Biblical Evidence for an Old Earth"The Age of Earth"
By Dr. J. P. Moreland Used with permission. This topic was addressed by Dr. Moreland during a lecture at Northshore Church in Everett, Washington on February 2, 2002. A Dark Galaxy: Finding the "Missing" Dark Stuff
by Hugh Ross Many independent sets of observations confirm that only about six percent of all the ordinary matter (neutrons and protons) in the universe is made up of stars and stellar remnants.1 The other 94 percent is dark. While astronomers have verified that enormous quantities of ordinary dark matter exist as dispersed intergalactic gas, they have yet to positively identify a totally dark structure of galactic proportions. A New Kind of Star Solves an Old Problem
by Hugh Ross It is not every day that Hollywood discovers a new star that stands apart from all their other stars. The same is true for astronomers. Only rarely do they discover a new kind of star that is unlike any they have seen before. When they do make such a discovery, however, it typically reveals new insights into how the universe was exquisitely designed to provide a home for life and for humanity in particular.by Hugh Ross AVOIDING A DANGEROUS TRAP
By Hugh Ross, Ph.D. Have you ever wondered why most Christian astronomers reject a young-universe interpretation of Genesis? The answer has to do with Scripture and theology, as well as with science. In my book Creation and Time (not to be confused with the book by the same title subsequently produced by Van Bebber and Taylor), I state that the rules of biblical exegesis support long creation days, an old earth, and an even older universe.' If the creation periods are interpreted as six consecutive 24-hour days, other books of the Bible and other chapters of Genesis become contradictory. Buttressing the Distance Ladder Foundation for Cosmic Creation
by Hugh Ross, Ph.D. Not until Albert Einstein produced his theory of general relativity in 1916 did scientists even consider the possibility that the cosmos continually expands. And yet five ancient writers—Job, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Zechariah—all described this expansion more than two thousand years ago.1 For centuries the Bible stood alone as the only text making such a claim about the universe. So today, as the body of evidence for continual expansion grows, the case for the reliability and predictive power of the Bible and of the Christian worldview also grows. A breakthrough from a team of American radio astronomers just added to it. Closing the Gap: A Scientist’s Response to the Gap Theory
By Hugh Ross Reviewed by John Rea The work of an apologist in some ways parallels the work of a scientist. Both seek to “prove” (as in “establish by testing”) the truth of their explanation for something and, thus, to defend their idea against challenges. Continental Landmass Growth and the Genesis 1 Chronology
by Hugh Ross Thanks to a spectacular new discovery concerning the geophysical history of the earth, one more detail in biblical author Moses’ chronology of Earth’s creation history has been scientifically verified. The breakthrough yields yet more evidence for the divine inspiration of the Bible’s words and message. First, let me offer some personal background for this discovery. Continuous Cosmic Expansion
by Jeff Zweerink, Ph.D., Hugh Ross, Ph.D. Big bang opponents are a diverse lot. Some promote an infinitely (or near infinitely) old universe to avoid a creation event in the relatively recent (roughly 14-billion-year) past. So, they argue that the universe is static or semi-static-no general cosmic expansion. Others promote a very young creation (6,000-10,000 years old) to fit a particular interpretation of Genesis 1. They need the expansion to occur much more rapidly than a few billion years. Nestled in between is the established scientific-and biblical-model saying that expansion has occurred continuously over the past 13.7 billion years. Cosmic Creation Model and the First Stars
by Hugh Ross
In attempting to achieve a comprehensive validation of the biblically predicted big bang creation model1 the greatest challenge for astronomers has been assembling a detailed history for the formation of the universe’s first stars. One problem is that such stars are extremely difficult to observe. A second problem is that theoretical models for explaining the physics of star formation during the universe’s early history are notoriously difficult to formulate. CREATING CREATIONISM: MEANINGS AND USAGE SINCE THE AGE OF AGASSIZ, PART 1
By Ronald L. Numbers Despite a few helpful attempts to trace the development of vocabulary in the public discourse about Darwinism, no one has yet looked closely at the deployment of the terms "creationism" and "creationist" in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. CREATING CREATIONISM: MEANINGS AND USAGE SINCE THE AGE OF AGASSIZ, PART 2
By Ronald L. Numbers To compound the confusion about special creation [Was it a recent, six-day phenomenon, an ancient day-age phenomenon, or a dual phenomenon with a gap between "the beginning" and Eden?], its most vocal scientific proponents disagreed markedly over the number of supernatural interventions required. CREATING CREATIONISM: MEANINGS AND USAGE SINCE THE AGE OF AGASSIZ, PART 3
By Ronald L. Numbers Such efforts (as "flood geologist" Dudley Joseph Whitney's) to co-opt the creationist label did not go uncontested for long, in part because evangelical scientists who did not subscribe to flood geology could ill afford to have their constituencies view them as non-creationists. Deep Core Tests for the Age of the Earth
by Dr. Hugh Ross, Ph.D. The clash between young-earth and old-earth creationists can seem bewilderingly technical at times. Is there any easy-to-understand scientific data for determining whether Earth is young or old? In recent months, new evidence has emerged that may be simple enough for everyone to understand, regardless of science background-as simple as counting tree rings. Does Old-Earth Creationism Contradict Genesis 1?
