Summary Statements - 12 of X - Historical/Origins Science - Overview
Now we move to a discussion of Historical/Origins Science which developed much later (1800's).
Historical/Origins Science - Historical/Origins Science deals with events (typically one time, singular, non-repeatable events, such as creation, origin of life, macroevolution, etc.) which are assumed to have occurred in the distant past (e.g., theory of evolution, Big Bang theories, etc.). As such, theories associated with Historical/Origins science cannot be tested. Similarly, these theories cannot be proven.
God tells us in the Bible that He created the heavens and the earth and animal and human life in six days. This is what the Jews and the Christian Church believed for over 5600+ years. When modern science developed, esp. as it moved into the geological and biological sciences, philosopher-scientist-theologians began developing theories that included long ages for the creation of the earth and the universe. Note that this occurred after the acceptance of heliocentric theories.
Differences in how the Bible (esp. Genesis 1-11) should be understood began to occur as modern science developed (esp. after the acceptance of the heliocentric view of the universe, with presumably great “age” since creation) and scientist-philosophers began theorize that the earth and universe are very old. There was (and is) a strong desire by the “Church” to be respectable with the then-current scientific theories. This desire still thrives today.
Beginning in the 1700's or so, as the fields of geology and biology progressed, various theories were proposed for how to reconcile the Bible with the newly developing sciences (e.g., geology, biology). These theories included old-earth creationism, the gap theory, deistic evolution, literary framework, and theistic evolution. A common theme to all of these theories is that they deny:
a) creation in six twenty-four hour days,
b) death before the Fall,
c) a global flood.
In all of these instances, it is science that leads in the interpretation of the Bible. (See J. Byl, “How Should Christians Approach Origins,” Appendix).
Historically (until around the 1700's or so), Biblical exegesis by Jewish and Christian theologians of the Genesis account (esp. Chapters 1-11), indicated that God created the heavens and the earth in six literal days. Even Hebrew scholars today confirm that the proper understanding of Genesis 1-3 text is six literal days. (provide reference for this: Sarna?)
Biblical narrative: The (true) story of the God's working in history begins with His creation of the cosmos (from nothing – ex nihilo) in six days, culminating in the creation and fall of man, as a precursor to God's plan of redemption through His chosen people – first Israel, then the Church. The focal point of the Old and New Testaments is the redemption of [sinful, fallen] mankind (and the cosmos) through Jesus Christ.
Questions to be answered:
What is Historical/Origins science?
What are the major fields of historical science?
Why did the geologists and biologist assume an old earth?
Other questions ….
Next reading: 13 of X - The Evolutionary “Creation” Story
