A Matter of Days: Resolving a Creation Controversy

by Hugh Ross

An old-earth view takes on the challenges of young-earth proponents through a study of history, Scripture, and nature-and a testable creation model.

Genres: Science, Theology, Nonfiction, Christian, Christianity, Religion, Faith

303 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2004

About the author

Astrophysicist Hugh Ross is founder, senior scholar, and former president of Reasons to Believe (RTB).

He earned a degree in physics from the University of British Columbia and a PhD in astronomy from the University of Toronto. He continued his research on quasars and galaxies as a postdoctoral fellow at Caltech. In 1986, Ross launched RTB to research, develop, and communicate the harmonious relationship between science and Christianity.

Ross has authored or coauthored numerous books, including Rescuing Inerrancy, Designed to the Core, and The Creator and the Cosmos. He has also presented his testable creation model in countless interviews, peer-reviewed articles, videos, and podcasts, as well as at hundreds of speaking engagements at venues around the world.

Reviews

[Luke Nix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. A must-read if you are interested in the controversy over the age of the universe. For the full chapter-by-chapter summary review, please go here: http://lukenixblog.blogspot.com/2015/...

Merged review:

The debate surrounding the age of the universe has been a hot topic in the Christian Church for quite some time, and it seems that the tensions grow tighter every year. As someone who loves science and who's faith in Christ was solidified by the evidence from the sciences for the inerrancy of scripture, I find it quite discouraging that there is so much emotional hostility in the Church against the sciences and even scientists, themselves. Dr. Hugh Ross is an advocate for Christ and is a practicing scientist. His desire to see growth in the Kingdom has compelled him to write several books showing how many (not all) interpretations of the record of nature demonstrate evidence for the truth of Scripture. Unfortunately, his efforts have been met with a barrage of criticism from within the Church because he believes the evidence conclusively supports the fact that the universe is billions of years old and not merely thousands.

A Matter of Days (Second Edition) is one of Dr. Ross' books that addresses this topic in a humble and gentle manner. He brings the evidence of nature and the evidence of Scripture together to show that there is no real reason to fear the fact that the universe is billions of years old, and that such evidence actually provides spectacular evidence for the God of the Bible and the inerrancy of His revelation to us.

Dr. Ross' attitude throughout the book is not one of condemnation against those who disagree, but one of an authentic desire for reconciliation in an effort to provide more evidence for the inerrancy of the Bible and the ultimate truth of Christ's life, death, and resurrection. Throughout the book, many evidences for God's work in nature are put forth, but not necessarily in great detail. As a defender of the Christian worldview I found this book to be quite valuable in addressing scientific misunderstandings about the Christian worldview (such as the idea that young-earth creationism is a necessary component of it) and in addressing fellow Christians who hold the wrong view and attempt to defend it to scientifically minded unbelievers. I really appreciated Dr. Ross' humble, yet confident and soundly reasoned, approach to this sensitive topic.

This particular book of Dr. Ross' is not the best of his works for defending God's existence via the sciences; however, it is an extremely valueable resource for any apologist who constantly encounters the need to correct misunderstandings of the Christian worldview with regards to the sciences. It is also a wonderful asset for the Christian who may be "on the fence" about the age-of-the-universe issue and is investigating out of curiosity or struggle with doubt. Regardless of the reason for getting this book, I believe that the reader will finish it with an understanding that Christians have nothing to fear from the sciences and only evidence upon evidence to gain in support of the truth and authority of God's Word.

For my complete chapter-by-chapter summary review of the second edition of the book, please follow this link: http://lukenixblog.blogspot.com/2015/...

[Brian]

Simply the best book I have read on the topic. Hugh Ross makes a convincing case that evangelical protestants would benefit from stopping their ridiculous argument that a recent literal 7-day creation is worth holding onto. The evidence from the Bible and from God's creation is clear that the earth is far older than a literal-day translation can allow. The fact that the universe is billions of years old proclaims Gods glory rather than undermines it.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Focuses particularly on the Genesis creation account and how it might be understood to meld with current knowledge about the beginning of the universe, galaxy and solar system.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

ROSS FOCUSES HIS ATTENTION ON THE ‘DAY’ AND ‘TIME’ CONTROVERSIES

Astrophysicist Hugh Ross wrote in the Introduction of this 2004 book, “Two passions motivate the writing of this book: The study of God’s Word (the Bible) and the study of His creation (science). Sadly, even though zeal for motivating others toward these lifelong endeavors consumes most of my time and energy, I’ve met unimaginable and disheartening opposition along the way. Debates of the age of the universe and earth and the duration of the Genesis creation days have for the past several decades deeply divided the evangelical Christian community. But instead of dissipating with each new discovery the confusion and conflict increase. This impediment to Christian unity appears to be heightening into a storm of ferocious fury.

“One might suppose the worst resistance to an evangelical scientific message would come from non-Christian scientists. Regrettably, such is not the case. The most stinging attacks come from within the body of Christ, from God-loving members of the church who suppose that the facts of nature cannot possibly line up with the truths of Scripture. For this reason they call me a compromiser and, worse, a heretic. That anyone could take such a charge seriously breaks my heart. So does the accusation that I don’t care about the salvation of unbelievers. What could generate such tension and divisiveness? One simple word: ‘day.’ For some Christians (young-earth adherents), a ‘day’ of creation means a literal 24-hour day. The creation week described in Genesis is … a total of 144 hours. For other Christians (old-earth proponents), ‘day’ equates to six long periods of time---ages or epochs that encompass thousands or millions of years each.

