“So on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” (Genesis 2:2b, NIV) The need to renew and rejuvenate has been part of every good plan from the beginning of time. The Creator of the universe stopped to look at what He created and saw that it was good. Stephen Covey’s Habit 7 – Renewal, from The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, should be no exception. It is therefore not the want of renewal that is in question but rather the quality of renewal. It is in the level of quality of renewing that we discover the true value of our work effort.
Of the four dimensions of Habit 7, physical, mental, social, and spiritual, I find that I often lack in diligence to the physical dimension. In order to establish the context in which I fail in the physical dimension of renewal, I will provide an overview of each of the dimensions and my typical approach. This paper will then serve as a planning document for how I can continue in the areas that I currently excel and more importantly place focus on the area that I am weakest. I am extremely fortunate that my career choice provides me many opportunities to stretch myself mentally. In an effort to ensure that I am renewed in the mental dimension, I have developed the practice of alternating the materials I use for studying and researching new technologies and industry innovations. The information technology industry is in a constant state of change and a big part of my job is to follow the trends and recommend new business strategies for my company. To improve and maintain my competitive edge in business, I decided to return to school and finish a much-needed degree. Returning to school has opened up untold opportunities to learn new subjects and to discover ways to utilize them daily.
In addition to the required reading for career and school, I have acquired an interest in the historical accounts of key figures in biblical history. I attempt to immerse myself in specific biblical characters and topics, most recently James the brother of Jesus. Approaching scripture with an intentional objective often leads me to a deeper understanding of the Christian principles that I strive to live by as a person and lead by as a husband and father.
Renewing my social dimension focuses on my ability to understand and communicate with other people. I find that limiting my interaction with a large number of people and focusing on a small group or a single person gives me the chance to uncover new ways to improve my time with them. This allows me to develop my skills of listening and responding more effectively.
A close second in the weakest dimension category is my renewal of the spiritual dimension. I make every effort to spend time in prayer and to read my Bible every day. As an adult Sunday school teacher, I am able to find enrichment in the teacher/student relationship. However, my study can become mechanical and often without the zeal I have when the study time is for my personal growth. This appears to be due to being caught in the task of completing the preparation and not finding the personal application of the biblical topic.
Sunday morning worship is a key part of my spiritual renewal process. I love worshipping my Lord with others. I receive a fresh energy through listening and observing the way other people express their love and worship for God. I have to work to avoid letting myself sink into a routine on Sunday mornings. My goal is to approach each week with a new perspective of the blessings that God has poured down on me and I do this through Sunday worship.
This leads me to my weakest dimension of renewal, physical. My neglect of physical renewal affects the ability to renew the other dimensions. For example, by not exercising regularly, I am often tired and lack energy. This affects my desire and ability to be active with family and friends.
Spending two-thirds to three-quarters of my workday at my desk or a conference table and several hours daily at my desk at home on schoolwork or Bible study, I regularly experience tension from sitting too much. This tension decreases my productively and affects my attitude toward others at the office and at home. As I get older, I am becoming more aware of the negative impacts of a sedentary lifestyle.
Another area of physical renewal that I have the tendency to ignore is the need to address illness. I too often wait until a physical issue becomes serious before I see my doctor. Of course, this causes additional stress on the other dimensions of my life as well as increased cost of healthcare.
One of my strengths is my ability to plan. Creating a plan to improve the physical dimension in my renewal process is not difficult, executing on that plan is where I have trouble. The success I have found over the last year can be attributed to incremental changes that lead to improvements. Instead of committing myself to a detailed plan, I will focus on how to change the little activities that will add up to a big change in my life.
Increasing the amount of exercise in my daily routine will come in several forms. (For example, taking the stairs at the office instead of the elevator, walking after dinner with my wife, and reintroducing a regular schedule of aerobic exercise, like running on our treadmill.) My goal is to gain the benefits of the physical activities as well as to use them to improve other renewal dimensions. I am confident that walking with my wife will provide opportunities for us to connect and this will have a positive effect on both my spiritual and social dimensions. Yet another positive benefit of walking with my wife is being out in our neighborhood allowing us to connect with our community.
