Difference between revisions of "Gap theory"
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Gap theorists claim that the verse can be translate to say that the Earth ''became'' formless and empty. However, the [[Hebrew]] letter ''waw'' used as a conjunction does not allow this translation in this context.<ref name="JS06">Sarfati, 2006</ref> | Gap theorists claim that the verse can be translate to say that the Earth ''became'' formless and empty. However, the [[Hebrew]] letter ''waw'' used as a conjunction does not allow this translation in this context.<ref name="JS06">Sarfati, 2006</ref> | ||
| − | Another problem is that in trying to harmonise the Bible with uniformitarian geology, the Gap theory introduces a new global catastrophe (the so-called "Lucifer's Flood") which uniformitarian geology doesn't recognise and the Bible doesn't mention.<ref name="JS06" /> | + | Another problem is that in trying to harmonise the Bible with uniformitarian geology, the Gap theory introduces a new global catastrophe (the so-called "Lucifer's Flood") which uniformitarian geology doesn't recognise and which believers in official YEC religions claim the the Bible doesn't mention.<ref name="JS06" /> |
== Proposed Biblical Support for the theory == | == Proposed Biblical Support for the theory == | ||
Revision as of 17:03, April 18, 2008
The Gap theory or Gap creationism is the idea that there was an indeterminate "gap" between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. During this gap the surface of the Earth was destroyed by a battle between God and Lucifer.
Contents
Dinosaurs
The dinosaurs were also destroyed at this time and their fossil remains are those that are found to this day. Gap Theory supporters feel this gives a far more rational reason for the disappearance of the Dinosaurs than the theory they died in the Great Flood.
Acceptance
Many Christians believe that following the gap a six-day creation took place. Others hold more to a view of Progressive Creationism.
As a theory which attempts to harmonise the age of the earth with that promoted by naturalistic scientists, it is preferred by some Christians, although has largely fallen out of favour in recent times.
Proposed Biblical Problems with the theory
A crucial point for the Gap theory is the translation of Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. It appears in some translations as follows:
1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Genesis 1:1-2 (NIV)
1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2 (KJV)
1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2 (NASB)
Gap theorists claim that the verse can be translate to say that the Earth became formless and empty. However, the Hebrew letter waw used as a conjunction does not allow this translation in this context.[1]
Another problem is that in trying to harmonise the Bible with uniformitarian geology, the Gap theory introduces a new global catastrophe (the so-called "Lucifer's Flood") which uniformitarian geology doesn't recognise and which believers in official YEC religions claim the the Bible doesn't mention.[1]
Proposed Biblical Support for the theory
The first verse of Genesis [2]clearly shows that the heavens and the earth were constructed simultaneously. The second verse of Genesis [3]1In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1 (KJV)
shows that the heavens were no longer lighting the earth and that consequently something must have changed the situation and darkened the heavens. This something was the war between God and Lucifer. The Gap. [4]1 :"And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." Genesis 1:2 (KJV)
Bibliography
- Sarfati, Jonathan, The Gap Theory, Why it fails on all counts, 2006.
- G.H. Pember, EARTH'S EARLIEST AGES; Harry Rimmer, MODERN SCIENCE AND THE GENESIS RECORD; Francis Schaeffer, GENESIS IN SPACE AND TIME. (Supportive of the Gap theory.)
- Arthur Constance, WITHOUT FORM AND VOID. (Supportive of the Gap theory.)
- Gap Theory defended
