Bible Question:
What are the names of the different theories of Creation. I'm not talking about evolution but rather, instant creation (7days), gap between Gen 1:1 and Gen 1:2, and extended day (day equals more than just a day) and any others? Also if you could point me to a web site that explains any of these I would be greatly appreciative. Thanks EdB |
Bible Answer: Here's the end result of some research I did some time back. It's not extensive, but I believe everything is covered. A. Old Earth Theories Evolutionary systems - Naturalistic evolution is a God-less system claiming that life came into being and developed into increasingly complex forms with man being the current apex. The universe is purported to be billions of years old based on various radiometric, astronomic, and geologic readings and calculations. Theistic evolution on the other hand attempts to insert God into the evolutionary process. This response makes religious overtones but leaves God as a distant figure creating the fundamental building blocks and letting natural law do the rest. Day-age - This model refers to the days of Genesis 1 and 2 as meaning extended periods of time rather than a literal 24-hour day. 2 Peter 3:8 is generally used as a proof text to show how God can work differently in relation to time and space, thus allowing the “days” of creation to be identified with the eras of the geologic column. Revelatory day – Also called the Pictoral Day theory, this metaphorical interpretation of Genesis suggests that on six consecutive days God revealed to Moses what occurred during the creation of the universe. Gap theory – This attempts to show that God created heaven and earth at some point in the distant past (1:1) later having to be judged (1:2). Speculation is that this is when Satan was cast out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12; Ezekiel 28:16). Finally, the earth is recreated (1:3). Isaiah 45:18 is used to argue that God would never create an uninhabitable world at the outset. B. Young earth Literal interpretation – The days in Genesis are twenty-four hours in length. God performed separate and distinct acts of creation on each of six successive days demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over His creation as well as revealing the majesty of His person and the greatness of His glory by increasingly complex deeds. This creative work ended with man into whom God breathed the breath of life (2:7) thereby distinguishing him from all other animal life (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:39). The world underwent no major changes from the seventh day until the Noahic flood save for the consequences of Adam’s fall (Genesis 3). This view gives the best account of creation being supported by the text and empirical evidence. Steve |