Becoming intentional with my need to relieve stress and tension both physically and emotionally at work, I will schedule regular breaks to get up and interact with others in the office. Part of this break will be to introduce some simple stretching techniques for my legs, back, neck, and shoulders. My objective is to get out of my chair for more than a minute at a time and to use the time to work on my social dimension.
Renewal in any of the four dimensions of physical, mental, spiritual, or social comes down to the quality of the renewal to which one is committed. The need to reinvigorate my mind, body, and soul is as apparent as the need to breath. If I am to realize any value from my relationships and labor, then it only makes sense that I must take the time to review what I have accomplished and to allow for a fresh perspective. God has ordained the need to rest and reflect from the beginning of creation and I trust in Him through His Word. “And God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.” (Genesis 2:3, NIV)
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Balancing Act
Have you ever had "one of those days" where things just don't seem right? You know the kind; you hit the snooze one too many times, in a hurry you jump in the shower only to realize that there's no shampoo and a towel is no where to be found. Then rushing to make it out the door, into the car and down the street you notice things like shaving, breakfast and your wallet were all left behind not to mention hugs and kisses. Merging onto the highway sometimes feels as if you’re swimming up stream. Traffic slows to a crawl and when you arrive to the point where you expected to see wreckage or something there's nothing there. Fighting your way through the rest of your commute pushing the boundaries of traffic laws and regulations you arrive at the workplace only to find that the little thing you put off has grown into a full blown catastrophic event and it needs to be done yesterday if not sooner. So you decide you better pick up the pace to satisfy the demand as if things weren't moving fast enough already. The rest of the day is spent tackling the stack of items on the to do list, fighting your way back home only to be reminded that there's practice or a game to get to and dinner will have to wait. Herding the kids back home to get cleaned up and ready for bed takes the coordination of minor military campaign. And when you finally get to sit down and get some food and quite conversation with your wife you just can't seem to work up enough brain cycles to contribute anything worth while then it's time for bed and before you know it starts all over again! Any of this sound familiar or am I the only one?
Over last few years I have had the chance to look at where my priorities and commitments lie and you know what I found? It's not necessarily that they were wrong but instead incomplete or out of balance. My commitments aren’t different than anyone else’s for instance; commitment to my Lord, Mark 12:30 says “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Commitment to my family, 1 Timothy 5:8 says “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Commitment to my church, Hebrews 10:24-25 says “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Or my commitment to my work, Colossians 3:23 says “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…” Maybe you can relate to this and you’re like me that my commitments sometimes get out of balance.
So how do we stay balanced? One of the most valuable things I have ever learned is that when life seems out of order I need to stop and take the time to consider what’s misaligned and work toward correcting it. I find that if I set aside the time daily to read God's word and really soak it in and to pray for setting things right I get the strength to put into practice what the Lord has in mind for me. I also find that if I meet regularly with another guy that has similar commitments it helps me stay focused and accountable. My hope is that you will consider taking life to next level, join a Bible study group, get involved in each others lives or simply walk across the room and get to know someone new. Life is too short, too hectic and sometimes moves way too fast to miss out on what God has to offer through the relationships we have. There are plenty of opportunities, check out your local Bible believing church and get involved.
Over last few years I have had the chance to look at where my priorities and commitments lie and you know what I found? It's not necessarily that they were wrong but instead incomplete or out of balance. My commitments aren’t different than anyone else’s for instance; commitment to my Lord, Mark 12:30 says “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Commitment to my family, 1 Timothy 5:8 says “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” Commitment to my church, Hebrews 10:24-25 says “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Or my commitment to my work, Colossians 3:23 says “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…” Maybe you can relate to this and you’re like me that my commitments sometimes get out of balance.
