A Biblical Case for an Old Earth

by David Snoke

The present creation-evolution debate is often cast as a choice between two naturalistic evolution over millions of years or miraculous creation six thousand years ago. When simplified, this choice is often presented as one between science and the Bible, a choice that leaves much ground between the two views yet to be
discussed.

A Biblical Case for an Old Earth seeks to address the gap between theistic evolutionism and young-earth creationism by finally paying due attention to the biblical aspect of the debate. Both a scientist and a preacher, David Snoke presents a theological study of several themes in the evolution discussion, including the balance theme of Scripture and the day-age interpretation. Complete with an appendix that gives a literal translation of Genesis 1-11, this intriguing study will interest both scientists and lay Christians who want to dig into the faith-science intersection.

Genres: Theology, Science, Religion, Christian, Spirituality, Faith

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1997

About the author

Associate Professor of Physics & Astronomy,
University of Pittsburgh

Reviews

[Jeff Cavanaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Snoke does a good job of presenting the case for an old earth generally, and for the day-age interpretation specifically, from the text of Genesis. This is not as much of a true scholarly commentary as Collins' "Genesis 1-4," but Snoke still does a good job of interacting faithfully and critically with the text.

The most controversial part of the book (sadly, in my opinion) may be his front matter on "Starting Assumptions," where he lays out his case for allowing rational scientific observation to interact with our understanding of Scripture. He points to the classic case of Galileo and heliocentrism, arguing from there to modern observations about the age of the earth and suggesting that Christians are in danger of actually undermining Scripture if we read it in ways that flatly contradict rational observation.

At the same time, Snoke does a good job of balance. He's no fan of young earth creationism (and dismantles it ably), but he also makes it clear that Chridtians can't accept the assumptions of Darwinian evolution, either. He lays out some non-negotiable at the end of the book, truths that Scripture requires us to maintain: historicity of Adam and Noah, special creation of all life, and the imminent remaking of the earth and all physical laws at the last day.

Snoke's biggest argument for the legitimacy of an old earth interpretation of Scripture is the likelihood of animal death before the Fall, and this lines up with thoughts I've had about the creation story for a while. He looks at the theme of balance in Scripture and the nature of the Sabbath ordinance to build supplementary cases for an old earth view.

In my view this is a solid work that seriously deals with the interaction of faith, Scripture, reason, and science from a conservative, evangelical standpoint that gives away no ground on the authority and reliability of the Bible while honestly approaching science and scientists as friends and allies rather than enemies. Snoke may not answer all the questions one might have on the subject, but this is a good contribution to the discussion and, after a commentary like Collins', a helpful next step towards understanding the case for a Christian old-earth framework.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

About 3 years ago I read the book Seven Days that Divide the World by John C. Lennox. I came across it on a homeschool YouTube channel run by a Christian mom who was a PhD scientist in her previous professional life. Before then I had never actually thought about how old the earth is. I just thought the earth is old AND God created it in 7 literal days. End of thought process. But Young Earth and Old Earth camps apparently existed and I was intrigued. So I picked up Seven Days and really enjoyed it.

The author recommended two books to read, one from each side. A Biblical Case for an Old Earth being one. (The other is Unformed and Unfilled by Weston Fields.)

I will admit, I land in the Old Earth camp. I believe God is the creator of the universe, and ALSO science and logic. When our science says the earth is old, I think we can believe it. I do not think “day” in Genesis is literal.

I learned a lot in this book and was made to think about a lot of things I had not previously thought about. Was there animal death before the Fall? What would the implications of a full earth flood be in the Noah story? Just to name a couple.

I would not say I read this book in an echo chamber. I went in with the belief that the earth was old, just based on general feeling. I left with further and more concrete reasons to believe as I do.

I am now really curious to read a book from the Young Earth side to see if any of the arguments can give me something else to seriously chew on.

I don’t think it’s crucial to know how old the earth is. Christians can ask God when they get to heaven. But I do love diving into these topics and thinking about aspects of God I never would have otherwise.

[Ted Rohe]

This book had been sitting on my stack of "currently reading" for a long time as I read other books in the mean time. I always would go back to it and do a section at a time.