“Because of my concern for those who cannot reconcile the young-earth concept with their scientific observations, I founded the evangelistic organization ‘Reasons to Believe.’ … I wrote this book… to show how science supports Scripture and how the Bible validates science. Powerful evidence exists that can draw thinking people toward a relationship with the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, Jesus Christ. This book reveals much of the evidence… [But] my main purpose for writing and speaking on this topic so often [is] to bring reconciliation, as much as possible to the Church… Though belief about the age of creation or the length of a day has little bearing on the essential teachings about God’s redemptive provision for repentant human beings, divisiveness hinders the Christian example of love for one another… Anger on this issue thwarts evangelism and does not accomplish the purposes of God.”

He explains in the first chapter, “Many Christians fear that believing in a billions-of-years-old Earth … [is] an implied denial of Adam and Eve as literal historical persons… [A]t a conference on the Genesis creation accounts... Someone from the audience asked the panel, ‘Did God literally create Eve out of a rib of Adam[?]’ … each of the old-earthers---despite significant differences among us in our interpretation of Genesis---expressed belief in God’s direct creation of Eve (and Adam)… The troubling issue is not the historical factuality or the recency of Adam and Eve but rather the identity and authenticity of the so-called humanlike species that existed before them.” (Pg. 19)

He points out that in the collection of books called ‘The Fundamentals: A Testimony to the Truth,’ professor of apologetics and systematic theology James Orr wrote: ‘You say there is the ‘six days’ and the question whether those days are meant to be measured by the twenty-four hours of the sun’s revolution around the earth… It is difficult to see how they should be so measured when the sun that is to measure them is not introduced until the fourth day. Do not think that this … is a new speculation… Augustine in early times… and Thomas Aquinas in the middle ages… leave the matter an open question.” (Pg. 30)

He notes, “Some people see the words translated as ‘evening’ and ‘morning’ as evidence the ‘yom’ refers to a 24-hour period. However, other valid options exist… ‘evening’ and ‘morning’ refer to the beginning and ending of a day, whatever definition of ‘day' applies… [Some] authors wrote, ‘This phrase [evening and morning] is used 38 times in the Old Testament not counting Genesis 1. Each time… the phrase refers to a normal 24-hour-type day.’” Ross counters, “the word ‘day’ appears in none of these [38] examples… In only a few of the examples do the words ‘evening’ and ‘morning’ appear in the same sentence, or verse. The phrase ‘evening and morning’ appears only one time… The expression being considered---‘and there was evening and there was morning’---appears only in Genesis 1.” (Pg.74)

He argues, “If the Sun, Moon, stars and presumably planets in the vicinity of Earth were dropped into place on the fourth creation day, the gravitational perturbations would have radically altered Earth and instantly destroyed all life… As a way around these enormous complications, some young-earth creationist leaders suggest that God could have radically altered physics. While no Christian would doubt that He COULD have, both biblical texts and astronomical observations support the conclusion that He did not.” (Pg. 77-78)

He observes, “Most young-universe creationist spokespersons concede that stars and galaxies really are as distant as astronomers claim. However, some suggest that light waves did not actually come to us from the stars and galaxies but were set in motion from points along the way… The problem here is that starlight and galaxy light give direct indications of their travel distances… To suggest that God artificially fixed that broadening and reddening of the light individually from 10 billion trillion stars and 100 billion galaxies is to imply intentional deceit on a vast scale.” (Pg. 162-163)

He considers the argument from Thomas Barnes about Earth’s magnetic field ‘decay,’ and replies, “Earth’s magnetic field does not undergo steady weakening but rather a variable alteration … Rocks reveal that the Earth’s magnetic field often reverses its polarity… a few young-earth creationist leaders acknowledge that magnetic reversals indeed have occurred. They claim, however, that … the young-earth model assumes that the reversals occurred rapidly… as ‘proof’ that the young earth model has triumphed over the old-earth model. No such triumph has occurred. Only a few of Earth’s past magnetic reversals were rapid… In essence, Earth’s magnetic field is better described as a global, stable, long-lasting oscillation interrupted by rapid, local directional and amplitude changes.” (Pg. 189-190)

Of purportedly ‘human’ footprints found alongside dinosaur footprints, he notes, “these ‘human’ footprints were made by dinosaurs. *The footprints are too far apart to be made by humans… *Some of the ‘human’ prints have dinosaur features, for example, claw marks… *The line of supposed ‘human’ prints often blends into a line of perfect tridactyl prints… *Many prints that were claimed to be ‘human’ turned out to be mere erosion patterns.” (Pg. 199-200) [Also note that ‘The Paluxy River Mystery’ article by ICR scientist John D. Morris… admits that these ‘human’ footprints are actually dinosaur footprints, and that ‘it would now be improper for creationists to continue to use the Paluxy data as evidence against evolution.’]

Are Neanderthals just like ‘modern’ humans? “Recently investigators discovered mDNA from five different Neanderthal specimens. Careful analysis showed that the mDNA sequences were so different from both modern and ancient human mDNA that Neanderthals could not have made any contribution to the human gene pool.” (Pg. 225)

He speculates, “Why did God create bipedal primates prior to Adam and Eve?... One possible scenario is that in the time period prior to Adam and Eve’s creation God made a sequence of bipedal primate species, each more skillful at hunting than the one before. Birds and mammals would then have developed better behavioral defenses against the future onslaught of humanity. God may have had other reasons as well for creating bipedal primates, reasons scientists are as yet incapable of discerning.” (Pg. 237)

This book will be of great interest to Christians studying such ‘time’ questions, and the Bible.