So how do we stay balanced? One of the most valuable things I have ever learned is that when life seems out of order I need to stop and take the time to consider what’s misaligned and work toward correcting it. I find that if I set aside the time daily to read God's word and really soak it in and to pray for setting things right I get the strength to put into practice what the Lord has in mind for me. I also find that if I meet regularly with another guy that has similar commitments it helps me stay focused and accountable. My hope is that you will consider taking life to next level, join a Bible study group, get involved in each others lives or simply walk across the room and get to know someone new. Life is too short, too hectic and sometimes moves way too fast to miss out on what God has to offer through the relationships we have. There are plenty of opportunities, check out your local Bible believing church and get involved.
Origin of Life
Introduction
In order to make an effective argument for or against a given position regarding the origin of life on Earth we must start by recognizing that each of us has our own starting assumptions. Whether we accept the biblical account of creation or the evolutionists view stems from what we believe to be true. This is the place where we begin to form our view of history and these assumptions are where we find the roots of our different conclusions about the beginnings of Earth and man.
This paper will provide an overview of five questions related to the origin of the Earth as presented in articles by Dr. John Morris from the website of the Institute for Creation Research in a section called Dr. John’s Q&A. As a follow up to these questions a section called “Evidence Young Earth/Old Earth” will address key points related to determining the age of the Earth and my personal opinion.
The purpose of this paper to draw attention to the importance of using verifiable methods for proving statements regarding the history of how our planet came to exist.
Dr. John’s Q&A
In a series of articles on several topics on origin, Dr. John Morris presents several questions and answers. I have selected five articles that address the topics of evolution, day and month duration, and a simple question of the Earth’s shape. In this section I will provide an overview of the questions and answers related to each topic.
The first question is “Is Earth Really Round?” This question set the stage for my thinking regarding this topic as well as the subsequent topics. Dr. John’s answer is a simple one, “Without a doubt, Earth is round, or nearly so,” he says. Morris provides some key points of evidence supporting his position. One, erosion of rain, glaciers, and wind along with gravity moving material around has caused the Earth to be spherical. Morris points out that this is still observed today. He also brings to our attention that the Bible teaches of a round Earth referring to Isaiah 40:22, “He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth.”
Morris goes on to assert in this article that while the shape of Earth might seem trivial, the knowledge, understanding, and agreement of this fact have importance in our debate over evolution. Because we can see the continued effects of the shaping of our Earth, creationists are in a position to agree with evolutionists. Morris says, “This is simply an observational fact.” What is not “observational fact” are the claims of evolution.
In the second question “Has Evolution become a State Religion?” Morris poses the idea that because our government embraces the concept of evolutionary naturalism it risks establishing state religion. Morris supports this idea by defining evolutionary naturalism as a religious concept that cannot be validated through observation or proof. Because it lacks scientific evidence it must be held by faith and is therefore a religious position.
Morris points out that our federally funded schools often use textbooks with information known to be false, teacher unions combat alternative views to evolution and defend teachers who mistreat students with views other than evolution. They do this while disallowing other origin views suggesting that they are religious. Morris asks the following questions, “How could we have come so far? Where is the road back?”
Morris summarizes his response by saying that this is more than a matter of a state-supported church; this is an issue where the free exercise of Christianity is being prohibited. If this is in fact the case then it would be a violation of what the founding fathers of the United States intended and clearly that of our federal constitution.
In consideration to the previous question of evolution as a state religion the question of “Just How Well Proven Is Evolution?” is an appropriate one. When faced with a statement that evolution is just as “proven” as 2+2=4 from noted evolutionist Dr. Michael Ruse, Dr. Morris tackles this question by submitting a simple experiment to demonstrate the verifiability of this statement as fact. This experiment focuses on the things we can observe and repeat. Morris asks the reader to hold up two fingers on each hand and lay them in front of you to be counted. When we do this we get four each and every time. Dr. Morris says, “It’s an observational fact.”