Well now that I'm finishing up an apologetics course and I have to write a paper, I decided to write about the different Christian approaches to Genesis and how that applies to apologetics.

Snoke's books is the first book I have read that seems to seriously approach the issue of science and theology in a rational, objective and still orthodox Christian way. I think his views on how Biblical Interpretation not only can see an Old earth, but actually does see an Old Earth is enlightening and goes with my Hermeneutics courses. Moreover, his view on a local flood is fascinating in the context of how portions of scripture are translated funny and how it is theologically tenable. Finally, Snoke's interesting take on how the Fall did not necessarily make nature "evil" but that God's judgment on Man by placing Him in a "wrathful, but designed" world that had existed outside of the garden has been on my mind since I first started reading it.

Thus, I have changed some of my views slightly and it has made me evaluate the different views. This is a debate within Christianity, but as Snoke states, there are some essentials that must be held to. Even by those who hold a theistic evolution view.

[Herb Hunter · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had my doubts about this book when i began reading it at the request of a friend. The opening chapters were good, but the longer he wrote, the less convinced I became. He does what he claims his opponents are not to do - give opinion on topics they are not qualified to speak on. He re-translated the opening chapter of Genesis, after admitting that he has no degree in Hebrew! And wouldn't you know, his translation supports his conclusions!

[Jessica Tay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting my reading series on different positions on creation vs. evolution with a book on Old Earth Creationism. Snoke, a professor of Physics at the University of Pittsburgh, opens by arguing that the debate matters: it is legitimate for our experience to enter into Biblical interpretation. Christians should avoid the defensive “two-worlds” mindset that separates theology from observable reality. He is also careful to note that scientific theories are provisional human work; but so are theological systems. Scripture may be inerrant, but our interpretations are not.

Snoke begins by laying out scientific evidence that challenges Young Earth Creationism. While he accepts an old earth, he remains skeptical of evolution, arguing that even with millions of years, we have not demonstrated that *known* random processes could produce the design we observe today. He then develops three major biblical cases:

1) Animal death before the Fall. This is a fundamental issue in the debate between OEC and YEC; Snoke argues that Scripture allows for pre-Fall animal death without compromising the doctrine of a good God.
2) Balance in creation. Snokes critiques the YEC assumption that natural forces can only exist after sin. He argues that Scripture presents a God who creates with balance, tension, and order.
3) Time-words in Genesis. He examines both the Day-Age and Framework hypotheses, concluding that the strongest biblical support for non-literal “days” comes from the Sabbath law’s precedent, where “day” symbolizes a pattern rather than 24 literal hours.

Snoke also covers interpretations of Genesis 1–2 and offers a local-flood view of Noah. He argues that humanity was likely geographically concentrated and that current scientific evidence does not support a global, six-mile-deep flood.

I am still left with many questions on the OEC view of evolution, among other issues, but I did not expect all these to be encompassed in a 200 page book anyways. Overall, I found this book a helpful introduction to OEC, the biblical arguments its proponents lean on, and its contrast to YEC. As I seek to unlearn and learn my views on this topic, I will withhold my stance until I have read sufficient literature to decide. Admittedly, Snokes has provisionally convinced me that a young earth view may not just be unscientific, but unbiblical. I am excited to read more and above all, I thank God for the faculties He has given us to learn more about His creation.

"If we seal ourselves off from this risky aspect of our faith, that it can be falsified, then we make any theory anyone wants to believe just as good as our beliefs."

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author presented Old Earth creationism clearly and presented an argument from the Bible. However, I do not think he fairly represented the opposing view. When he writes that the Young Earth view espouses an "appearance of age," I think he confuses maturity with age. His characterization implies that the opposition is promoting deception on God's part rather than provision - a miraculous turn-key solution. Also, I was disappointed that he did not address the drastic change in lifespans that occurred in generations after the Flood. If one claims that the world was essentially the same before and after the Flood, then this fact in Scripture should be addressed. Nevertheless, I gained a greater appreciation for the Old Earth view through reading this book. It is wrong to assume Old Earth creationists have a liberal approach to Scripture. I think this book presented valid questions that the student of Scripture should consider.

