There are 3 choices, 5 votes for Sky Pilot's debate

Calling all apologists

I'm looking for various reconciliations of the Biblical account of Creation with the age of the Earth proposed by scientists. As I understand it, certain conservative wings of Christianity estimate that the the Earth is around 7,000 years old, based on the combined ages of all the people mentioned in the Judaic lineages outlined in the Tanahk, plus the 2,006 years between the apparent birth of Jesus and the present day. However, the radioactive dating methods used by geologists suggest a quite different number. That is, 4.5 billion years. 

I've heard several theories, although I have no idea how widespread they are:
1. Satan makes the Earth appear to be that old, to lead believers astray. 
2. Radioactive dating is untrustworthy.
But how does the average conservative Christian explain this apparent contradiction? What say you, O apologists?

  • Apology accepted

    "18": For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

    "19": For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

    "20": Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

    "21": For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

    "22": For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom:

    "23": But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

    "24": But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

    "25": Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 cor 1:18-25

    The Christians are having a bad weekend so I thought I would take up your chalange! I am not an appoligest for anything nor am I a “mainstreem christian”. some here would think that last bit to be the understatment of the year in fact. But be that as it may I do believe in god and my life (such that it is) bears witness to his power. The tennor of your question leaves little hope that you will be open to the argument I bring. Basicly my argument is, it’s a faith thing just like the raising of lazerous, the tower of babble, the parting of the red sea, Noah’s ark, the fall of the walls Jericho, Jonah in the whale. The bible is full of the miricals of God each one cannot be proven. Each one requiring faith to believe in. all of them foolish to the scientific mind. Your carbon dating argument has been around since the early 70’s noone on either side has changed their minds. Also I would tell you as one of the posters here has put it there isn’t any dating going on in heaven carbon or otherwise. I Forgot one other mirical the bible talks of . In the old testament God chose to use the jawbone of an ass to defeat his enemies in this case he is using the finger bones…..bob2314 defender and recruiter

    40%  Voted for by bob2314, Dwn.
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  • No Apologies Needed

    The age of the Earth is certainly is more than 7,000 years old. However, the thinking, reasoning men that we are did not start until 6,000 years ago (there is a great plan being worked out by God and the fact that we started 6,000 years ago is part of the plan). The Earth and universe were originally created for the angels (led by Lucifer) to beautify. They failed. It obviously took the millions and/or billions of years for them to destroy the beautiful thing that God made here. In Genisis 1:2 the passage "was without form and void" should actually read "became" without form and void (you can check this out in any good concordance or commentary). God does not create chaos and confusion. The Genisis creation is actually a recreation for Adam's opportunity to succeed where satan failed (he failed too). God's command to Adam and Eve in Genisis 1:28 is to replenish the Earth. Why would that be required if the Earth was created empty and formless? It is obvious that the Earth existed prior to our creation (with all kinds of flora and fauna), but that does not mean that the creation story is incorrect. We just have to understand it the way it really happened.

    40%  Voted for by mudgod, Applehead.
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  • Way older...

    4.6 billion years has been proven on many occasions as the rounded-out birth-time of the earth. If we can use science to find out the exact date of birth for a rock, we can sure as hell do it with the earth. Wait a minute, maybe Satan IS throwing off our scientific instruments! Maybe--HOLY SHIT, there goes a flying pig!

    Voted for by Oral Fixation.
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