Genesis
Foundation Book of the Bible
Old Earth vs. Young Earth
Estrategia pedagógica
The focus of this lesson is on the differences between the old earth view and young earth view. Of special note in this lesson is how the old earth view is not supported by logic, observation or revelation. Furthermore, this lesson explains how the young earth view as described in the creation record from Genesis is valid and can be defended.
Resultados del aprendizaje de los estudiantes
- Know: Understand the old word view and young earth view.
- Feel: Defend the validity of the young world view and its support for the record of creation from Genesis.
- Do: Use the information gained from Genesis to strengthen our faith.
Cuerpo de la lección
Preguntas de discusión
A continuación se sugieren preguntas para utilizar durante la parte de debate guiado de la lección. También se sugieren respuestas a las preguntas para ayudar a los alumnos a comprender los distintos conceptos. Se proporcionan para ayudar al debate y no se consideran respuestas "correctas o incorrectas".
A view that directly supports the evolutionist philosophy that matter is eternal, was affected in some way, and through time and change the earth evolved to become what it is. The time element refers to a period that is millions to billions of years long beginning with some sort of phenomena described by many as the "big bang(s)".
This view has several problems: (1) It does not support the normal scientific process of observing fact and developing a theory to explain it. Rather, it presents a theory and then looks for or develops evidence. (2) The evidence presented is unproven. Although fossils exist showing all forms of life, extinct and otherwise, it does not show or support a timeline offered by those that hold this view. (3) Something cannot come from nothing. It must be created at some point. (4) Matter is not eternal. (5) The possibility of random chance bringing about the complexity of even the simplest form of life is beyond the range of possibility. (6) Geological facts do not support this view. Complex forms of life are found in the geological formations where only simple forms of life are expected to be located. (7) There are no fossil records showing the evolutionary progress among and between species (no "missing link").
A view that supports that an all-powerful and wise being created the universe which reflects His complexity, power and wisdom is logical and possible. This view holds that the earth is between 5,000 to 10,000 years old.
This view is valid based on several observable views: (1) Fully developed and functional forms of life appear simultaneously throughout geological evidence as described by the creation record. (2) There are no links between one form of life and another, just as creation records. (3) Scientific dating processes do not go beyond 60,000 years. (4) The Bible contains genealogical records that list patriarchs from Adam through Moses and Christ which reflects no more than 8,000 years of history.
We can have confidence that God's word is true in all ways, beginning with creation until the present time as we live out our faith today. We see where God is faithful to His promises so we can have confidence in His promise of salvation through Christ. As we reach out to others to help them develop their relationship with Jesus, we can show them through logic, observation and revelation that God's word is true.