[Sarah Seele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if I hadn't found his arguments singularly convincing (which I did), I'd still love this book for how kind the tone is?? Like, he definitely believes what he believes (day-age old-earth creationism) because it's what he sees science AND THE BIBLE, in conjunction, clearly showing, but he isn't being accusatory or needlessly confrontational or antagonistic. You can tell he really does want there to be reconciliation and honest, respectful dialogue. And it's just....refreshing.

[Phil Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Reasonable Defense

This book offers a reasonable and rational defense of an old-earth creationist position. I appreciated the author's plea to not let the issue of the age of the earth divide Evangelicals.

[Randall O. Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Matter of Days is a very scholarly, comprehensive work on the creation-day controversy by Dr. Ross. This is the second or third time I've read it; the first time for this edition. Dr. Ross provides a solid case for the soundness and orthodoxy of Day Age (long day) creation theory using arguments from history, Biblical hermeneutics (a study of the original language as well as ALL of the Biblical texts related to creation), and science. All truth is God's truth - Biblical truth and God's revealed truth in His created order. We don't need to fear science because the heavens declare the glory of God! It's time for God's people to love each other, engage in vigorous debate, but in the end not engage in disunity over secondary issues. Ultimately, our purpose is to glorify God and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not fight over the age of the earth.

[Sammy Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing and well formed

Dr Ross continues to fly the flag of progressive creationism in a Watergate easy to understand and respects both sides of the coin. This book along with others from the Reason To Believe team have helped to strengthen my faith and offer sound apologetic for Genesis. Worth reading for anyone who wrestles with this topic.

[Kyle De Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hugh Ross’s "A Matter of Days" is a thoughtful and respectful defense of old-earth creationism, aimed at Christians who want to take both the Bible and science seriously. Ross accepts the Big Bang and rejects young-earth timelines, which makes his work more credible than much of the creationist literature. His tone is pastoral, not combative, and he genuinely wants to help believers reconcile faith and reason.

I find Ross most convincing when he critiques the literal use of biblical genealogies for dating the age of the Earth. He explains clearly why these genealogies were never meant to function as strict chronological records. His analysis is a helpful corrective to a common misreading. I also find his interpretation of Noah’s Flood as a localized event more coherent than global flood models. Ross presents the Flood not as a universal physical necessity but as a providential and prophetic sign with theological purpose. These sections of the book reflect his strengths in integrating Scripture and science with care and insight.

I agree with Ross that the Bible is inerrant and that it does not contradict modern science. However, this is not because the Bible contains or anticipates scientific discoveries in the way Ross often suggests. It is because, when we examine the literary genres, rhetorical patterns, and theological idioms used throughout Scripture, it becomes clear that the Bible is not making scientific claims in the first place. The text speaks truthfully within the horizon of its purpose, which is theological, moral, and covenantal, not empirical. Conflicts only arise when people try to force the Bible to answer questions it was never intended to address.

However, I find several aspects of Ross’s approach unconvincing. While I agree with a figurative interpretation of the six days, I find the literary framework hypothesis more coherent than Ross’s day-age model. The structure of Genesis 1 functions more as a theological framework than a scientific chronology. Forcing a one-to-one mapping between biblical days and natural history eras imposes a burden on the text that it does not require.

More importantly, I believe Ross crosses the line into pseudoscience when he offers a testable creation model. The scientific method requires observation, measurement, and repeatable testing. But Scripture draws clear boundaries around such efforts when it comes to God. "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested him at Massah" (Deuteronomy 6:16, ESV). "No one has ever seen God" (John 1:18), and "Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure" (Psalm 147:5). Trying to verify divine creation through laboratory methods misunderstands both the nature of God and the limits of science. Creation is revealed, not tested.

Ross appeals to Romans 1, where Paul writes that "his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made" (Romans 1:20). But there is a difference between what can be known through philosophical reasoning, such as arguments from contingency, order, or complexity, and what can be demonstrated through modern scientific methods. Philosophy and natural theology deal in broad, rational inferences. Experimental science, by contrast, relies on observation, measurement, and falsifiable theories. Ross’s attempt to treat these as interchangeable creates confusion about what science can actually do and what theological truths must be known by faith or reasoned argument.

I personally believe that God wills all things into existence at all times through one simultaneous, instantaneous, and eternal act. Therefore, there is no need to point to sudden leaps or gaps in the fossil record to demonstrate God's presence or activity in the universe. God is just as capable of working through natural causes and processes as he is through miraculous, supernatural phenomena. I feel that Ross places too much emphasis on such gaps to make his case. This implies that God can only work or create through direct intervention. It reduces divine agency to the exceptional rather than affirming God's continuous and sovereign action in all things. It may conceivably be true that there are gaps in the fossil record that science will never fully account for. But using these gaps as a way to prove divine action resembles a god-of-the-gaps argument, and it remains vulnerable to future discoveries that may close the gaps with new transitional forms.

Ross sees the Big Bang as evidence of creation, and it is refreshing that he affirms it. However, the Big Bang may not represent the absolute beginning of all things. It may mark the origin of this observable universe but not of all reality. Some models suggest prior states or parallel universes. More importantly, for most of history, there was no scientific evidence pointing to a beginning at all. Yet the doctrine of creation was still affirmed on the basis of divine revelation.

