The Epic of Gilgamesh and the Bible. Which came first?

As I was browsing the web and researching various myths, legends, and biblical stories, I stumbled onto this elegantly written paper by a gentleman by the name of David Deal. Now I will say that although I believe him to have a number of strange theories, the following paper was very well written...and in my opinion, at least 75% of it is quite convincing. So I decided to go ahead and link the document to see if perhaps you feel the same way about it or not. So here we go:404The primary purpose of this thread is to discuss the authenticity of the bibilical pentatuch verses the Epic of Gilgamesh. Does it make more sense to conclude the Epic of Gilgamesh came first? or the Pentatuch? After reading, it is up for you to decide.Note: This thread is not designed for anyone to throw in variables of science, creation, and evolution. Stick to the topic from points of view derived from literary and ancient textual sources. Read the entire document meticulously before embarking on a crusade to dismiss various portions. There is no doubt that various portions can be dismissed. But the important question to be asked is, can the overall paper be dismissed as a whole? Or do too many interlocking points fit together for new food for thought? I'll leave that for you, the reader, to decide.LysimachusThis message has been edited by Lysimachus, 12-03-2005 12:02 PM

Wow, lots of responses since I posted this topic. Interesting to read the different reactions to David Deal's paper. I still personally feel David Deal raises a few good points, but that's just me. My primary purpose in opening this topic was merely on the premise of curiousity--to see everyone's intake on it.I'll keep my opinions to myself, as over the last few years, relish for debate has immensely depreciated. Even if those who feel the Bible is nothing but myth, I see really no purpose in their campaigns and agendas in convincing everyone to think as they do. There really is no saving of humanity in this. Might as well go enjoy a sun tan in Honolulu then try and convince the world the Bible is fake.This message has been edited by Lysimachus, 12-17-2005 01:08 AM