Abstract
This paper explores the perceived conflict between the biblical account of creation and the scientific understanding of the age of the Earth and the existence of dinosaurs...
1. Introduction
Many Christians have long struggled with the question: is the Earth only 6,000 years old...
2. The Source of the 6,000-Year View
The belief that the Earth is roughly 6,000 years old primarily stems from a literal reading of Genesis...
3. Scientific Evidence for an Old Earth
4. Dinosaurs and the Bible
The Bible does not mention dinosaurs by name, as the word “dinosaur” was not coined until the 19th century...
5. Theological Approaches to Creation
Young Earth Creationism
Key Beliefs: Literal 6-day creation ~6,000 years ago
Representative Organization: Answers in Genesis
Holds that God created the world in six literal 24-hour days. Dinosaurs coexisted with humans and were wiped out in the global flood. This interpretation prioritizes a literal reading of Scripture but is widely rejected by mainstream science.
Old Earth Creationism
Key Beliefs: Earth is old; days = epochs
Representative Organization: Reasons to Believe
Accepts the scientific consensus of a billions-year-old Earth. The “days” of creation are interpreted as long eras. God creates life progressively, with purposeful intervention across time.
Gap Theory
Key Beliefs: A temporal gap between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2
Representative Organization: None currently prominent
Suggests a primeval creation that was destroyed (possibly in relation to Satan’s fall) and then re-created in six literal days. This model accounts for an old Earth while maintaining literalism, though the theory relies on interpretive inference.
Theistic Evolution
Key Beliefs: God used evolution as a tool
Representative Organization: BioLogos
Affirms God as Creator who guided the evolutionary process. Genesis is viewed as theological narrative. Compatible with the full scientific model of evolution, while still grounded in Christian belief.
6. Scripture and Nature: Two Revelations
“God is not merely the author of Holy Scripture, but also the architect of nature.”
7. Common Objections Addressed
- Death after sin? Romans 5:12 refers to human spiritual death, not necessarily all biological death.
- Was Jesus a literalist? His references to Adam affirm theological truths, not scientific details.
- Evolution = denying the Bible? No—many sincere believers integrate both faithfully.
8. A Call to Worship and Awe
When we learn the stars are millions of light-years away... such grandeur reflects the Creator’s glory. Rather than shrink from science, let us worship with even greater wonder.
9. Conclusion
The age of the Earth should not be a stumbling block to faith. The universe’s vastness and the mystery of life should invite deeper awe. Faith and science are not enemies—they can be partners in wonder.
Let us be a people unafraid to explore, to wonder, and to worship with both mind and heart.