This book is useful for readers moving away from young-earth fundamentalism. It models respect for Scripture and science. However, in trying too hard to prove creation through empirical means, Ross loses sight of a deeper truth. God cannot be tested, measured, or seen through human instruments. Creation can only be received by faith.

[Amos · Rating 5 out of 5]

COSMOLOGY & ASTRONOMY:

1. The earth free-floats in space, affected only by gravity. While other sources declared the earth sat on the back of an elephant or turtle, or was held up by Atlas, the Bible alone states what we now know to be true.

Job 26:7: He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and Suspending the earth upon nothing.

2. The earth is an orb or sphere. At a time when many thought the earth was flat, the Bible told us that the earth is spherical.

Isaiah 40:22: It is He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in.

Webster's 1828 Dictionary's definition of CIRCLE. "In popular use, the line that comprehends the figure, the plane or surface comprehended, and the whole body or solid matter of a round substance, are denominated a circle; a ring; an orb; the earth."

3. Scripture assumes a revolving (spherical) earth. Jesus said that at His return some would be asleep at night while others would be working at day time activities in the field. This is a clear indication of a revolving earth, with day and night occurring simultaneously.

Luke 17:34-36: I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

4. Black holes and dark matter anticipated. Cosmologists now speculate that over 98% of the known universe is comprised of dark matter, with dark energy and black holes. A black hole's gravitational field is so strong that nothing, not even light, escapes. Beyond the expanding universe there is no measured radiation and therefore only outer darkness exists. These theories paint a seemingly accurate description of what the Bible calls "outer darkness" or "the blackness of darkness forever."

Matthew 25:30: And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Jude 13: Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

5. Incalculable number of stars. At a time when less than 5,000 stars were visible to the human eye, God stated that the stars of heaven were innumerable. Not until the 17th century did Galileo glimpse the immensity of our universe with his new telescope. Today, astronomers estimate that there are ten thousand billion trillion stars - a 1 followed by 25 zeros! Yet, as the Bible states, scientists admit this number may be woefully inadequate.

Jeremiah 33:22: As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.

6. The number of stars, though vast, are finite. Although man is unable to calculate the exact number of stars, we now know their number is finite. Of course God knew this all along.

Isaiah 40:26: Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.

7. The Bible compares the number of stars with the number of grains of sand on the seashore. Amazingly, gross estimates of the number of sand grains are comparable to the estimated number of stars in the universe.

Genesis 22:17: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies.

8. The universe is expanding. Repeatedly God declares that He stretches out the heavens. During the early 20th century, most scientists (including Einstein) believed the universe was static. Others believed it should have collapsed due to gravity. Then in 1929, astronomer Edwin Hubble showed that distant galaxies were receding from the earth, and the further away they were, the faster they were moving. This discovery revolutionized the field of astronomy. Eisntein admitted his mistake, and today most astronomers agree with what the Creator told us millennia ago - the universe is expanding!

Isaiah 42:5: Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein.

Jeremiah 51:15: He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.

Zechariah 12:1: The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.

9. Each star is unique. Centuries before the advent of the telescope, the Bible declared what only God and the angels knew: each star varies in size and intensity!

1 Corinthians 15:41: There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

10. The sun goes in a circuit. Some scientists scoffed at this verse thinking that it taught geocentricity - the theory that the sun revolves around the earth. They insisted the sun was stationary. However, we now know that the sun is traveling through space at approximately 600,000 miles per hour. It is literally moving through space in a huge circuit - just as the Bible stated 3,000 years ago!

Psalm 19:6: [The sun's] going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.


PHYSICS:

1. Creation is made of atoms and particles, indiscernible to our eyes. Not until the 19th century was it discovered that all visible matter consists of invisible elements.

Hebrews 11:3: Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

2. Light can be divided. Sir Isaac Newton studied light and discovered that white light is made of seven colors, which can be "parted" and then recombined. Science confirmed this four centuries ago - God declared it four millennia ago!

Job 38:24: By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth?

3. Light travels in a path. Light is said to have a "way" [Hebrew: derek, literally a traveled path or road]. Until the 17th century it was believed that light was transmitted instantaneously. We now know that light is a form of energy that travels at 186,000 miles per second in a straight line. Indeed, there is a "way" of light.

Job 38:19: Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof.

4. The Bible says that light can be sent, and then manifest itself in speech. We now know that radio waves and light waves are two forms of the same thing: electromagnetic waves. Therefore, radio waves are a form of light. Today, using radio transmitters, we can send "lightnings" which indeed speak when they arrive.

Job 38:35: Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are?

5. The First Law of Thermodynamics established. The First Law states that the total quantity of energy and matter in the universe is a constant. One form of energy or matter may be converted into another, but the total quantity always remains the same. Therefore the creation is finished, exactly as God said way back in Genesis.

Genesis 2:1-2: Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

6. The Second Law of Thermodynamics (Entropy). This law states that everything in the universe is running down, deteriorating, and constantly becoming less and less orderly. Entropy (disorder) entered when mankind rebelled against God - resulting in the curse (Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 8:20-22). Historically most people believed the universe was unchangeable. Yet modern science verifies that the universe is growing "old as doth a garment'' (Hebrews 1:11). Evolution directly contradicts this, the most tested of all scientific laws.

Psalm 102:25-26: Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed.

Romans 8:20-22: For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.


BIOLOGY:

1. Law of Biogenesis explained. Scientists observe that life only comes from existing life. This law has never been violated under observation or experimentation (as evolution requires). Therefore, life, God's life, created all life.

