Webbs "Pillars of Creation," and the Divine Timeline

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) delivered stunning infrared images of the iconic "Pillars of Creation," a region within the Eagle Nebula (M16), revealing unprecedented details of star formation. These towering columns of gas and dust, previously captured by Hubble, are now seen with far greater clarity, showcasing the intricate interplay of stellar birth and destruction. JWST's infrared capabilities penetrate the obscuring dust, unveiling newborn stars and the complex structures of molecular hydrogen and dust where stars form. The images highlight the dynamic processes of photoevaporation, where intense ultraviolet radiation from young, massive stars erodes the pillars, sculpting their dramatic shapes. These observations provide crucial data for understanding the early stages of star formation, including the emergence of protostellar jets and outflows that shape the surrounding environment. Moreover, the detailed view of the dust and gas composition offers insights into the building blocks of planetary systems. JWST's observations have revolutionized our understanding of this celestial nursery, revealing the intricate beauty and violent dynamism of star formation in unprecedented detail.

Protoplanetary disks, the swirling clouds of gas and dust surrounding young stars, are the birthplaces of planets. Current astronomical models suggest that these disks form relatively quickly, within a few million years of the star's formation. Observations of young star clusters indicate that disks are prevalent around stars less than 10 million years old, but dissipate significantly thereafter. The timescale for planet formation within these disks is also relatively short, with gas giants forming within a few million years and terrestrial planets forming over tens of millions of years.

Old-Earth Creationism Accommodates This:

Old-Earth Creationism (OEC) accommodates the observed timescales of protoplanetary disk of the “Pillars of Creation”  by interpreting the Genesis creation account as spanning vast epochs of time, rather than literal 24-hour days. This allows for the billions of years required for stellar and planetary evolution as indicated by scientific data. OEC proponents emphasize that the order of creation events in Genesis aligns with scientific observations. They see the formation of stars and planets as part of God's ongoing creative acts throughout cosmic history.

How OEC Believes in Long Genesis Days Accommodating This:

OEC interprets the Hebrew word "yom" (day) in Genesis as a long, undefined period, rather than a 24-hour day. This allows for vast stretches of time, accommodating the billions of years required for cosmic evolution and geological processes, while maintaining the biblical narrative's order.

• The assertion that observed star formation contradicts a literal interpretation of Genesis 1:16-19, specifically the creation of stars on day four, is a point of contention between creationists and mainstream astronomy. Creationists like Brian Thomas and Danny Faulkner argue that if stars were created instantaneously, ongoing formation should not be observed. They write:

“The nebular hypothesis is simply a story to describe what may have happened in the "prehistoric" solar system. There are no observations to support the claims that natural processes over millions of years could form a star.” -AiG, >>2012<<

They felt we would never find the above illustration due to their interpretation of Genesis day 4.

Then this was found by the Alma Array in >>2014<< Its the exact image of the illustration.

Tau protoplanetary disc, 2014

A closer examination of Genesis 1, alongside Job 38:9, “When I made a cloud its garment And thick darkness its swaddling band”,suggests a different interpretation. The text indicates that the perspective of the creation narrative is from Earth's surface, below the cloud cover. This implies that while light existed before day four, the celestial bodies became distinctly visible from Earth only then.

Therefore, the ongoing observation of star formation by astronomers does not contradict the Genesis account. Astronomers, through observing various stages of collapsing gas clouds, have pieced together the star formation process, despite its lengthy timescale. 

The biblical text and scientific observations are reconciled by considering the narrative's Earth-centric perspective. The visibility of stars from Earth, rather than their initial creation, is the focus of Genesis 1:16. Thus, observed star formation reinforces, rather than refutes, the broader concept of God's creative power.

How Old Earth Creationism Relates to God's Glory:

OEC views the vastness and complexity of the cosmos, as revealed by telescopes like JWST, as a testament to God's infinite power and creative genius. The immense timescales and intricate processes of star and planet formation highlight the grandeur of God's design, emphasizing His glory as the ultimate architect of the universe.