Changes

'''Old Earth''' theories propose that the Earth has existed for billions of years. These theories were largely developed by British and European geologists in the 18th and 19th centuries and led to the development of the [[Theory of Evolution]], whose postulated changes could not have possibly occurred in the thousands of years that people had previously estimated the age of the Earth to be.

'''Old Earth''' theories propose that the Earth has existed for billions of years. These theories were largely developed by British and European geologists in the 18th and 19th centuries and led to the development of the [[Theory of Evolution]], whose postulated changes could not have possibly occurred in the thousands of years that people had previously estimated the age of the Earth to be.

A principle basis for Old Earth theory is [[radiometric dating]].  This rests on the assumption that [[radioactive decay]] rates have always been constant, which is disputed by Creation scientists.  Notice the circular reasoning in basing Old Earth assertions on the assumption of constant [[radioactive decay]]: that assumes what the proponent of the theory attempts to prove.

A principle basis for Old Earth theory is [[radiometric dating]].  This rests on the assumption that [[radioactive decay]] rates have always been constant, which is disputed by Creationists.  Notice the circular reasoning in basing Old Earth assertions on the assumption of constant [[radioactive decay]]: that assumes what the proponent of the theory attempts to prove.

The discipline of [[uniformitarianism]] is also a basis for assuming an old Earth. Extrapolating the rate of geologic processes backwards in time yields an Earth substantially older than the Biblical 6,000 years. Uniformitarianism is also based on assumptions, however; namely, that many geologic processes were acting at the same or similar rates for the whole history of the Earth. Other theories held by Old Earth proponents include punctuated equilibrium, which suggests gradual change over time with periods of rapid change.   

The discipline of [[uniformitarianism]] is also a basis for assuming an old Earth. Extrapolating the rate of geologic processes backwards in time yields an Earth substantially older than the Biblical 6,000 years. Uniformitarianism is also based on assumptions, however; namely, that many geologic processes were acting at the same or similar rates for the whole history of the Earth. Other theories held by Old Earth proponents include punctuated equilibrium, which suggests gradual change over time with periods of rapid change.