Genesis 1:11, 20, 24: And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. ... And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. ... And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.

Genesis 2:7: And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

2. The earth was designed for biological life. Scientists have discovered that the most fundamental characteristics of our earth and cosmos are so finely tuned that if just one of them were even slightly different, life as we know it couldn't exist. This is called the Anthropic Principle and it agrees with the Bible which states that God formed the earth to be inhabited.

Isaiah 45:18: For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

3. God has given us just the right amount of water to sustain life. We now recognize that if there was significantly more or less water, the earth would not support life as we know it.

Isaiah 40:12: Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?

4. Our bodies are made from the dust of the ground. Scientists have discovered that the human body is comprised of some 28 base and trace elements - all of which are found in the earth.

Genesis 2:7: And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Genesis 3:19: In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

5. Life begins at fertilization. God declares that He knew us before we were born. The Biblical penalty for murdering an unborn child was death (Exodus 21:22-23). Today, it is an irrefutable biological fact that the fertilized egg is truly an entire human being. Nothing will be added to the first cell except nutrition and oxygen.

Psalm 139:15: "My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth."

Jeremiah 1:5: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

6. God fashions and knits us together in the womb. Science was ignorant concerning embryonic development until recently. Yet thousands of years ago, the Bible accurately described God making us an intricate unity' in the womb.

Job 10:8-12: "Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again? Hast thou not poured me out as milk, and curdled me like cheese? Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit."

7. The seed of a plant contains its life. As stated in the Book of Genesis, we now recognize that inside the humble seed is life itself. Within the seed is a tiny factory of amazing complexity. No scientist can build a synthetic seed and no seed is simple!

Genesis 1:11-12: "And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good."

8. A seed must die to produce new life. In John 12:24 is remarkable confirmation of two of the fundamental concepts in biology: 1) Cells arise only from existing cells. 2) A grain must die to produce more grain. The fallen seed is surrounded by supporting cells from the old body. These supporting cells "give their lives" to provide nourishment to the inner kernel. Once planted, this inner kernel germinates resulting in much grain.

John 12:24: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."

1 Corinthians 15:36-38: "Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body."
www.jw.org

[NASIR · Rating 5 out of 5]

COSMOLOGY & ASTRONOMY:

1. The earth in space, affected only by gravity. While other sources declared the earth sat on the back of an elephant or turtle, or was held up by Atlas, the Bible alone states what we now know to be true.

Job 26:7: He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and Suspending the earth upon nothing.

2. The earth is an orb or sphere. At a time when many thought the earth was flat, the Bible told us that the earth is spherical.

Isaiah 40:22: It is He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in.

Webster's 1828 Dictionary's definition of CIRCLE. "In popular use, the line that comprehends the figure, the plane or surface comprehended, and the whole body or solid matter of a round substance, are denominated a circle; a ring; an orb; the earth."

3. Scripture assumes a revolving (spherical) earth. Jesus said that at His return some would be asleep at night while others would be working at day time activities in the field. This is a clear indication of a revolving earth, with day and night occurring simultaneously.

Luke 17:34-36: I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

4. Black holes and dark matter anticipated. Cosmologists now speculate that over 98% of the known universe is comprised of dark matter, with dark energy and black holes. A black hole's gravitational field is so strong that nothing, not even light, escapes. Beyond the expanding universe there is no measured radiation and therefore only outer darkness exists. These theories paint a seemingly accurate description of what the Bible calls "outer darkness" or "the blackness of darkness forever."

Matthew 25:30: And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Jude 13: Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

5. Incalculable number of stars. At a time when less than 5,000 stars were visible to the human eye, God stated that the stars of heaven were innumerable. Not until the 17th century did Galileo glimpse the immensity of our universe with his new telescope. Today, astronomers estimate that there are ten thousand billion trillion stars - a 1 followed by 25 zeros! Yet, as the Bible states, scientists admit this number may be woefully inadequate.

Jeremiah 33:22: As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.

6. The number of stars, though vast, are finite. Although man is unable to calculate the exact number of stars, we now know their number is finite. Of course God knew this all along.

Isaiah 40:26: Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.

7. The Bible compares the number of stars with the number of grains of sand on the seashore. Amazingly, gross estimates of the number of sand grains are comparable to the estimated number of stars in the universe.

Genesis 22:17: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies.

8. The universe is expanding. Repeatedly God declares that He stretches out the heavens. During the early 20th century, most scientists (including Einstein) believed the universe was static. Others believed it should have collapsed due to gravity. Then in 1929, astronomer Edwin Hubble showed that distant galaxies were receding from the earth, and the further away they were, the faster they were moving. This discovery revolutionized the field of astronomy. Eisntein admitted his mistake, and today most astronomers agree with what the Creator told us millennia ago - the universe is expanding!

Isaiah 42:5: Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein.

Jeremiah 51:15: He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.

Zechariah 12:1: The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.

9. Each star is unique. Centuries before the advent of the telescope, the Bible declared what only God and the angels knew: each star varies in size and intensity!

1 Corinthians 15:41: There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

10. The sun goes in a circuit. Some scientists scoffed at this verse thinking that it taught geocentricity - the theory that the sun revolves around the earth. They insisted the sun was stationary. However, we now know that the sun is traveling through space at approximately 600,000 miles per hour. It is literally moving through space in a huge circuit - just as the Bible stated 3,000 years ago!

Psalm 19:6: [The sun's] going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.


PHYSICS:

1. Creation is made of atoms and particles, indiscernible to our eyes. Not until the 19th century was it discovered that all visible matter consists of invisible elements.

