In the opening words of the article at Wikipedia, "Ronald Eldon Wyatt (1933-1999) was an amateur archaeologist (he had no training in the discipline and held no professional position) and author who claimed to have discovered many significant biblical sites and artifacts. His claims are dismissed by scientists, historians, biblical scholars and most Christian leaders even in his own Seventh Day Adventist denomination, but he continues to be quoted (especially on the Internet)."
Many Christians carelessly forward bogus articles from the internet, mistakenly believing they will help unbelievers come to faith. But when Christians are not discriminating, they may end up causing more harm than good!
Among Wyatt's wild / exaggerated claims (in chronological order):
* Noah's Ark, 18 miles south of Mount Ararat at an altitude of 6,525 feet above sea level.
* Anchor stones used by Noah on the Ark.
* The postdiluvian house, grave markers and tombs of Noah and his wife.
* The location of Sodom and Gomorrah and the three other Cities of the Plain: Zoar, Zeboim and Admah.
* Sulfur/brimstone balls from the ashen remains of Sodom and Gomorrah.
* The Tower of Babel in Central Turkey.
* The site of the Israelite crossing of the Red Sea, in the Gulf of Aqaba.
* Chariot wheels and other relics of the pursuing Egyptian army at the bottom of the Red Sea.
* The true site of the biblical Mt. Sinai located in Saudi Arabia, based on his interpretation of Galatians 4:25.
* The original stones of the Ten Commandments (the second set).
* The Ark of the Covenant.
* A chamber at the end of a maze of tunnels under Jerusalem containing artifacts from Solomon's temple.
* The true site of the crucifixion of Jesus.
For more, click here.
As believers in the God of truth, let us strive hard to be accurate in all representations we make. After all, if it becomes clear that we are both errant and careless in how we present the "facts," why should people trust us when we speak of eternal matters?
