Earth’s History

The Science of Historical Geology Historical Geology – discovering where earth came from, how long ago it was formed, and what produced the visible features on its surface. Three Truths: 1. No human was present to view the origin of the earth. 2. No human records exist for events prior to about 4,500 years ago. 3. The historical records that contain information of interest to geologists are incomplete

The Science of Historical Geology Models are used to predict unknown information that cannot be observed directly. If the predicted effects of a model are observed, the scientist can be more confident that it is accurate. Assumptions must be made when developing a model, and they influence which model is chosen.

The Science of Historical Geology Possible assumptions of historical geology: 1. the earth has always existed 2. the earth came into existence through a natural process 3. the earth was created supernaturally Following earth’s beginning: 1. processes that always existed continue undisturbed 2. original processes continue except when briefly interrupted by significant geological events (asteroids) 3. phases separated by 1 or more major geological events that permanently changed earth and its processes

Biblical Framework God, the Creator, gave us the Bible as our authority concerning events in the past, present, and future. Our models should be within the framework of Scripture. This framework includes 3 major events that affected the physical earth: 1. Creation 2. Fall and Curse 3. Flood

Biblical Framework Creation Six literal days Very Good = perfect Supernaturally brought into existence by the word of God – out of nothing! Fully functional, mature, complete Powerfully and wisely designed with purpose – for man’s use and for God’s glory

Biblical Framework Fall and Curse When man sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, God cursed the earth. Natural systems began to degrade. Man was separated from God. People and animals experienced death for the first time.

Biblical Framework Flood God’s second judgment of mankind’s sin Worldwide Redeposited vast amounts of sediment (loose material that sinks to the bottom of a body of water) Most fossil-containing rock layers (strata) were laid down Volcanic activity, movement of earth’s crust, carving of canyons, and formation of mountains Climate change… including an ice age that may have lasted a few hundred years

According to Evolutionists… Uniformitarianism – the idea that the processes occurring today are the same processes that have shaped the earth throughout its history. Problems: There is evidence of processes that worked in the past that are not working today – like coal formation and chalk deposits. Fossil graveyards abound on earth, yet have never been observed forming. The Bible warns against it. “They will say, ‘Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.’ ” (2 Peter 3:4)