Morris continues to challenge the reader to find an experiment to verify evolution. In this thinking we find that evolution is not something that we observe and therefore we cannot prove. As he compares evolution with the simple mathematical equation, Morris makes his point this way, “Evolution, at the most, is an idea about history, not observational science.”
When we consider the origin of this Earth and the creatures that inhabit it, the argument of evolution verses creation, we find ourselves at the question of time. How long did all this take? What evidence do we have to determine this timing? These questions lead us to our fourth and fifth questions from Dr. John Morris. “In the Early Earth, Were All the Months Exactly Thirty Days Long?” And “When Is a Day Not a Day?”
If we look at the question of “When Is a Day Not a Day?” first we can establish the foundation for the first of our final two questions regarding days in a month. From a Christian perspective we often look to the biblical story of creation. The Bible says that God’s work of creating the Earth, everything in it and around it in six days. In his response to the question, “When Is a Day Not a Day” Morris points to this biblical account and highlights that each day of activity is “bracketed” by terms we know to define a day, “evening and morning.” We understand these to be a literal day.
Morris goes on to say that like our English word for “day” the Hebrew word also had several meanings. However, in both languages “day” is mostly meant a solar day, which is defined as one revolution of the Earth on its axis. Considering the biblical account, Morris draws our attention to the definition of the Hebrew word, yom (our English word day), where the passage says that “God divided the light from the darkness (Genesis 1:4).” Morris finds additional support for this definition in Genesis 1:5, “God called the light “day” and the darkness He called “night.” When we look more closely at this verse in context the passage concludes with “And there was evening, and there was morning – the first day.”
Morris wraps up his position on the definition of a “day” by stating that while it can mean a period of time given its context, the day referred to in the creation account means a day. He further states that “Christians need to allow the unchangeable Scripture to define its own terms and not rely on the temporal musing of men.”
Returning to address the question of “In the Early Earth, Were All the Months Exactly Thirty Days Long” Morris quickly identifies the length of a month as a being roughly tied to a 29.5 day cycle of the moon. Morris calls attention to Scripture regarding the length of a month before the “Flood.” In the passage of Genesis 7:11 it says the flooding began, “on the seventeenth day of the second month” and in Genesis 7:24 we are told that “The waters flooded the Earth for a hundred and fifty days.” Morris continues by saying that Genesis 8:4 “and on the seventeenth day of the seventh month” provides us with the numbers needed to calculate the average length of a month. In this five month period from the second month to the seventh month, we find an average of thirty days.
Morris concludes by addressing the issue of a change in Earth’s orbit. He says that the Bible’s recorded event of the great flood would have had enough force to affect the orbit of earth, and this would have changed the structure of the planet, as well as the length of the day and year. But he also points out that although we don’t have the details we do know that the flood event was capable of these changes.
After reviewing the questions and answers provided by Dr. Morris we find that we have a good basis from which we can formulate an assumption about the age of the Earth. It is clear from Scripture that definition of a day as it is used in the creation account is one literal day. We also note that Scripture also provides us with the data necessary to know that the way we measure our months today as compared to the past is fundamentally the same. Given these assertions we find no room for an old Earth theory and therefore that of evolution.
Evidence Young Earth/Old Earth
As we consider the various arguments on both sides of the young Earth, old Earth debate we come to one fundamental question. What proof do we have for a given position? Those on the old Earth side suggest that based on radiometric dating methods (carbon-14) the Earth is millions or billions of years old. On the young Earth side of the argument we find that genealogical accounts of Genesis, while questions of gaps or fluidity arise, provide evidence that the Earth is thousands of years old at the most. As is often the case the basis from which we form our opinion, the assumptions, is most likely where we find the real answers.
