Counsels on Secular Worldview

Counsel #14 — Mountain Ranges And Uplift

Picture: Counsel #14 — Mountain Ranges And Uplift CSe 101.1

The presence of ancient mountain ranges like the Appalachians presents a significant challenge to traditional geological explanations. If these mountains had indeed existed for hundreds of millions of years, they should have been eroded down to mere stumps by now, given the relentless forces of weathering and erosion. However, these mountain ranges still exhibit considerable height and complexity, suggesting a much more rapid formation and uplift process. CSe 101.2

The traditional explanation of isostatic uplift, where the Earth's crust rebounds to compensate for the weight of eroded material, does not fully account for the observed preservation of these mountain ranges. If erosion were the primary driver of uplift, we would expect to see a significant loss of the lower strata of the geological column, as these layers would be eroded and removed. However, the lower layers of these mountain ranges remain largely intact, indicating that the uplift process must have been rapid and powerful enough to preserve these strata.^[101] CSe 101.3

“I raise my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalms 121:1, 2 CBS CSe 101.4

“[After the flood] …. The mountains, once so beautiful in their perfect symmetry, had become broken and irregular. Stones, ledges, and ragged rocks were now scattered upon the surface of the earth. In many places hills and mountains had disappeared, leaving no trace where they once stood; and plains had given place to mountain ranges.” Ellen White in Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 108 CSe 101.5

Reflect: How would a global flood provide evidence of rapid uplift and preservation of lower geological strata? CSe 101.6