By Greg Moore An article by Dr. Terry Mortenson -- "Evolution vs. Creation: the Order of Events Matters" -- claims long creation days only seem reasonable to those who pay insufficient attention to the order of events in Genesis 1. The only way the day-age view can be harmonized with Genesis, it asserts, is by rearranging the biblical creation events. As proof, the article cites what Mortenson contends are numerous conflicts between science and Genesis 1. Facing Up to Big Bang Challenges
By Hugh Ross What danger lurks in associating big bang cosmology with biblical cosmology? Most Christian physicists, astronomers, and other scientists would say, “None.” Many Christian philosophers, theologians, pastors, and other nonscientists would say, “A big one.” Four Views of the Biblical Creation Account
Compiled by Reasons To Believe Posted 08-08-2000 The following information comes from the "Report of the Creation Study Committee" posted on PCANEWS.COM, the Web Magazine of the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), dated July 6, 2000. The 92-page document, presented to the 28th General Assembly of the PCA, results from the committee’s two-year study of Genesis 1-3 and of the meaning of "day" in that creation account. Galactic Supernova Remnant Disproves Young-Earth Creationist Prediction
by Hugh Ross Not only can new scientific discoveries put to the test whether or not God exists and performed the role of Creator, they can also discriminate between competing models for creation, including models that claim to be biblically based. On December 1, 2007, a dramatic example of such a discovery appeared in the Astrophysical Journal. Geometric Distance to M81 Buttresses the Distance Ladder Foundation for Cosmic Creation
by Hugh Ross Not until Albert Einstein produced his theory of general relativity in 1916 did scientists even consider the possibility of continual cosmic expansion. Yet, six Bible authors described this expansion in great detail over two thousand years ago. For centuries, the Bible stood alone as the only text making such claims about the universe. Geometric Distance to M81 Buttresses the Distance Ladder Foundation for Cosmic Creation
by Hugh Ross Not until Albert Einstein produced his theory of general relativity in 1916 did scientists even consider the possibility of continual cosmic expansion. Yet, six Bible authors described this expansion in great detail over two thousand years ago.1 For centuries, the Bible stood alone as the only text making such claims about the universe. Consequently, any additional evidence in favor of continual expansion supports the reliability and predictive power of the Bible and of the Christian world view. Historic Age Debate: Beginning of Time
by Dr. Millam Previously, we noted that the church has unanimously taught the doctrine of creation ex nihilo throughout its history (parts 1-4). This was considered fundamental doctrine and was even included in key creedal statements. The doctrine of creation ex nihilo does, however, have one curious implication: a beginning of time. In other words, if matter has a beginning (i.e., is not eternal) then shouldn’t time have a beginning as well? Historic Age Debate: Creation Ex Nihilo, Part 1 (of 4)
by Dr. Millam n October 2007, I began a TNRTB series discussing my research into how the church has understood Genesis 1 and the age of the earth throughout its history. The first two articles gave a quick overview of this topic (see “Overview,” part 1 and part 2). From here on, this series will focus on how earlier theologians interpreted specific Bible verses or wrestled with issues pertaining to the age of the earth. Historic Age Debate: Creation Ex Nihilo, Part 2 (of 4)
by Dr. Millam The most important biblical doctrine related to creation is creation ex nihilo, which means “creation out of nothing.” This theologically fundamental belief was taught in important creedal statements [part 1]. It represents a clear line of demarcation between Christianity and Greek philosophy, which held that matter was eternal [part 2]. Historic Age Debate: Creation Ex Nihilo, Part 3 (of 4)
by Dr. Millam The most important biblical doctrine related to creation is creation ex nihilo, which means “creation out of nothing.” This theologically fundamental belief was taught in important creedal statements [part 1]. It represents a clear line of demarcation between Christianity and Greek philosophy, which held that matter was eternal [part 2]. Historic Age Debate: Creation Ex Nihilo, Part 4 (of 4)
by Dr. Millam Parts 1-3 of this series have documented the vital theological importance of the doctrine of creation ex nihilo (“creation out of nothing”). Now it is time to consider its impact on science. Three specific examples will be considered here. Introduction to the Creation-Date Debate
By Lane Coffee & Darrick Dean There are a wide variety of types of creationists in Christianity. By types we mean different interpretations of the days in Genesis. Two overarching views are young-earth and old-earth creationism. Reasons to Believe and others have shown (see links within this article) that it and others believe young-earthism is not the literal interpretation of Genesis and is wrought with interpretational and scientific problems. This article will attempt to introduce readers to this position and why we believe it is valid. Most Accurate Distances Shore Up Creation History