[Ben Lind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whenever I hear Dr. Snoke teach or read his writings I feel like he’s expressing ideas that I haven’t been able to put into words. His style fits my thinking.

This book was a helpful introduction to a perspective on the age of the earth that is contrary to the young earth view that I grew up with. The question of the apparent age of the earth has been important in my de/reconstruction journey, and this book sets a solid foundation for understanding the old-earth view. Even just knowing that a man I so respect holds this view is comforting, even if I’m not convinced it’s the correct view.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but not great. For more thorough, challenging content, read Beyond Creation Science by Timothy P. Martin.

[Amy Laurens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overview
In this quick read, Dr Snoke prevents a convincing case for Biblical evidence of an old earth. He suggests that in the modern day, young-earth proponents are the equivalent of the Christians who at the time of Copernicus argued that a helio-centric universe was blasphemous: ultimately, science moved on, proving Copernicus's model and causing a re-examination of interpretations of the Bible that were once used to support the earth-centric model.

First Impressions
Easy to read style, presents logical arguments and sufficient data and references. Even the first few chapters of this book caused me to rethink some of my own assumptions - perhaps the most superficial of which being that it 'doesn't matter' whether the earth is old or new. In fact, as Dr Snoke outlines, taking an old or young earth view dramatically impacts many other areas of Biblical theology.

High Points
Pretty much the same as my first impressions. I read this book in a single sitting, and appreciate it for its conversational, yet logical and thorough analysis of the issue. So many things he mentions, which I'd never thought of before, simply make sense. :)

Low Points
This is not a book written to convince an atheist that the weight of scientific evidence supports Biblical history. The science is not rigourously backed nor minutely detailed. In my opinion, however, the book delivers exactly what it needs in order to reach its intended aim: to reach the often loud Christians who use pseudo-science and unsupported hypotheses to make their point, and in doing so preclude any opportunity for sensible, rational, scientific discussion.

(Usefulness) Rating
Well, it's not exactly the most useful book in terms of its impact on my writing. It's given me a few shiny worldbuilding ideas, but that's about the extent of it. However, I still rate this a pocket book (as in carry around in your pocket) simply for the impact it's had on my beliefs, allowing me once and for all to be satisfied that one really can believe in science and God.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well reasoned look at the issue. Snoke effectively argued that an "old-earth position is a valid, conservative and orthodox interpretation of the Bible." He was more charitable and reserved in his critique of "young earthers" than many of them are of "old earthers" like him. I'd heard him speak on the issue a few years before this book was written and even corresponded briefly with him on the topic. Although I'm not an expert on the young earth/old earth issue, I have read several other books on topic and did not think there was very much new information brought to the debate by this book. However, positionally Snoke is a significant voice to hear as he is both an associate professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Pittsburgh AND a ruling elder in a conservative denomination, the Presbyterian Church of America (PCA). Easily accessible to readers without scientific or theological training.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book on the subject.

While I agree wholeheartedly agree that God was the creator of the heavens and the earth - I very much have a hard time agreeing that it was only 6,000 years ago (ala Answers In Genesis). This book provides another view point that allows you to be a Christian and to believe current science that points to the earth being millions of years old.

I highly recommend this book if you interested in the this topic, no matter what side of the earth age fence you are on.

[Logan Almy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An impressive challenge to those who claim that YEC is the only viable choice for the Bible-believing Christian. I remain a YEC myself, but I certainly had to re-think my position in light of the challenges presented here and ditch some bad arguments in its favor.

[Philip Christman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I'm open to an old-earth-without-evolution position, this book is unconvincing. Snoke's arguments are often weaker than he claims new earth arguments to be. But he still makes some good points, and this book is a worth while addition to the ongoing controversy.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good summary of this position made by someone with a high view of scripture. There were very good points about animal death, and what an unfallen world might have looked like. I find the day- age theory unconvincing. But he was also helpful on the extent of the flood.,

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

every theory has weaknesses. it's nice when someone is not dogmatic about all the details not spelled out in scripture.

[Matt Frawley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good arguments. One of the best books on the issue that I have read so far. Unfortunately, the people that need to read this, will not. The book felt a little shorter than it could have been.

[Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Snoke's arguments for an old earth.