Counsels on Christian Worldview

Counsel #2 — Assumptions

Picture: Counsel #2 — Assumptions CCW 139.1

Picture: geological processes CCW 139.2

The geological processes previously reviewed are based on strong evidence. There is another level of geological interpretations that also uses evidence, but usually begins with assumptions which determine how the evidence is understood. The first assumption ‒ the naturalistic theory of earth history ‒ asserts there was no creation and that radiometric dating gives accurate dates for the ages of all these rock layers. This theory dates the oldest multicellular fossils (lower Cambrian, the lowest part of the Paleozoic) as over 500 million years. CCW 139.3

According to the Bible, both creation and the global flood catastrophe transpired only a few thousand years ago. The lower rock layers in the geological column, formed during the flood. When the Bible’s narrative guides our understanding, we discover the evidence supports the biblical assumption, not naturalistic theory.^[205] We will consider several types of evidence that support this conclusion.^[206] CCW 139.4

“For forty days the flood kept coming on the earth, and as the waters increased they lifted the ark high above the earth.” Genesis 7:17 NIV CCW 139.5

“The Bible is not to be tested by men's ideas of science, but science is to be brought to the test of the unerring standard.” Ellen White in Special Testimonies on Education, p. 56 CCW 139.6

Reflect: Do you believe the Bible is inspired‒given by God? Why or why not? CCW 139.7