Expert: Marilyn - 9/7/2011

Question
Hi Marilyn

Can you guide me as to the best authors/sources that tackle the issues of fossil findings and how the timelines seemingly contradict creation

The bible timelines indicate that Adam and Eve were born approximately 6000 to 7000 years ago , however there are multiple fossil findings indicating animals and humans were around a long time before that

Having just started studying the bible I want to be better prepared to repudiate a lot of the challenges that get thrown my way

Answer
Hello Joe;

I congratulate you on the beginning of your adventure into God's Word.

There is a simple explanation for why biblical time-lines (genealogies) do not match up with the fossil record. As you study, you will notice that the Bible emphasizes fathers who made a difference and tends to ignore ones who did not. For example, Jesus said to the Pharisees, "Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad," John 8:56. These men lived centuries after Abraham, yet Jesus calls him their father. Even earlier, God spoke to Joshua and said, "But I took your father Abraham from the land beyond the River and led him throughout Canaan and gave him many descendants," Joshua 24:3. Abraham is mentioned and all the others in between are not.

Notice who stands out as significant with the summary of Jesus' genealogy: "Jesus Christ (Jesus the Messiah), the Son of David, the son of Abraham," Matthew 1:1. After that, Matthew begins a more detailed roster, but leaves out: Ahaziah, II Kings 8:25; Joash, II Kings 12:1 and Amaziah, II Kings 14:1; Johoiakim, II Kings 23:34; I Chronicles 3:16.
http://www.reasons.org/resources/non-staff-papers/primeval-chronology
(By the way, you might find www.reasons.org useful in general)

Given this penchant for leaving out those who don't make a significant mark, biblical genealogy cannot be used to determine the age of the earth. The ancients simply had a different attitude about genealogy from ours and did not list everyone. If an ancient were to create my genealogy he might list my great-grandfather who was a railroad policeman killed in the line of duty during the 1800's. He would include my grandfather who was a settler in New Mexico and founded a school. He would include my father who was a sergeant in WWII, but my brother and probably his son might be skipped since they have yet to do anything beyond live normal lives.

Since it is impossible for God to lie, Hebrews 6:18, He would not place in the earth lies in the form of a fossil record which portrays the earth as much older than it actually is, therefore, our interpretation of the genealogies as a means of judging the age of the earth must be flawed.

The Bible gives us the bare facts about our beginnings, some details we may fill in through archeology, anthropology and geology, but we still will not have it all, nor is it likely we ever will. God wants us to live by faith, not by sight, therefore He will always give us enough, but not all. What God gives us in His Word is sufficient and what we discover through science can add more. Science is not an enemy of God, indeed, He is the First and Greatest Scientist since He created all the physics, math and chemistry which we now struggle to comprehend. As we examine the evidence, if we keep our eyes on the Lord, we will find truth.

Finally, recognize that the Holy Spirit is the One who will win someone to Christ, not you or me. Most of the time it will be pointless to get into a heated argument with a person who does not believe in the Creator. In fact, a heated argument can often prove counter productive, even if you are right, maybe especially because you are right. We must speak what the Holy Spirit gives us to speak and be silent if He is silent. God must do the rest of the work, either by sending another person to testify about Him later or by growing what's already been planted over time within a person's heart.

We are called to be witnesses for the Lord, but the best and most overwhelming way in which we can do is is by love. It is God's Love which drew us and binds us to Him; it is His Love which will draw and bind others also, not irrefutable proof through scientific argument, as valuable as those are. So, when you speak to an unbeliever, it is more important that your love shine through than your scientific knowledge be perfect. Discussion about fossils and what have you are simply the venue in which you have an opportunity to shine Jesus' Love.

A list of some books and DVD's you might find useful:

"The Science of God," by Gerald Schroeder and others of his books. Though I do not agree with him on the age of the human race--I think it is much older. Readers of any author, this one included, must prayerfully study and use their own reason. Human works are by definition flawed because humans have created them.

"Darwin's Black Box," and "The Edge of Evolution," by Michael Behe

"Privileged Planet," book and DVD, Guillermo Gonzalez and Jay W. Richards http://www.privilegedplanet.com/

"God and Evolution," Jay W. Richards

"Darwin's Dilemma," "Unlocking the Mystery of Life," "Icons of Evolution," DVD's, Illustra Media, probably available on Amazon

"The Cell's Design: How Chemistry Reveals the Creator's Artistry," by Fazale Rana

"The Day Without Yesterday," by John Farrell

"Signature in the Cell: DNA and the Evidence for Intelligent Design," by Stephen C. Meyer

"By Design: Science and the Search for God," Larry Witham

Hope this helps,

Sincerely,

Marilyn