Theories of Young Earth Origins
I won't be making this a major topic, but I know some will want a further discussion of this issue. In years past, I had been unsure of how to think about this issue, as it seemed to me that although the natural evidence seemed to indicate an earth of great age, the Bible seemed to indicate a very young earth. In pondering this matter, I have read books by Henry Morris of ICR and others from the "young earth" camp, as well as materials from Hugh Ross and others of the "old earth" camp.  After a careful and honest evaluation of the matter, I have concluded that the old earth view is superior both from a scientific as well as a theological point of view. I am convinced that this interpretation was the original meaning of the author of Genesis. The science of the ICR and others, simply does not persuade me. I am sorry if this disappoints some of my young earth friends, but I stand by it. If you must, feel free to disagree with me. The Bible states that God's basic nature may be seen in his creation. It also states that He is the "Ancient of Days". I believe that in the same manner that the enormous size of the universe declares his omnipotence in a way words cannot express, its great age plainly declares that He is indeed the "Ancient of Days".

For those of you are not Christians - be aware that the belief in a world 6 to 10 thousand years old is not the only literal interpretation of the Bible's Book of Genesis - some believe that the days mentioned in Genesis are long periods of time -ages- and that the earth may indeed be billions of years old. This reference would be in much the same manner as we might refer to "the day of the dinosaurs" meaning millions of years during which the dinosaurs dominated the earth.

For those who hold strongly to the young earth view,  I will not in any way seek to persuade you that the earth is old, however, I do seek to persuade you that, as creationists, we are both ultimately on the same side.  I ask you to remember that the age of creation is absolutely not among the essentials of the Christian Faith. No passage in the Bible, ancient Creeds or even the writings of the early Church Fathers mention the age of the earth as an essential tenant of faith - in fact none even mention the age of the earth at all. Take care not to set at naught the faith of a brother who may disagree with you. In spite of this, I have heard the label of "heretic" applied by some "young earthers" to Hugh Ross and others from the old earth group. Such is a very serious accusation and not one which should be made lightly. Please take care - consider Paul's comments in 1 Cor. 8:9-13 concerning conflicts among the brethren. The core and central idea that God created does appear in early Creeds and may be taken as essential or at least very important. The first chapters of Genesis strongly emphasize the Creator and the fact that He created. It does not emphasize the methods He used or the exact dates and times during which he chose to create. Certainly, if this date were an essential issue, much more detail on when and how He created could have been provided to us. Most young earth creationists have certain distinctives upon which they disagree. Old earth creationists also have minor disagreements. I do not see any reason whatsoever why the age of the earth question cannot be an issue upon which we agree to disagree - but still respect each other.

For those of you who, like I once was, are unsure of how to interpret the age of the earth question, I heartily recommend  Creation and Time by Dr. Hugh Ross. It is available in most Bible bookstores. You can link to the "Reasons To Believe" website, which is run by Dr. Ross and his staff by clicking here (they have this book and many others). Another website, produced by Reasons To Believe volunteer staff member Richard Deem, which considers the matter in greater detail, can be reached by clicking here.

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