Question:
Hi Greg,
I
just finished watching a National Geographic documentary. It claimed reptiles lived millions of years ago before man.
I have heard leaders from a Baptist denomination refer to this magazine
as “The National Pornographic”. I
suppose it has to do with their thinking that the earth is only six thousand
years old. In any case, does the
thinking that these creatures existed millions of years ago conflict in any way
with your understanding? Why or why
not?
Thank
you very much for the service you provide.
Leith
Answer: Dear Leith,
We
have posted many questions and answers under “Genesis” on the categories
under “Ask Greg” that may be of interest to you as you think about this
issue.
The
primary issue concerns the age of the earth according to one interpretation of
the Bible (about 6000 years) versus the scientific evidence that the earth is
much older. The 6000 year view of
the earth, as an artificial construct, is then used to include all history, not
only the creation of humans, but all life forms. Once again, big problems here.
Then,
the folks who believe in a young earth (some of them believe in a 6000-year
history) will accuse anyone who does not believe as they do as promoting and
perhaps believing in evolution. This
matter is seen as a slippery slope that will lead to evolution.
The
problem is:
1.
That there is scientific evidence. The
earth is several billions of years old.
2.
The Bible does not insist upon 6000 years, or any age of the earth.
One can
PTM
does not, therefore, accept the view that the earth and mankind’s existence is
only 6000 years old. As stated above, you may wish to check questions and answers
we have posted under the category of “Genesis” and/or use the “search our
site” feature for much more we have posted on the web site about this topic.
In
Christ,
Greg
Albrecht