by Hugh Ross Opponents of big bang cosmology, both atheists and young-earth creationists, frequently attempt to push aside very compelling and overwhelming physical evidence in favor of this biblically predicted model1 by picking apart the limiting factor in determining the details of the cosmic creation story. This limiting factor is the ability of astronomers to determine accurate distances to other galaxies. Most Detailed Map of Cosmic Background Radiation Confirms Biblical Creation Model
by Hugh Ross, Ph.D. A team of American and Canadian astronomers dramatically strengthened the case for a big bang creation (thoroughly biblical1) when they released the latest map of radiation left over from the cosmic origin event.2 The team made public their analysis based on three years' continuous observations of that cosmic background radiation via satellite-the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP). This analysis, by far the most thorough and detailed to date, yields five independent confirmations of the hot big bang creation model.3 Noah’s Flood: A Bird’s-Eye View
By Steve Sarigianis Ms. Johnson smiles and settles her class for the week’s lesson. She opens the Bible on her lap and begins to read the story of Noah's flood. Her first-graders sit cross-legged on the floor, wiggling a little but listening quietly. Notable Christians Open to an Old-universe, Old-earth Perspective
The following individuals—respected authors, Bible scholars, scientists, pastors, linguists, and more—hold to a diversity of views on the timing of God’s creation. And yet all have affirmed, in documented sources, that an ancient universe and Earth (including big bang cosmology) pose no threat to Christian orthodoxy, but rather may be considered plausible and valid interpretations, even literal interpretations, of the biblical text. Not one sees the question of age as a crucial doctrinal issue. Old-Earth Creationism on Trial
A wise pastor once counseled me to make sure I understand an opposing argument well enough to argue for it before I try to argue against it. This advice flows from Jesus's command to "treat other people the same way you want them to treat you" (Matthew 7:12). My colleague Kenneth Samples describes how this... Old-Earth Creationism: A Heretical Belief?
Ken Ham is an ardent young-earth creationist. As president of Answers in Genesis, he generates a steady stream of articles critiquing the old-earth view. Although I disagree with most of his assertions, I respect his right to express them. However, Ham’s article, “The god of an old earth,”1. crosses the line of amicable debate. By declaring “the god of an old earth cannot be the God of the Bible” and “the god of an old earth destroys the Gospel,” he is accusing old-earth creationists of heresy. Old-Earth Creationism: A Heretical Belief?
By Greg Moore Ken Ham is an ardent young-earth creationist. As president of Answers in Genesis, he generates a steady stream of articles critiquing the old-earth view. Although I disagree with most of his assertions, I respect his right to express them. Predictive Power: Confirming Cosmic Creation
By Hugh Ross Scientists focus enormous effort on turning detections (observations and measurements) into predictions. Meteorologists use data to predict temperatures, wind, and precipitation. Astronomers use data to predict meteor showers and eclipses. Radiometric Dating - A Christian Perspective
by Dr. Roger C. Wiens Dr. Wiens has a PhD in Physics, with a minor in Geology. His PhD thesis was on isotope ratios in meteorites, including surface exposure dating. He was employed at Caltech’s Division of Geological & Planetary Sciences at the time of writing the first edition. He is presently employed in the Space & Atmospheric Sciences Group at the Los Alamos National Reading Between the Fossil Lines
By Gleason L. Archer One of the most frequently argued objections to the trustworthiness of Scripture is found in the apparent discrepancy between the account of creation given in Genesis 1 and the supposed evidence from the fossils and fissionable minerals in the geological strata that indicated Earth is billions of years old. Report of the Creation Study Committee
I. Introductory Statement We thank our God for the blessings of the last two years. We have profited personally and together by the study of God's Word, discussion and hard work together. Report of the Creation Study Committee
The Committee has been unable to come to unanimity over the nature and duration of the creation days. Nevertheless, our goal has been to enhance the unity, integrity, faithfulness and proclamation of the Church. Therefore we are presenting a unanimous report with the understanding that the members hold to different exegetical viewpoints. Responses to Young Universe "Answers"
by Hugh Ross, Ph.D. Those who hold the young universe view have offered the following statements to answer questions about this theory. After each statement is a response. Scriptures Related To Creation