Hebrews 11:3: Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

2. Light can be divided. Sir Isaac Newton studied light and discovered that white light is made of seven colors, which can be "parted" and then recombined. Science confirmed this four centuries ago - God declared it four millennia ago!

Job 38:24: By what way is the light parted, which scattereth the east wind upon the earth?

3. Light travels in a path. Light is said to have a "way" [Hebrew: derek, literally a traveled path or road]. Until the 17th century it was believed that light was transmitted instantaneously. We now know that light is a form of energy that travels at 186,000 miles per second in a straight line. Indeed, there is a "way" of light.

Job 38:19: Where is the way where light dwelleth? and as for darkness, where is the place thereof.

4. The Bible says that light can be sent, and then manifest itself in speech. We now know that radio waves and light waves are two forms of the same thing: electromagnetic waves. Therefore, radio waves are a form of light. Today, using radio transmitters, we can send "lightnings" which indeed speak when they arrive.

Job 38:35: Canst thou send lightnings, that they may go, and say unto thee, Here we are?

5. The First Law of Thermodynamics established. The First Law states that the total quantity of energy and matter in the universe is a constant. One form of energy or matter may be converted into another, but the total quantity always remains the same. Therefore the creation is finished, exactly as God said way back in Genesis.

Genesis 2:1-2: Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.

6. The Second Law of Thermodynamics (Entropy). This law states that everything in the universe is running down, deteriorating, and constantly becoming less and less orderly. Entropy (disorder) entered when mankind rebelled against God - resulting in the curse (Genesis 3:17-19; Romans 8:20-22). Historically most people believed the universe was unchangeable. Yet modern science verifies that the universe is growing "old as doth a garment'' (Hebrews 1:11). Evolution directly contradicts this, the most tested of all scientific laws.

Psalm 102:25-26: Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed.

Romans 8:20-22: For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.


BIOLOGY:

1. Law of Biogenesis explained. Scientists observe that life only comes from existing life. This law has never been violated under observation or experimentation (as evolution requires). Therefore, life, God's life, created all life.

Genesis 1:11, 20, 24: And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. ... And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. ... And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.

Genesis 2:7: And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

2. The earth was designed for biological life. Scientists have discovered that the most fundamental characteristics of our earth and cosmos are so finely tuned that if just one of them were even slightly different, life as we know it couldn't exist. This is called the Anthropic Principle and it agrees with the Bible which states that God formed the earth to be inhabited.

Isaiah 45:18: For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the LORD; and there is none else.

3. God has given us just the right amount of water to sustain life. We now recognize that if there was significantly more or less water, the earth would not support life as we know it.

Isaiah 40:12: Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?

4. Our bodies are made from the dust of the ground. Scientists have discovered that the human body is comprised of some 28 base and trace elements - all of which are found in the earth.

Genesis 2:7: And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

Genesis 3:19: In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.

5. Life begins at fertilization. God declares that He knew us before we were born. The Biblical penalty for murdering an unborn child was death (Exodus 21:22-23). Today, it is an irrefutable biological fact that the fertilized egg is truly an entire human being. Nothing will be added to the first cell except nutrition and oxygen.

Psalm 139:15: "My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth."

Jeremiah 1:5: Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

6. God fashions and knits us together in the womb. Science was ignorant concerning embryonic development until recently. Yet thousands of years ago, the Bible accurately described God making us an intricate unity' in the womb.

Job 10:8-12: "Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me. Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay; and wilt thou bring me into dust again? Hast thou not poured me out as milk, and curdled me like cheese? Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit."

7. The seed of a plant contains its life. As stated in the Book of Genesis, we now recognize that inside the humble seed is life itself. Within the seed is a tiny factory of amazing complexity. No scientist can build a synthetic seed and no seed is simple!

Genesis 1:11-12: "And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good."

8. A seed must die to produce new life. In John 12:24 is remarkable confirmation of two of the fundamental concepts in biology: 1) Cells arise only from existing cells. 2) A grain must die to produce more grain. The fallen seed is surrounded by supporting cells from the old body. These supporting cells "give their lives" to provide nourishment to the inner kernel. Once planted, this inner kernel germinates resulting in much grain.

John 12:24: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."

1 Corinthians 15:36-38: "Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die: And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain: But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body."
www.jw.org

Merged review:

COSMOLOGY & ASTRONOMY:

1. The earth in space, affected only by gravity. While other sources declared the earth sat on the back of an elephant or turtle, or was held up by Atlas, the Bible alone states what we now know to be true.

Job 26:7: He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and Suspending the earth upon nothing.

2. The earth is an orb or sphere. At a time when many thought the earth was flat, the Bible told us that the earth is spherical.

Isaiah 40:22: It is He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in.

Webster's 1828 Dictionary's definition of CIRCLE. "In popular use, the line that comprehends the figure, the plane or surface comprehended, and the whole body or solid matter of a round substance, are denominated a circle; a ring; an orb; the earth."

3. Scripture assumes a revolving (spherical) earth. Jesus said that at His return some would be asleep at night while others would be working at day time activities in the field. This is a clear indication of a revolving earth, with day and night occurring simultaneously.

Luke 17:34-36: I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

4. Black holes and dark matter anticipated. Cosmologists now speculate that over 98% of the known universe is comprised of dark matter, with dark energy and black holes. A black hole's gravitational field is so strong that nothing, not even light, escapes. Beyond the expanding universe there is no measured radiation and therefore only outer darkness exists. These theories paint a seemingly accurate description of what the Bible calls "outer darkness" or "the blackness of darkness forever."