Some scientists have presented data from radiometric dating that suggests the Earth to be billions of years old. This “dating” method, know as carbon-14 or radiocarbon dating, shows that the level of decay of an organic material, like a fossil, to occur at a seemingly measureable rate. When we look deeper into the assumptions presented by this dating method we see that there are issues that arise. First, carbon-14 dating is only valid to thousands of years, not millions. Second, we need certain data like, the starting amount, the current amount, and the half-life of carbon-14 to calculate the rate of decay of the carbon-14 in a specimen. Dr. Willard Libby (founder of carbon-14 dating method) noted a discrepancy in the equilibrium of the atmosphere. Equilibrium, the amount of production verses removal of carbon-14 from the atmosphere, is needed to establish the starting amount carbon-14. Libby’s calculations showed that it would take 30,000 years to build up a steady state (equilibrium). Because of the observable changes in our atmosphere and since the Earth has not achieved equilibrium we cannot be certain that the starting amount of carbon-14 is accurate when calculating the rate of decay and subsequently the age of a specimen. “Because all radiometric dating methods are based on assumptions about events in the past the result can be “biased” toward a desired outcome or age (Ham, 87).”
Looking at the young Earth side of the equation we find that from an observable historical accounting as presented in Genesis the Earth is only approximately 6,000 years old. While some scholars suggest that the chronological calculations are questionable there is not enough evidence to support the idea that these accounts are millions of years off. From a scientific perspective we are presented with the idea that the earth’s magnetic field is rapidly getting weaker. According to Dr. Thomas Barnes, a creation physicist, the observed rate of decay occurs at a constant percentage each year. This rapid or “free decay” could not have continued for more than 10,000 years (Humphreys).The importance of this finding is two-fold. Because the earth’s magnetic field is decaying the atmosphere will allow for more carbon-14 production today as compared to the past. This affects the results of dating by likely increasing the age of a specimen. Also, due to the rapid decay of the earth’s magnetic field we are provided an approximate age consistent with the biblical creation account.
Conclusion
If dating methods and biblical chronological methods are questionable, what then should we believe? From a Christian perspective we must believe and hold to the fact that God’s word is infallible. As Dr. Morris said, we should never attempt to redefine it to fit the views of men’s fallible ideas.
Because there are no observable conditions that allow us to definitively conclude the age of the Earth, the documented eyewitness and historical accounts found in the Bible are the only data trustworthy enough to count on. Although I have personally not completed my research on young Earth, old Earth, I have laid a foundation of information from which I can build. Understanding the findings from both sides of this argument are only the beginning. I know that in order to truly arrive at a position where productive dialog can happen I must understand the assumptions made in support of each position.
Works Cited
Ham, Ken, General Editor. The New Answers Book. Green Forest, AR: Master Books, 2007
Mortenson, Terry, Ph.D. and Ham, Ken, Science or the Bible? Answers Magazine, Hebron, KY: Answers in Genesis, Vol. 2 No. 3, July-Sept. 2007
Humphreys, D. Russell, Ph.D., The Mystery of Earth's Magnetic Field, Institute for Creation Research. 1989 http://www.icr.org/article/292/
Arnold, Bill T., and Bryan E. Beyer. Encountering the Old Testament: a Christian Survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999.
