[aimhigh]

You deny the power of God to bring the animals. You also ignore the verses where God states "the end of ALL flesh" is at hand. You also ignore the verses stating the mountains were covered (Gen 7:20).

A local flood wouldn't require the saving of any animals. Since they would migrate in from non-flooded areas. The story makes absolutely no sense if it's just a local flood. Given the many years it took to build the ark, Noal would have just moved to another area if it were just a local flood.

You ignore too many verses. Why, to be accepted by non-believers?

[CT-Freeper]

Honestly, I think HairOfTheDog is probably correct - the story of the flood is most likely a legend used to describe the Wrath of God, and what happens when people turn their backs on Him.

Concerning why so many different ancient cultures have flood stories, well that's easy: floods happen! Every region certainly has a "Great Flood" once every few centuries or so.