Creation Science Book Review
Refuting Compromise
Chapter 9: The History of Mankind
Book Review by Greg Neyman
© Old Earth Ministries
First Published 22 August 2004
Pages 287-297
Not much of relevance is presented here. Sarfati discusses the original Hebrew text, and goes into length about gaps in the genealogies. There are demonstratable gaps in the genealogies of the Bible. This does not mean that all genealogies have gaps, though. It is significant to note that Ross needs 250 missing generations to cover about 10,000 years. Since he claims the creation of Adam would possibly be up to 60,000 years ago, this would equate to roughly 14,000 missing generation from the genealogies. If this is true, then consider this…if God had chosen to include all these generations in the Bible, with their histories, the Bible would probably be at least twice as thick! God chose relevant stories to show the history of mankind. We did not need to know about everyone that lived in the Old Testament before (or after) the flood. What is important is that the Bible clearly lays out God’s plan of redemption, and shows the difference between the time after Christ (New Testament) and before Christ (Old Testament). Adding the history of an extra 14,000 people would have done little to clarify His plan, or mankind’s journey through time. We have everything we need to know in the Bible.
Jesus and the Age of the World (page 297)
Sarfati says that the old earth timeline “puts people at the ‘end’ of creation, almost as an afterthought.” Need I mention that even in the young earth creation science model, man was the last creation, just like in the old earth model…what’s the difference? None. Sarfati then mentions yet another evolutionist claim. The theme of evolution and Ross is woven in this book, despite the fact that Ross does not believe in evolution. However, it provides a simple, effective way for Sarfati to show Ross in a bad light.
Next, Sarfati quotes Mark 10:6,
But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.
He attempts to make the case that this contradicts old earth belief; however, it also contradicts young earth belief, as man was not created on Day One in either belief system. Clearly it means that from the creation of man, they were created male and female, as this is the only possible explanation. The whole point can be summed up from Sarfati’s last sentence in this section on page 299, “…this rules out mankind being created billions of years after creation.” Old earth creationists do not say mankind was created billions of years after creation, but at the end of the creation events (just like young earth theory). Man was the last thing created in both old and young earth views, but in both systems, they are clearly during the creation events. Sarfati tries to draw the creation of man outside of God’s creative events, but this is clearly not true in old earth belief.
Human Longevity (page 299)
Sarfati criticizes Ross for putting forth a believable theory about how God shortened the lifespan of humans. I don’t know how God did it, but it doesn’t matter! Ross may or may not be right…who cares how God did it. It was done…that’s all that matters.
Origin of Races (page 301)
This is another non-issue with the age of the earth. You may choose either Ross’ explanation or Sarfati’s…both are OK with old-earth belief.
Does Ross’ Chronology Allow Aborigines to be Non-Human? (page 304)
Sarfati seems to have a valid point in this section. Ross’ dates do appear to conflict as he changes them to reflect more current research. This is what happens when you are a scientist. As new data becomes available, you adjust your theories/conclusions. This is not wrong…in fact, it shows that Ross is performing science the proper way.
Apemen (page 305)
Dr. Ross believes that pre-Adamite man was soulless, and was thus like an animal. At a certain point, God chose Adam to be the first with a spirit. In this framework, previously discovered hominids are not human in the sense that they did not have an eternal soul. Young earth creationists differ here, claiming that they were all humans, after Adam. This includes the Neanderthal.
The number of fossil claims that each side makes are irrelevant here. Yes, some evolutionists have pieced together whole beings from a single bone, but that is not the issue. The most important thing to discuss here is the most recognized of the cavemen, the Neanderthal.
Sarfati mentions the DNA study done on a Neanderthal. This study concluded that Neanderthal and Humans are distinct species. However, Sarfati claims, “this mtDNA evidence he (Ross) quotes has never been critically re-evaluated, and is of very questionable validity. It is statistically dubious to base so much on only a single specimen. Since this first Neanderthal specimen, eight more have been done, and they all agree, thus eliminating Sarfati's sample-size argument. What is enlightening is that Sarfati must know about these other studies, but he fails to inform his reader. This is a common trick of young earth creationists. Omit information that is critical of your position. (Click here for a brief report on another study).
In addition, a study of the Neanderthal and human brain casings also revealed the high probability that they are separate species (click here).
Naturally, the young earth creationists will dispute this, as it destroys their theories. I for one can’t wait for more DNA studies on Neanderthals! May the truth finally be known!
If you are not a Christian, and you have been holding out on making a decision for Christ because the Church always preached a message that was contrary to what you saw in the scientific world, then rest assured that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, and you can believe in Christ and receive salvation, while still believing in an old earth. Click here for more.
Are you a Christian who believes in young earth creationism? Now that we have shown the many difficulties of the young earth creation science model in this and many other articles, how does this impact your Christian life? If you are a young earth creationism believer, click here.
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