Freeman, Dr. Rick, Do the Genesis Genealogies Contain Gaps? Answers in Genesis (website article), June 20, 2007 http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2007/06/20/do-the-genesis-genealogies-contain-gaps
Morris, Dr. John. Is Earth Really Round? Dr. John’s Q&A. Institute for Creation Research. May 1, 2006. http://www.icr.org/article/2703
Morris, Dr. John. When Is a Day Not a Day? Dr. John’s Q&A. Institute for Creation Research. May 1, 2006. http://www.icr.org/article/2721
Morris, Dr. John. In the Early Earth, Were All the Months Exactly Thirty Days Long? Dr. John’s Q&A. Institute for Creation Research. December 1, 2005. http://www.icr.org/article/2591
Morris, Dr. John. Just How Well Proven Is Evolution? Dr. John’s Q&A. Institute for Creation Research. February 1, 2006. http://www.icr.org/article/2605
Morris, Dr. John. Has Evolution become a State Religion? Dr. John’s Q&A. Institute for Creation Research. November 1, 2005. http://www.icr.org/article/2497
In order to make an effective argument for or against a given position regarding the origin of life on Earth we must start by recognizing that each of us has our own starting assumptions. Whether we accept the biblical account of creation or the evolutionists view stems from what we believe to be true. This is the place where we begin to form our view of history and these assumptions are where we find the roots of our different conclusions about the beginnings of Earth and man.
This paper will provide an overview of five questions related to the origin of the Earth as presented in articles by Dr. John Morris from the website of the Institute for Creation Research in a section called Dr. John’s Q&A. As a follow up to these questions a section called “Evidence Young Earth/Old Earth” will address key points related to determining the age of the Earth and my personal opinion.
The purpose of this paper to draw attention to the importance of using verifiable methods for proving statements regarding the history of how our planet came to exist.
Dr. John’s Q&A
In a series of articles on several topics on origin, Dr. John Morris presents several questions and answers. I have selected five articles that address the topics of evolution, day and month duration, and a simple question of the Earth’s shape. In this section I will provide an overview of the questions and answers related to each topic.
The first question is “Is Earth Really Round?” This question set the stage for my thinking regarding this topic as well as the subsequent topics. Dr. John’s answer is a simple one, “Without a doubt, Earth is round, or nearly so,” he says. Morris provides some key points of evidence supporting his position. One, erosion of rain, glaciers, and wind along with gravity moving material around has caused the Earth to be spherical. Morris points out that this is still observed today. He also brings to our attention that the Bible teaches of a round Earth referring to Isaiah 40:22, “He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth.”
Morris goes on to assert in this article that while the shape of Earth might seem trivial, the knowledge, understanding, and agreement of this fact have importance in our debate over evolution. Because we can see the continued effects of the shaping of our Earth, creationists are in a position to agree with evolutionists. Morris says, “This is simply an observational fact.” What is not “observational fact” are the claims of evolution.
In the second question “Has Evolution become a State Religion?” Morris poses the idea that because our government embraces the concept of evolutionary naturalism it risks establishing state religion. Morris supports this idea by defining evolutionary naturalism as a religious concept that cannot be validated through observation or proof. Because it lacks scientific evidence it must be held by faith and is therefore a religious position.
Morris points out that our federally funded schools often use textbooks with information known to be false, teacher unions combat alternative views to evolution and defend teachers who mistreat students with views other than evolution. They do this while disallowing other origin views suggesting that they are religious. Morris asks the following questions, “How could we have come so far? Where is the road back?”
Morris summarizes his response by saying that this is more than a matter of a state-supported church; this is an issue where the free exercise of Christianity is being prohibited. If this is in fact the case then it would be a violation of what the founding fathers of the United States intended and clearly that of our federal constitution.
In consideration to the previous question of evolution as a state religion the question of “Just How Well Proven Is Evolution?” is an appropriate one. When faced with a statement that evolution is just as “proven” as 2+2=4 from noted evolutionist Dr. Michael Ruse, Dr. Morris tackles this question by submitting a simple experiment to demonstrate the verifiability of this statement as fact. This experiment focuses on the things we can observe and repeat. Morris asks the reader to hold up two fingers on each hand and lay them in front of you to be counted. When we do this we get four each and every time. Dr. Morris says, “It’s an observational fact.”
Morris continues to challenge the reader to find an experiment to verify evolution. In this thinking we find that evolution is not something that we observe and therefore we cannot prove. As he compares evolution with the simple mathematical equation, Morris makes his point this way, “Evolution, at the most, is an idea about history, not observational science.”