Compiled by Dr. Hugh Ross Scriptures expressing that God is the Creator Star Light & the Age of the Universe
by Greg Koukl One fact has continued to hold my attention in the ongoing debate between creationists on the age of the universe. I can see stars. On a clear night I see thousands of them. Astronomers seem to know a lot about these twinkling specks of light in the heavens, even though they are very far away. Ten Major Differences Between Calendar-Day and Day-Age Creationists
by Dr. Hugh Ross cdc = Calendar-Day Creationists Ten Major Similarities Between Calendar-Day and Day-Age Creationists
by Dr. Hugh Ross Posted 01-23-2001 Ten Major Similarities Between Calendar-Day and Day-Age Creationists Testing Cosmic Creation Models, Part 1
by Hugh Ross At two different outreach events this past month I met both atheists and young-earth creationists who expressed skepticism concerning the evidence I presented for the biblically predicted big bang creation model.1 While admitting that the evidence I presented was compelling, they claimed the fact that astronomers cannot agree on exactly what kind of big bang describes the origin and history of the universe proves that the big bang creation model resides on a shaky foundation. Testing Cosmic Creation Models, Part 2
by Hugh Ross In my previous contribution to Today’s New Reason To Believe I described how Bayesian statistical analysis by two Polish researchers on the latest measurements defining the history of the universe had yielded additional scientific evidence for the biblically predicted big bang creation model. Though the model is gainsaid by atheists and young-earth creationists, researchers Aleksandra Kurek and Marek Szydlowski demonstrated that the new measurements of cosmic history established a much more specific and detailed set of big bang creation models than what was possible a decade ago Testing Creation Using the Proton to Electron Mass Ratio
For thousands of years the Bible has been on record stating that... The Chicago Statement on Biblical Hermeneutics (Articles 19-22)
We affirm that any preunderstandings which the interpreter brings to Scripture should be in harmony with scriptural teaching and subject to correction by it. The Correspondence of Isaac Newton: Volume II, 1676 - 1687
H. W. Turnbull, Ed., Cambridge University Press, 1960 247 Newton To Burnet From the original in King's College Library, Cambridge. The Dynamics of Dating
By Roger C. Wiens, PhD.
Bewildered, Janet watches her son gaze in awe at the dinosaur exhibit. A sign tells her that the Tyrannosaurus Rex is millions of years old. But last Sunday, her Bible teacher stated emphatically that God made Earth only six thousand years ago. The confusion over dates makes her stomach churn. The age assigned to the fossils in front of her seems to contradict the creation account, and Janet’s heartbeats accelerate at the implication. Is Earth young or old? If old, did that mean the Bible is wrong? Or could science be wrong? And what is she going to tell her son? The History of the Universe in a Nutshell: Reflections on 2 Peter 3
By Krista Kay Bontrager There is a sentiment on university campuses that conversations about religion and science are generally welcome, as long as they do not happen at the same time. Discussions about the Bible belong in the religion department. Discussions about science belong in the science department. And seldom, if ever, the two shall meet. Tolman's Elegant Test
By Hugh Ross The cosmic characteristic most extensively described in the Bible is the ongoing expansion of the universe. No other holy book of the world's religions describes this feature, nor was it anticipated by secular scholars before the development of Einstein's theory of general relativity. What Does a "Very Good World" Look Like? Part 1 of 2
God’s Instructions to “Subdue” and “Rule” Imply the World Was Harsh Before the Fall by Daniel J. Dyke, M.Div., M.Th., and Hugh Henry, Ph.D. One point of contention among those who believe in creation is the issue of death and decay in the original created order. The question, simply stated, is whether or not death, decay, disease, harsh conditions, etc., exists as a part of the world before the fall of Adam. What Does a "Very Good" World Look Like? Part 2 of 2
God’s Instructions to “Subdue” and “Rule” Imply the World Was Harsh Before the Fall by Daniel J. Dyke, M.Div., M.Th., and Hugh Henry, Ph.D. Our last article reviewed uses of the words kabash ("subdue") and radah (“rule”) in the Old Testament beyond Genesis 1. In all cases, they imply strong control exerted in the face of fierce resistance—or potential resistance. White Dwarfs Deliver Better Creation History
by Hugh Ross Star clusters provide astronomers with an extraordinary window into the creation and history of the universe, a window that enables astronomers to rigorously test the biblically predicted big bang creation model. Thanks to a new set of measurements on burnt out stars—known as white dwarfs—that window has become much clearer and more robust. Biblical Evidence for an Old EarthBiblical Evidence for an Old Earth |
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