Difference between revisions of "Gap theory"
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| − | The ''' | + | 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== | ==Dinosaurs== | ||
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==Differences of opinion== | ==Differences of opinion== | ||
| + | Many [[Christian]]s believe that following the gap a six-day creation took place. Others hold more to a view of [[Progressive Creationism|progressive creationism]]. | ||
| − | + | As a theory which attempts to harmonize the age of the earth with that promoted by [[naturalism|naturalistic]] scientists, it is preferred by some Christians, although it has largely fallen out of favor in recent times. | |
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| − | As a theory which attempts to | ||
== Problems with the theory == | == Problems with the theory == | ||
| + | A crucial point for the gap theory is the translation of Genesis 1:1 and 1:2: | ||
| − | + | {{Bible quote|<sup>1</sup>In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. <sup>2</sup>The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.|book=Genesis|chap=1|verses=1-2|version=ESV}} | |
| − | {{Bible quote|<sup>1</sup>In the beginning | ||
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| − | Gap theorists claim that the verse can be translate to say that the Earth ''became'' formless and empty. | + | 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><ref>Ham, 2000</ref> It is clear that the the original language doesn't allow any gap. |
| − | In trying to harmonize the Bible with uniformitarian geology, the | + | In trying to harmonize the Bible with uniformitarian geology, the gap theory introduces a new global catastrophe (the so-called "Lucifer's Flood") which uniformitarian geology doesn't recognize and the Bible doesn't mention.<ref name="JS06" /> |
== Bibliography == | == Bibliography == | ||
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== References == | == References == | ||
| − | {{reflist| | + | {{reflist|1}} |
==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
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* [http://www.gospelcenterchurch.org/Gaptheory.html Biblical basis of the Gap Theory] | * [http://www.gospelcenterchurch.org/Gaptheory.html Biblical basis of the Gap Theory] | ||
* [http://www.biblestudy.org/basicart/was-the-earth-recreated-after-an-initial-creation-1.html Was the Earth recreated?] | * [http://www.biblestudy.org/basicart/was-the-earth-recreated-after-an-initial-creation-1.html Was the Earth recreated?] | ||
| − | * [http://www.bbmhp.org/editorial/tohu.html | + | * [http://www.bbmhp.org/editorial/tohu.html Berean Bible Ministries] |
[[Category: Creationism]] | [[Category: Creationism]] | ||
Revision as of 17:38, January 12, 2014
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 harmonize the age of the earth with that promoted by naturalistic scientists, it is preferred by some Christians, although it has largely fallen out of favor in recent times.
Problems with the theory
A crucial point for the gap theory is the translation of Genesis 1:1 and 1:2:
1In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2 (ESV)
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][2] It is clear that the the original language doesn't allow any gap.
In trying to harmonize the Bible with uniformitarian geology, the gap theory introduces a new global catastrophe (the so-called "Lucifer's Flood") which uniformitarian geology doesn't recognize and the Bible doesn't mention.[1]
Bibliography
- Ham, Ken, Creation at the academy, Creation 22(2):24–27, March 2000.
- Sarfati, Jonathan, The Gap Theory, Why it fails on all counts, 2006.