Difference between revisions of "Gap theory"
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{{Bible quote|<sup>1</sup>In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. <sup>2</sup>The 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.|book=Genesis|chap=1|verses=1-2|version=NASB}} | {{Bible quote|<sup>1</sup>In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. <sup>2</sup>The 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.|book=Genesis|chap=1|verses=1-2|version=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.<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, others maintain the [[Hebrew]] letter ''waw'' used as a conjunction does not allow this translation in this context.<ref name="JS06">Sarfati, 2006</ref> |
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| + | Another apparent 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" /> | ||
== Bibliography == | == Bibliography == | ||
Revision as of 19:00, June 30, 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.
Dinosaurs
The dinosaurs were also destroyed at this time and their fossil remains are those that are found to this day.
Differences of opinion
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.
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, others maintain the Hebrew letter waw used as a conjunction does not allow this translation in this context.[1]
Another apparent 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.[1]
Bibliography
- Sarfati, Jonathan, The Gap Theory, Why it fails on all counts, 2006.