Jesus Christ (pbuh)Questioning Christianity

An Eye-Opening Biblical Narration?

January 6, 2017Science & Faith

“And the sons of Noah, that went forth of the ark, were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth: and Ham [is] the father of Canaan.These [are] the three sons of Noah: and of them was the whole earth overspread. And Noah began [to be] an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard: And he drank of the wine, and was drunken; and he was uncovered within his tent. And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without. And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid [it] upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces [were] backward, and they saw not their father’s nakedness. And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him. And he said, Cursed [be] Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren.”
(Genesis 9:18-25, KJV)

Before I proceed further I would like to state for the record that Muslims are utterly shocked and offended that the Bible portrays great messengers of God as low lives like drunkards.

Coming to the story… Notice how the story says Ham THE FATHER of Canaan. This is rather interesting. Seems like it’s trying to prove or lead to something.

In summary, Noah became drunk and dropped naked in his tent. Ham, Noah’s second son found him in that state and told his brothers about it. According to many Biblical experts Ham didn’t just tell his brothers about it, he also laughed at his father’s state. This is considered as an offense to Noah and is the reason why Noah made the curse. The two other sons Shem and Japheth were ashamed of their father’s nakedness and covered him without looking. When Noah gained consciousness, he knew what Ham did and started cursing,”And he said, Cursed [be] Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren.”

Did you catch the joke?

Noah had 3 sons : Shem, Ham and Japheth.

Ham had 4 sons(Genesis 10:6) : Cush, Mizraim, Phut and Canaan.

When the narration is analysed, a question arises,”Who was responsible for looking at Noah’s nakedness?” The answer is Ham. Christians argue that the action of Ham was a sin, hence the curse. For the sake of argument, we agree. Yet, who was responsible and thereafter cursed? Ham was responsible, but, who was made to pay? Was it Ham? No, Canaan an innocent little child was made to pay for the error of Ham. The father who’s responsible was reprieved and the son who’s innocent was punished. Further more, why was Canaan out of 4 siblings singled out? Is this justice or madness? Can you imagine something like that happening today? I love analogies, so let’s have one :

James has four children. He committed murder. He is apprehended, brought to court and is found guilty. The judge decided that the punishment is the “injection” i.e. death. However, the injection is given to his youngest son and he in turn is released without cost. Once again, is this justice or madness? I leave the verdict to the readers.

In addition, how is this strange tale reconciled in light of the following:

“The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers: every man shall be put to death for his own sin.” (Deuteronomy 24:16)