When we consider the origin of this Earth and the creatures that inhabit it, the argument of evolution verses creation, we find ourselves at the question of time. How long did all this take? What evidence do we have to determine this timing? These questions lead us to our fourth and fifth questions from Dr. John Morris. “In the Early Earth, Were All the Months Exactly Thirty Days Long?” And “When Is a Day Not a Day?”
If we look at the question of “When Is a Day Not a Day?” first we can establish the foundation for the first of our final two questions regarding days in a month. From a Christian perspective we often look to the biblical story of creation. The Bible says that God’s work of creating the Earth, everything in it and around it in six days. In his response to the question, “When Is a Day Not a Day” Morris points to this biblical account and highlights that each day of activity is “bracketed” by terms we know to define a day, “evening and morning.” We understand these to be a literal day.
Morris goes on to say that like our English word for “day” the Hebrew word also had several meanings. However, in both languages “day” is mostly meant a solar day, which is defined as one revolution of the Earth on its axis. Considering the biblical account, Morris draws our attention to the definition of the Hebrew word, yom (our English word day), where the passage says that “God divided the light from the darkness (Genesis 1:4).” Morris finds additional support for this definition in Genesis 1:5, “God called the light “day” and the darkness He called “night.” When we look more closely at this verse in context the passage concludes with “And there was evening, and there was morning – the first day.”
Morris wraps up his position on the definition of a “day” by stating that while it can mean a period of time given its context, the day referred to in the creation account means a day. He further states that “Christians need to allow the unchangeable Scripture to define its own terms and not rely on the temporal musing of men.”
Returning to address the question of “In the Early Earth, Were All the Months Exactly Thirty Days Long” Morris quickly identifies the length of a month as a being roughly tied to a 29.5 day cycle of the moon. Morris calls attention to Scripture regarding the length of a month before the “Flood.” In the passage of Genesis 7:11 it says the flooding began, “on the seventeenth day of the second month” and in Genesis 7:24 we are told that “The waters flooded the Earth for a hundred and fifty days.” Morris continues by saying that Genesis 8:4 “and on the seventeenth day of the seventh month” provides us with the numbers needed to calculate the average length of a month. In this five month period from the second month to the seventh month, we find an average of thirty days.
Morris concludes by addressing the issue of a change in Earth’s orbit. He says that the Bible’s recorded event of the great flood would have had enough force to affect the orbit of earth, and this would have changed the structure of the planet, as well as the length of the day and year. But he also points out that although we don’t have the details we do know that the flood event was capable of these changes.
After reviewing the questions and answers provided by Dr. Morris we find that we have a good basis from which we can formulate an assumption about the age of the Earth. It is clear from Scripture that definition of a day as it is used in the creation account is one literal day. We also note that Scripture also provides us with the data necessary to know that the way we measure our months today as compared to the past is fundamentally the same. Given these assertions we find no room for an old Earth theory and therefore that of evolution.
Evidence Young Earth/Old Earth
As we consider the various arguments on both sides of the young Earth, old Earth debate we come to one fundamental question. What proof do we have for a given position? Those on the old Earth side suggest that based on radiometric dating methods (carbon-14) the Earth is millions or billions of years old. On the young Earth side of the argument we find that genealogical accounts of Genesis, while questions of gaps or fluidity arise, provide evidence that the Earth is thousands of years old at the most. As is often the case the basis from which we form our opinion, the assumptions, is most likely where we find the real answers.
