Counsels on Secular Worldview

Counsel #11 — Ordering Fossil Finds

Picture: Counsel #11 — Ordering Fossil Finds CSe 51.1

The first animal fossils in the lowest Paleozoic rocks are marine invertebrates, marking the Cambrian explosion. This sudden appearance of all fossilized animal phyla thoroughly baffles naturalistic evolutionists. Above these layers are various fish and other marine invertebrates. Two-thirds up the Paleozoic strata, the first amphibians appear, followed by the first reptiles near the top. While this is often seen as an evolutionary sequence, it is also an ecological one: starting with marine invertebrates at the bottom, followed by other marine groups. As we move up into the upper Paleozoic and Mesozoic, we find semi-aquatic or shore-line animals. Higher in the Mesozoic, terrestrial groups like the dinosaurs, large reptiles, and the first mammals and birds appear. Even higher, most birds and mammals are found.^[51] CSe 51.2

“To the roots of the mountain I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit.” Jonah 2:6 NIV CSe 51.3

“Science is ever discovering new wonders; but she brings from her research nothing that, rightly understood, conflicts with divine revelation.” Ellen White in Education, p. 128 CSe 51.4

Reflect: In what areas of scientific research do you see the clearest support for the biblical account of earth’s origins? CSe 51.5