Matthew 25:30: And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Jude 13: Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.

5. Incalculable number of stars. At a time when less than 5,000 stars were visible to the human eye, God stated that the stars of heaven were innumerable. Not until the 17th century did Galileo glimpse the immensity of our universe with his new telescope. Today, astronomers estimate that there are ten thousand billion trillion stars - a 1 followed by 25 zeros! Yet, as the Bible states, scientists admit this number may be woefully inadequate.

Jeremiah 33:22: As the host of heaven cannot be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, and the Levites that minister unto me.

6. The number of stars, though vast, are finite. Although man is unable to calculate the exact number of stars, we now know their number is finite. Of course God knew this all along.

Isaiah 40:26: Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.

7. The Bible compares the number of stars with the number of grains of sand on the seashore. Amazingly, gross estimates of the number of sand grains are comparable to the estimated number of stars in the universe.

Genesis 22:17: That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies.

8. The universe is expanding. Repeatedly God declares that He stretches out the heavens. During the early 20th century, most scientists (including Einstein) believed the universe was static. Others believed it should have collapsed due to gravity. Then in 1929, astronomer Edwin Hubble showed that distant galaxies were receding from the earth, and the further away they were, the faster they were moving. This discovery revolutionized the field of astronomy. Eisntein admitted his mistake, and today most astronomers agree with what the Creator told us millennia ago - the universe is expanding!

Isaiah 42:5: Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein.

Jeremiah 51:15: He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.

Zechariah 12:1: The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.

9. Each star is unique. Centuries before the advent of the telescope, the Bible declared what only God and the angels knew: each star varies in size and intensity!

1 Corinthians 15:41: There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

10. The sun goes in a circuit. Some scientists scoffed at this verse thinking that it taught geocentricity - the theory that the sun revolves around

[Mark Drinnenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second book by Hugh Ross, an astronomer and a Christian. He has convinced me that the universe is billions, not thousands, of years old, and his teaching has blessed my heart in how it has shown that this reality defends the veracity of the biblical account of creation. While this book thoroughly discusses these matters, its particular focus is on whether the six days of creation mentioned in the first two chapters of Genesis are six literal calendar days or six long epochs. Ross opts for the latter and spends a good deal of time and offers a good bit of detail to defend that position.

Some of my favorite aspects of Ross’s books are the devotional comments he makes when all is said and done. His description of the universe as being 13.8 billion years old does not lead him to abandon a love for God or a love for God‘s word. Rather, these findings seem to enhance his worship of the Lord, and I find it to be a great blessing to read his worshipful comments about our Creator God.

If you believe that to become a Christian means you must set aside all reason, I highly recommend this book, and I plan on reading many other books by Ross and his colleagues. While some loudly suggest (if not insist) that a belief in a young earth and a young universe are essential for one to have genuine saving faith in Jesus, Ross shows that there is no need to suspend your mind or to ignore what science discovers to be a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ and to worship God as Creator. I have come to believe that, by labeling old earth/old universe findings as necessarily unbiblical and unchristian, the church misses an opportunity to show how the facts of creation tell of its Creator.

[W. Boutwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The tripartite dilemma of modern faith is frequently thought as a dichotomy: Science vs Faith.
It need not be so and Dr Ross goes far to show how viewing both testaments to the acts of God (textual and natural) are congruent with each other. Far from producing a "withering of faith" with the advancement of science, both the general public and the scientific community, for about a century, have maintained the relative proportion of believers and non-believers.
Indeed, the problem has been within the Christian community where a retreat from investigation and disputation has led to an isolation of those who call themselves Young Earthers, those who content the universe was created in 144 hrs and several thousand years ago. They claim this to be the only Christian position when it has never been so, placing it at the center of faith where it thwarts the honest inquiry of possible believers.
Ross's book goes far to pull all the accepted facts and lines of argument together, urging at the last for a consensus position: let the facts, the consideration of the heavens, lead us into truth.

[Dan Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Would highly recommend to anyone interested in the topic. Dr. Ross does an outstanding job making the case from scripture and what we see in nature for an old earth. This view doesn’t take anything away from the inerrancy of scripture and the more we discover about creation, the more an old earth is confirmed. After reading this I have officially become a day-age creationist and not a young earth creationist. The evidence is just too strong to ignore.

The book is well written but is so technical at certain points that I had to skip because it was just beyond my understanding. You don’t have to be a trained scientist to get something out of this though. Ross raises great points about how this controversy is causing damage to the body of Christ and our witness to the world. We shouldn’t be afraid to have open in-house dialogue about the age of the earth without getting so emotional. Bottom line is I highly recommend, but be ok with skipping certain parts if they are over your head.

[Carey Smoak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not merely about the controversy over whether God created the heavens and the earth in six twenty-four hour days (young earth creationists) versus six longer epochs (old earth creationists). This book is a comprehensive response by an old earth creationists (Hugh Ross) to various views held by young earth creationists.

The tone of the book is cordial as Hugh Ross unpacks the old earth creationist viewpoint and countering the young earth creationist viewpoint. This is in contrast to leaders (e.g., Ken Ham) in the young earth creationists movement who are belligerent in their defense of their viewpoint.

Finally, Hugh Ross makes it very clear in this book that old earth creationists are not evolutions. They believe that God miraculously created everything in the heavens and the earth. He shows how it is necessary for God's creation to be created over long epochs so that they earth would be properly prepared for the creation of mankind in the image of God.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not for the faint of heart...

