Creation Science Book Review
The Beginnings Under Attack
Chapter 4: The Entrance of Sin
Review by Greg Neyman
© Old Earth Ministries
First Published 27 August 2005
In this chapter Sheffield discusses the Fall of Man. He does so in such a generic way, that most old earth creationists can agree with almost all of the chapter. The only thing interesting in the opening pages, which I've heard of before, is the allusion to Adam carrying on conversations with the animals (page 90). This is complete speculation and requires quite a large imagination, but if he wants to believe it, go right ahead. However, inserting material into young earth creation science that is not in the text of the Bible brings into question moral issues concerning the author.
The Original Attack on God's Word (Page 90)
He mentions the liberal nature of some theologians today, who interpret the word very loosely. He's absolutely correct...we have many liberals today who take liberty with God's Word when they should not. Progressive creationists, who believe in an old earth, are not among these liberals. We believe in an inerrant Word. Some theistic evolutionists also accept an inerrant Word. Believers in the Gap Theory also tend to be conservative. For the majority of old earth believers, who are conservative, no such warning of liberalism is needed.
On the part about Eve saying, "neither shall ye touch it," it is true that Genesis does not record God saying this. Sheffield says this makes Eve's words inaccurate. However, just because Genesis does not record it coming from God, does not mean that God did not say it. Since it is there, I believe God probably said it at some time. Adam and Eve were used to walks in the Garden, conversing with God. We don't have a record of any of those conversations. Therefore, we cannot assume that God never said these words. God has no doubt said many things that were never written down.
Man's Answer (Page 95)
No problems in this section for old earth believers.
God's Provision (Page 97)
On page 100, he says that "Some have pointed out that the snakes literally eat dust with their food as they grovel in the dust." Having had pet snakes, and studying snakes, I can say that snakes do not eat dust, any more than we do. Our own food collects dust as it sits on the table. Of course, the snake's food walks in dust, and has some on its feet and fur...but all carnivorous animals have this problem, not just snakes. I would classify this remark as "an old wives tale."
On page 103, he refers to God clothing Adam and Eve. This is the typical young earth creation science claim for the first animal death, despite all the evidence from the fossil record. This young earth speculation provides no problems for old earth believers.
Overall, this chapter presents a good general discussion, with no arguments against an old earth.
If you are not a Christian, and you have been holding out on making a decision for Christ because the Church always preached a message that was contrary to what you saw in the scientific world, then rest assured that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, and you can believe in Christ and receive salvation, while still believing in an old earth. Click here for more.
Are you a Christian who believes in young earth creationism? Now that we have shown the many difficulties of the young earth creation science model in this and many other articles, how does this impact your Christian life? If you are a young earth creationism believer, click here.
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