Some scientists have presented data from radiometric dating that suggests the Earth to be billions of years old. This “dating” method, know as carbon-14 or radiocarbon dating, shows that the level of decay of an organic material, like a fossil, to occur at a seemingly measureable rate. When we look deeper into the assumptions presented by this dating method we see that there are issues that arise. First, carbon-14 dating is only valid to thousands of years, not millions. Second, we need certain data like, the starting amount, the current amount, and the half-life of carbon-14 to calculate the rate of decay of the carbon-14 in a specimen. Dr. Willard Libby (founder of carbon-14 dating method) noted a discrepancy in the equilibrium of the atmosphere. Equilibrium, the amount of production verses removal of carbon-14 from the atmosphere, is needed to establish the starting amount carbon-14. Libby’s calculations showed that it would take 30,000 years to build up a steady state (equilibrium). Because of the observable changes in our atmosphere and since the Earth has not achieved equilibrium we cannot be certain that the starting amount of carbon-14 is accurate when calculating the rate of decay and subsequently the age of a specimen. “Because all radiometric dating methods are based on assumptions about events in the past the result can be “biased” toward a desired outcome or age (Ham, 87).”
Looking at the young Earth side of the equation we find that from an observable historical accounting as presented in Genesis the Earth is only approximately 6,000 years old. While some scholars suggest that the chronological calculations are questionable there is not enough evidence to support the idea that these accounts are millions of years off. From a scientific perspective we are presented with the idea that the earth’s magnetic field is rapidly getting weaker. According to Dr. Thomas Barnes, a creation physicist, the observed rate of decay occurs at a constant percentage each year. This rapid or “free decay” could not have continued for more than 10,000 years (Humphreys).The importance of this finding is two-fold. Because the earth’s magnetic field is decaying the atmosphere will allow for more carbon-14 production today as compared to the past. This affects the results of dating by likely increasing the age of a specimen. Also, due to the rapid decay of the earth’s magnetic field we are provided an approximate age consistent with the biblical creation account.
Conclusion
If dating methods and biblical chronological methods are questionable, what then should we believe? From a Christian perspective we must believe and hold to the fact that God’s word is infallible. As Dr. Morris said, we should never attempt to redefine it to fit the views of men’s fallible ideas.
Because there are no observable conditions that allow us to definitively conclude the age of the Earth, the documented eyewitness and historical accounts found in the Bible are the only data trustworthy enough to count on. Although I have personally not completed my research on young Earth, old Earth, I have laid a foundation of information from which I can build. Understanding the findings from both sides of this argument are only the beginning. I know that in order to truly arrive at a position where productive dialog can happen I must understand the assumptions made in support of each position.
Works Cited
Ham, Ken, General Editor. The New Answers Book. Green Forest, AR: Master Books, 2007
Mortenson, Terry, Ph.D. and Ham, Ken, Science or the Bible? Answers Magazine, Hebron, KY: Answers in Genesis, Vol. 2 No. 3, July-Sept. 2007
Humphreys, D. Russell, Ph.D., The Mystery of Earth's Magnetic Field, Institute for Creation Research. 1989 http://www.icr.org/article/292/
Arnold, Bill T., and Bryan E. Beyer. Encountering the Old Testament: a Christian Survey. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1999.
Freeman, Dr. Rick, Do the Genesis Genealogies Contain Gaps? Answers in Genesis (website article), June 20, 2007 http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/2007/06/20/do-the-genesis-genealogies-contain-gaps
Morris, Dr. John. Is Earth Really Round? Dr. John’s Q&A. Institute for Creation Research. May 1, 2006. http://www.icr.org/article/2703
Morris, Dr. John. When Is a Day Not a Day? Dr. John’s Q&A. Institute for Creation Research. May 1, 2006. http://www.icr.org/article/2721
Morris, Dr. John. In the Early Earth, Were All the Months Exactly Thirty Days Long? Dr. John’s Q&A. Institute for Creation Research. December 1, 2005. http://www.icr.org/article/2591
Morris, Dr. John. Just How Well Proven Is Evolution? Dr. John’s Q&A. Institute for Creation Research. February 1, 2006. http://www.icr.org/article/2605
Morris, Dr. John. Has Evolution become a State Religion? Dr. John’s Q&A. Institute for Creation Research. November 1, 2005. http://www.icr.org/article/2497
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