This book gives observable, recordable facts—and lots of them—continually being compiled by astronomers, astrophysicists and other scientists that consistently agree regarding age of the universe, age of our solar system, and age of mankind. If you think verifiable data does not justify reasonable conclusions, then you won’t endure the overwhelming evidence presented here. On the other hand if you find the universe to be of magnificent potential for the revelation of God and his creative works, then you will persist through this excellent record of observable knowledge that identifies the process of creation that is also in accord with biblical indicators.

[Dennis Wales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally someone who gets that the Genesis account does not need to be understood as a 6x24 hour creation event that has to be twisted and turned to be believed in order to be a “true” Christian, while ignoring mountains of evidence that the earth is old. Nowhere in the creeds or really anywhere at all in the gospels does it say that to be a believer requires belief in a young earth. Hearing people say things like, “I just don’t know how I could read my bible faithfully if I beloved that,” just smacks of hypocrisy and judgment, and it makes the same people seem so small minded in the eyes of any nonbeliever they might otherwise hope to convert. Sorry to be harsh, but my toes have been stepped on too many times.

[Matthew C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard to see how one can still hold to YEC after reading this. One thing I love about Ross is the kindhearted candor that he maintains while at the same time powerfully presenting the case against his interlocutors. His evidence on the age of the earth and rebuttals to common YEC hypotheses are well-grounded and thorough (or at least cite sources that deal with the topics in greater detail). Of course several of the details and arguments were beyond my comprehension, but enough of them were readily understandable and have established things fairly solidly in my mind. As to his positive case for the origin of life and so-called "Day-Age" Creation, he does not go into detail. Apparently these are treated in other works of his.

[Matty Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many Christians seem to be under the impression that the only strong Biblical case that can be made for the age of the Earth belongs to the young earth interpretation. In this book Hugh Ross completely smashes this perception by offering a formidable defense of the old earth creation view. Ross presents a consistent view of the Bible which lines up with modern scientific thinking on the age of the Earth and addresses the doctrinal implications of day-age creation. While this book may not be enough to convince everyone it should at least prove that there are strong enough arguments on each side that neither can claim the other is “twisting the word of God.”

[Kent Dickerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are wanting to understand how one can hold to old earth theory and the Bible account of creation, this is the book for you. Well thought out and presented. I would have preferred to hear a bit more from the young-earth creationist's viewpoint but Ross does present quite a lot.
The book does not consider the new theory proposed by many cosmologists that all galaxies appeared at the same time and faster than the speed of light. I think I will follow up with what I can find from Ross on that enlightenment and how it might affect old earth theory.

[Dennis W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real eye opener.

This was one of the most challenging religious/scientific books I have ever read. Mr. Ross does a remarkable job of laying out the complicated Biblical and scientific information available concerning the Creation. And he does it with a gentle, compassionate style, keeping in mind his main task is to lovingly bridge the divide between the young-earth and old-earth camps. I applaud him for his efforts. I highly recommend this well written book but I urge young-earthers to approach the reading of this book with an open mind.

[Peter Schmidt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robust scientific defense of day-age creation against both young-earth creation and secular theory.

The majority of the book focuses on the scientific perspective, which makes sense considering the author’s background. A little long and dry in that respect but glad the content is there. Much of it is inspiring and encouraging.

It did leave me looking for more philosophical debate, and perhaps some comparison to the framework view. This book addresses scientific concerns very accessibly, but I’ll need to look elsewhere for a broader point of comparison.

[Vance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I am not a scientist, yet I was able to follow almost all of his arguments. I was pretty sure where I stood on this issue before I read this book, now I am further entrenched in my position. However, I feel others are free to think differently on this subject. I have good friends (and a wife) (oh, I just have one of those) who lean or are heavily toward the other side. I still love them and get along just fine with them.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old_Earth Young_Earth Creationism Debate

This is a book I will keep on my shelf and refer for years to come. It is on the top of my list when I need a "go-to" book on this debate. A must read for anyone who wants to understand the Old Earth Creation model of interpretation for Genesis.

[Michael A. Simmons, Sr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Days or eons? A compelling book!

Whether you are a new earth Christian or an old earth Christian you will find the information presented by Dr Ross very persuading. The authors focal point throughout is that regardless of your Creation beliefs we are all ultimately Christians and should resolve our doctrinal differences in an atmosphere of love and solidarity.

[AMPerez · Rating 1 out of 5]

Piece of junk. Hugh Ross has to ignore scripture in order to force it to conform with what is purported to be modern science, but which in reality is science falsely so called. There is zero scientific evidence supporting the big bang or evolution. As a matter of fact, actual science conflicts with these models. Ross places man's word above God's Word.

[William E. Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

My comments

For years I have heard from various church members that all of creation occurred during six 24- hour day periods. However, with my background in science I knew this was not the case leading me to question the validity of the Bible. This book resolved most of my concerns and I thankHugh Ross for this well written and informative book.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for my senior thesis. A more comprehensive dive into the specifics of the Christian debate over the timeline of Creation and the age of the Earth. It overall provides a strong foundation for an old earth perspective with many solid sources that are worth reading. Helpful for quotes and directing to original sources.

[J.J. Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book but quite technical at times. Gives Young-Earth creationism a sound beating in a mostly gracious manner. I liked some chapters much more than others and it will be good to keep for notes as it has about 80 pages worth of bibliography.

[Robert Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't agree with his premise.