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Line 1: − + − Old Earth Creationists do not all agree on the extent of the [[Great Flood|Noachian flood]], although many maintain that it was a local flood.<ref>Ross, Hugh, [http://www.reasons.org/resources/faf/1990_v4n4_q4/index.shtml#let_us_reason Let Us Reason: The Waters of the Flood] ''Facts & Faith'', Volume 4, No. 4, Winter 1990.</ref>+ Line 6:
Line 6: − + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − Proponents of Old Earth Creationism include [[Hugh Ross]], David Snoke, Greg Neyman, Francis Schaeffer, and Norman Geisler. <ref>http://www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/notable_leaders/index.shtml</ref>+ + + − ==Rich diversity of views==+ − There are a wide number of views of creationism starting from the literal understanding of [[Young Earth Creationism]], through the [[Gap theory]] and [[Day age creationism]] and ending with [[Theistic evolution]]. − Old Earth creationists frequently, though not always, hold views which are more in keeping with those which are held by naturalistic scientists. For example believers in the [[Gap theory]] maintain that there was a gap of millions or billions or years between [[Genesis]] 1:1 and Genesis 1:2. Believers in [[Progressive Creationism]] or the "day age" idea believe that each "day" of creation lasted a thousand years or more. Believers in [[Theistic Evolution]] go even further in trying to harmonize the Bible to naturalistic views. Line 31:
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expanded this article.
'''Old Earth Creationism''' is the belief that God created the universe and the world billions of years ago.
'''Old Earth Creationism''' is the belief that God created the universe and the world billions of years ago. Most forms of old earth creationism still believe in a literal reading of the Genesis creation account, though their interpretation differs from that of young earth creationists. Modern science is an important element, which provides extensive evidence for an old Earth. Though many theologians have disputed this position, there are others, such as famous author [[C. S. Lewis]], who have supported it.
== General ==
== General ==
Old Earth [[Creationism|Creationists]] hold to a view of the Biblical book of Genesis that allows for an old earth <ref>http://www.answersincreation.org/question.htm</ref>.
Old Earth [[Creationism|Creationists]] hold to a view of the Biblical book of Genesis that allows for an old earth <ref>http://www.answersincreation.org/question.htm</ref>.
Dr. [[Norman Geisler]] wrote that "both young- and old-earthers who are [[evangelical]] hold to the historicity of the Genesis account: They believe that Adam and Eve were literal people, the progenitors of the entire human race."
Dr. [[Norman Geisler]] wrote that "both young- and old-earthers who are [[evangelical]] hold to the historicity of the Genesis account: They believe that Adam and Eve were literal people, the progenitors of the entire human race."
Dr. Geisler also wrote concerning young earth creationist and old earth creationist the following: "Both groups are also agreed in their opposition to [[naturalism]], which they see as the philosophical [[presupposition]] of [[theory of evolution|evolution]]." <ref>http://www.johnankerberg.org/Articles/science/SC0305W3.htm</ref>
Dr. Geisler also wrote concerning young earth creationist and old earth creationist the following: "Both groups are also agreed in their opposition to [[naturalism]], which they see as the philosophical [[presupposition]] of the [[theory of evolution]]." <ref>http://www.johnankerberg.org/Articles/science/SC0305W3.htm</ref>
There are many forms of this position, differing mainly by where all this time fits into the creation story. One common place, is after the creation event of Gen 1:1, describing the creation of the universe. If this event preceded the first day, as most old earth creationists believe, then any age for the universe or the Earth is compatible with Genesis. This idea is often referred to as [[Gap theory]].
There are a wide number of views of old earth creationism starting from the [[Gap theory]] and [[Day age creationism]] and ending with [[Theistic evolution]].
Old Earth creationists frequently, though not always, hold views which are more in keeping with those which are held by mainstream scientists. For example believers in the [[Gap theory]] maintain that there was a gap of billions of years between [[Genesis]] 1:1 and Genesis 1:2.
Another form of old earth creationism is the [[Day age creationism |day-age]] position which postulates that the days in the creation week represent long ages in prehistory rather than 24 hour days. Reasons for this include:<ref>http://rareuniverse.org/old_earth_creationism/index.html Old Earth Creationism at RareUniverse.Org</ref>
* An alternate interpretation of "age" for the Hebrew word yom, commonly interpreted as day.
* The use of metaphor in the creation week.
* It's use as a simplification to make the story understandable to people of all generations.
* God's perspective of time does not fit that of humans. This is seen throughout scripture, as God works on timescales that are beyond human comprehension. (A day to God is as a thousand years...)
* Some of the events of the creation days seem to imply a long period of time, like the commands to "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas..." (Gen 1:22 NKJV)
[[Progressive Creationism]] takes this a step farther, making more specific correlations with each of the Genesis days and geological ages in prehistory.
The most liberal of old earth theories, [[Theistic evolution]], views the Genesis creation account as allegory. This position focuses on spiritual meaning, claiming that the physical descriptions are more like parables. Obviously, this form of biblical interpretation is not accepted by most creationists.
There are some who believe in a literal interpretation of Genesis and also believe in some aspects of evolution. Often this may include only micro evolution, or evolution limited within various groups of animals, or evolution that is completely guided and controlled by God.
Old Earth Creationists do not all agree on the extent of the [[Great Flood|Noachian flood]], although many maintain that it was a local flood.<ref>Ross, Hugh, [http://www.reasons.org/resources/faf/1990_v4n4_q4/index.shtml#let_us_reason Let Us Reason: The Waters of the Flood] ''Facts & Faith'', Volume 4, No. 4, Winter 1990.</ref>
Some proponents of Old Earth Creationism include [[Hugh Ross]], David Snoke, Greg Neyman, Francis Schaeffer, Norman Geisler, and many others. <ref>http://www.reasons.org/resources/apologetics/notable_leaders/index.shtml</ref>
== Criticism ==
== Criticism ==
* [http://www.answersincreation.org Answers in Creation]
* [http://www.answersincreation.org Answers in Creation]
* [http://www.godandscience.org Godandscience.org]
* [http://www.godandscience.org Godandscience.org]
* [http://www.rareuniverse.org RareUniverse.Org]
=== Criticism of Old Earth Creationism by Young Earth Creationists ===
=== Criticism of Old Earth Creationism by Young Earth Creationists ===
[http://www.godandscience.org/youngearth/yeclaims.html Old Earth Evidence from an OEC]
[http://www.godandscience.org/youngearth/yeclaims.html Old Earth Evidence from an OEC]
{{Creation vs. evolution}}
{{Creation vs. evolution}}
[http://rareuniverse.org/old_earth_creationism/index.html Old Earth Creationism from RareUniverse.Org]
==References==
==References==
<references/>
<references/>
[[Category:Creationism]]
[[Category:Creationism]]