Counsels on Secular Worldview

Counsel #10 — Volcanic Activity And Catastrophic Change

Picture: Counsel #10 — Volcanic Activity And Catastrophic Change CSe 97.1

While mainstream geology often views volcanic activity as a slow and gradual process, volcanic eruptions could have been much more intense and frequent during the Flood and its aftermath, playing a significant role in shaping the Earth’s surface and triggering other geological processes, such as earthquakes, tsunamis and landslides, further accelerating the rate of change. CSe 97.2

Underwater volcanic eruptions can rapidly build up new landmasses, as evidenced by volcanic islands forming in the ocean. Extensive lava flows can cover vast areas, creating new terrain and altering existing landscapes. Volcanic activity, coupled with other catastrophic events like the Flood, could have contributed to mass extinction events and may also have rapidly formed many of the Earth's landforms, such as mountains, valleys, and deep canyons. CSe 97.3

By considering rapid and catastrophic geological processes, young Earth creationists offer an alternative interpretation of Earth history, one that aligns with a biblical worldview and challenges the traditional uniformitarian paradigm.^[97] CSe 97.4

“By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.” Hebrews 11:3 NKJV CSe 97.5

“The coal and oil frequently ignite and burn beneath the surface of the earth. Thus rocks are heated, limestone is burned, and iron ore melted. The action of the water upon the lime adds fury to the intense heat, and causes earthquakes, volcanoes, and fiery issues.” Ellen White in Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 108 CSe 97.6

Reflect: How might volcanic activity, particularly during catastrophic events, affect the accuracy of radiometric dating methods, potentially leading to overestimates of Earth's age? CSe 97.7