Mr. Erickson discusses several of the theories which try to define and better understand the timeframe required for creation. He presents the gap theory which maintains that a large amount of time passed between Genesis 1:1 and Genesis 1:2. He talks about the flood theory which justifies the appearance of an "old" earth by taking into account the various physical influences which would have probably been brought about by the Great Flood. He talks about the ideal-time theory which holds to a literal six-day, twenty-four hours per day, time for creation. He speaks of the age-day theory which states that a day could have been a much longer time period than just twenty-four hours. His rationale for making that assumption is based on the specific use of a certain Hebrew word for "day". Finally, he talks about the pictorial-day theory which claims that the days of creation were more of a logical structuring, rather than a matter of chronological ordering.
After presenting the above ideas about the time required for creation, he next considers the Theory of Evolution and a type of evolution that is called "progressive creationism." In his opinion, progressive creationism, which teaches that God created the world through a series of actions and over a long period of time, makes much sense. This belief about early creation maintains that God created the first member of a particular species, but then the other members of that species were simply evolved over time from that first member. This acceptance on his part of this type of evolution is an acceptance of what is termed "microevolution." Mr. Erickson concedes that evolution might be possible or might have occurred within a given species, hence micro, but not across species, which would be called "macroevolution." His thinking in this regard is not totally illogical. In believing that the age-day theory, presented above, makes the most sense for the timeframe of creation, his acceptance of progressive creationism and its teaching of microevolution is consistent with that mode of thinking.
However, while his thinking is consistent and also somewhat suitable from a scientific perspective, such a compromise on his part is not necessary to explain or help along God's work of creation. God is infinite and omnipotent. He is not in any way limited. Consequently, if He said that He created the world in six days, then there is no reason to assume that the period of creation was anything more or less than six normal, twenty-four hour days. On the other hand, suppose that God had created the world in six million or six billion years, or even more. If that had been so, then there is no reason for Him to say that He did so in six days. God does not need to impress anyone by His power or might. He can be completely upfront and honest about His work because it really does not matter if anyone disapproves or not. To me, it would make more sense to say that there is no God and that the whole Theory of Evolution is true than to say that there is God and then try to modify the time period of creation just to accomodate scientific data. We need to realize that some things are beyond our understanding, and the exact matter of creation, apart from what is taught in Scriptures, is probably one of them.
In his book, "Creation And Time," Mr. Hugh Ross, though he is not a literal six-day, twenty-four hours per day creation advocate, states why the discussion of creation is so important to Christians. If scientists are ever able to discredit the account of creation, as it has been recorded by Moses in the Book of Genesis, then they will in effect also be able to demonstrate an errant Bible and discredit Christ. Hence, this discussion is about much more than just the curious ramblings or intellectual babblings of theologians and scientists. Christians are in a battle, not only to uphold the literal, inerrancy of Scriptures as a whole, but also to ward off those who would demean and put down our Lord.
Tom of Spotswood "He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
Index to Selected Essays And Book Reviews
Lesson 28 - The Seven Vital Aspects Of The Doctrine Of Creation
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