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The Day The Sky Opened by Andrew R Guyatt. Pub by Scripture Union, ISBN 184427 220 6, pp240, £8.99
Behind every major project there is detailed logistical planning to ensure a satisfactory outcome. Biblically it is no different, despite frequent unanticipated Divine interventions, Andrew Guyatt thinks outside the floating box by filling in the gaps from concept to realisation.
He lifts Noahs terrifyingly serious story away from the realms of Sunday school and ancient myth to the grim reality of an awesome event, heavily authenticated by Jesus references as a genuine historic happening.
Guyatts applies his skill as a research scientist to investigate Biblical accounts writing up his findings as a historical novel. He enjoys revealing the dynamic of a massive floating box built to a ratio of 6 times longer than its width as the optimum ratio to prevent a floating vessel spinning round in the current. He recreates a Bronze Age community beset by violence, superstition, fear and paganism.
Noahs story, like any faith encounter, is one of revelation and how supernatural phenomena invade the natural world so that faith-oriented people make choices in the light of those experiences.
Guyatt uses dreams, the occasional disembodied voice, the miraculous assembly of some of the animals arriving at the Ark, and the awesome appearance of a Cherubim warrior guarding the project from marauding crowds. Most of the story moves on via day-to-day coincidences and common sense decisions by which most faithful people work out their obedience to a Higher Power.
Guyatts Noah is no exception: doubting but driven, faithful yet faltering, Noah resorts often to wise counsel, interrogatory prayer (Why? and How? are key words in his liturgy), risky decision-making and hit-&-hope hunches. All work towards the greater purpose confirming Paul s assertion that all things work together for good for those who cooperate with God although inevitably including trial, trauma and tragedy .
A well written, informative and inspiring read on one of the Bible s most trivialised yet terrifying incidents.
DW
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