Question: I have to be very honest and say that I am extremely disappointed in your response.

First, and most importantly, the Bible, God’s written revelation, does tell us that the earth and all of creation is very young. Romans 5:12 says, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:"

Notice that it says that sin entered the ‘world’. The Greek word used there is ‘cosmos’ which translates universe, world, and includes everything within it. Then the verse goes on to say "and death by sin". This statement in the Greek refers directly to the sin that entered the cosmos, therefore, it is very clear that Paul was telling the Romans that death throughout the cosmos, plant, animal and man was the result of sin, which was all caused by one man, Adam. I beg of you to give me the Scriptural evidence that allows for an old earth and refutes the claim made by Paul?

Secondly, I would like to know what scientific evidence you claim to be irrefutable proof of the old age of the earth? Is it from geology, paleontology, biology, astronomy, or what? I can easily show you the fallacies of most of the major arguments used by modern evolutionary geologist for the age and formation of the geologic layers. I can also provide you with sound scientific evidence for the young age interpretation of fossils. I have a B.S. in biology and am currently writing my Master’s Thesis in population genetics and can provide you with overwhelming proof of a young earth.

I strongly recommend that you start reading such periodicals as Creation magazine, the Creation ex nihilo Technical Journal and the Creation Research Society Quarterly! These are produced by qualified scientists from a large variety of fields and they all present "irrefutable" evidence that the earth is very young.

However, regardless of the evidence, the main issue I still raise with you is the fact of accepting God at His Word. What is your problem with God saying that He created the earth in six, literal 24 hour days? Are you unable to accept God at His Word because of the influence of men? Then who really has become your god? Greg, I do not believe this to be a minor or trivial issue but one that is foundational to the very existence and acceptance of the Creator God for the Bible and the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without the foundation of Genesis 1-11, the Cross has no ground to stand on, resulting in a Jesus falling face down on the ground with some boards nailed to his hands and feet, unable to raise himself or anyone else.

Sincerely,

Junior

Answer: Junior,

Thanks for your comments – some quick thoughts (I really can’t get into a running dialogue, as time will not allow). I too would have been disappointed with my response about 15-20 years ago, for my position the would have been closer to yours now. Allow me a few comments:

1. I cannot follow or accept your reasoning that flows out of Romans 5:12. First, in terms of your definition of the Greek word kosmos (transliterated) – I have checked with Arndt and Gingrich, the definitive lexicon for the New Testament, and while your specific denotation of kosmos is not in error, we must also note that kosmos has many meanings, including women’s clothing or adorning (see 1 Peter 3:3). Therefore, the meaning of the word of and by itself means little without context. Taking a word or passage out of its context is to pretext, and even to proof-text. The context does not show us that Paul is making a case for cosmology or origins in Romans 5, but instead a theological and moral issue. With that context in mind I would hesitate to accept Romans 5:12 as a proof-text of your position (which does not mean your position is de facto right or wrong, simply that it cannot stand on Romans 5:12 alone).
2. Proof of an old earth – from all of the disciplines you mentioned? I am not a scientist, but I am widely read in this area, and I am not the only Christian to come to the conclusion that the earth is several billions of years old. Are we all consigned to the fires of hell?
3. You use the word "irrefutable" several times, and such use is, in the context of origins, hyperbolic in the face of the scientific evidence to which I allude in point #2.
4. Whether or not a Christian believes in 7 – 24-hour periods of time for the days of creation, or whether those are less specific, and more general, is not the litmus test of belief for Christians. The Christian litmus test is the cross and the empty tomb.
5. Hebrew scholars have long noted that the Hebrew Bible is not written in precise techno-engineering language. Hebrew language and culture, the language and culture through which God chose to communicate the old covenant to us – is rich in poetry, emotion, and literary figures. We cannot read the language (as translated into our language) in the way that suits us, or pleases us – for to use human language at all was an accommodation on God’s part, an accommodation on the part of the holy and sovereign God, to communicate to imperfect, unholy, and fallen humans.

The early chapters of Genesis are not a blueprint of HOW God did it, how he accomplished and performed the creation – they are a matchless and profound statement THAT he did it – and that he and he alone did it – and that there are no other gods before him – that he alone is Creator, and stands above and beyond all other gods. This is the divine objective behind the creation hymn.

However, if we humans choose to read this passage more literally than it was written, I believe God does not condemn us. But if we over literalize this passage we miss much of the profound, deep and meaningful message – simply because we bulldoze our way over literary devices that teach something that the literal cannot. But God knows that we are children, and does not condemn the one who reads more literally.

However, if the one who reads literally condemns his brother who sees deeper and profound meaning, and if the one who reads literally believes that his brother is watering down truth, or that his brother is a heretic, etc. etc. – Jesus has teaching in that regard in the Gospels.

May God be with and bless you, Junior – thank you for your zeal for the Bible. I am delighted that you believe – and hope you understand that God does not demand that everyone believe just like you on issues that are salvific. Further, simply because one adopts a more literal position on this topic does necessarily make that individual a better Christian or more Spirit led than another.

In Christ,

Greg Albrecht