Lake Erie and the Nile Delta.
