The problem of "ark-eologists"

Reports circulating that the "Noah's Ark Ministries International" have just found Noah's Ark has prompted some stinging replies from archeologists.

The problem, scholars say, emerges when religious believers -- largely evangelical Christians, but some from other faiths as well -- head out into the field seeking physical proof for articles of faith. "A spade in one hand and a Bible in the other" is a common sobriquet for their efforts...

When they "publish by press conference," Cargill says, the ark hunters betray their real motive: cash. "Noah's Ark quests are always about the money -- always," he argues. "This group was put together to do one thing and one thing only: make money and spread ideology by pimping both archaeology and religion."

He points out that one member of the recent expedition, Yeung Wing-Cheung, has directed a documentary about the hunt for the ark and is selling the DVD online. The Media Evangelism Ltd., meanwhile, operates a Noah's Ark theme park that needs to sell tickets.

More at the link.