Creation Science Book Review

The Beginnings Under Attack

Chapter 6: The Other Son: Seth

First Published 27 August 2005

In this chapter Sheffield discusses Adam's son Seth., and he explains the reasoning behind the Bible following Seth's genealogy. No problems here for old earth belief, and no issues related to creation science.

A Family Tree (Page 118)

He briefly discusses the genealogies of Genesis 5. He notes that the genealogies begin with the creation of man, and do not span the millions of years of evolutionary development. Since it is a record starting with Adam, one would not expect it to contain the millions of years prior to Adam, so this little barb presents no problems. He later says the age of the earth is critical, and that the millions of years presents many scientific impossibilities. Naturally, he gives no examples of these impossibilities, and I've seen none so far in over 20 years of research on the creation. He goes on to say that the Bible offers the only "viable explanation which agrees with proven scientific facts." I agree, the Bible agrees with old earth creationism, either with or without evolution. Although it also agrees with young earth creationism, "proven scientific facts" do not agree with the young earth creation science model, making Sheffield's claim empty. It is only within an old earth interpretation that the Bible and science agree.

The Question of Longevity (Page 119)

Sheffield addresses the long ages of some of those first people. No doubt everyone knows who the oldest human was (Methuselah, aged 969). As I expected, he turns to the Canopy Theory for support. However, this theory has been thoroughly defeated, and is even disavowed by the young earth ministry Answers in Genesis, being on their lists of arguments that creationists should not use. Again, this is showing his preference for using arguments from questionable sources, such as Carl Baugh and Kent Hovind.

Overall, there is nothing presented here with any significance for the age of the earth.

Enoch and Methuselah (Page 121)

He begins with a discussion of Enoch, whom God took to heaven, without his ever experiencing death. There is nothing here related to the age of the earth. Likewise, the discussion on Methuselah has nothing to do with the age of the earth.

Overall, this chapter presents no relevant information for the age of the earth debate, and aside from the Canopy theory reference, presents no issues for old earth creationists to address.

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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To learn more about old earth creationism, see Old Earth Belief, or check out the article Can You Be A Christian and Believe in an Old Earth?

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