Scholars on Old-Earth Creationism

Several cities around the world have been continuously inhabited for over 6,000 years. Some of the most notable include: Jericho, West Bank: Often cited as the oldest continuously inhabited city, with evidence of habitation dating back over 11,000 years. Damascus, Syria: Widely considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, with evidence of habitation dating back to around 10,000 to 8,000 BCE. Ray (Rey), Iran: Has evidence of habitation dating back to around 6,000 BCE and has likely been continuously occupied for longer. Byblos, Lebanon: Believed to have been founded around 5000 BCE, with a history spanning approximately 7,000 years. Argos, Greece: Has been continuously inhabited for the past 7,000 years. Aleppo, Syria: Evidence of habitation dates back to about 6,000 to 5,000 BCE. Plovdiv, Bulgaria: Its history spans over 6,000 years, with traces of a Neolithic settlement dating back to roughly 4000 BCE. Faiyum, Egypt: Has been continuously inhabited for appro...

A colossal 1.1 kilogram ruby, boasting an impressive size and potential, has been unearthed in the region of Prilep, Pelagonia, Macedonia. This remarkable find, weighing over two pounds, signifies a significant geological discovery for the area, renowned for its mineral wealth. The ruby's formation is a testament to immense geological pressures and temperatures, processes that unfold over vast timescales. Rubies, composed of corundum with trace amounts of chromium responsible for their red hue, typically crystallize deep within the Earth's crust under conditions of high pressure and temperature. The presence of such a large specimen indicates a prolonged period of these specific geological conditions. Scientists estimate that the formation of such a large and well-developed crystal like this ruby would have required millions of years, if not hundreds of millions, for the necessary elements to aggregate and crystallize in the precise environmental conditions. The geo...

Lapis Lazuli has deep blues flecks with gold, making it a very attractive stone, reminiscent of the night sky. Often referred to simply as Lapis, this stone is widely desired by many. Its transformed below as by fire. Old Earth Creationism (OEC) offers a compelling perspective on the age of the Earth and the mechanisms of its formation, harmonizing scientific understanding with biblical accounts. Unlike Young Earth Creationism (YEC), which posits a literal six-day creation and a global flood as the primary shaper of Earth's geology, OEC accepts the scientific consensus regarding an ancient Earth (billions of years old) and a universe that has evolved over vast eons. Within this framework, biblical texts are often interpreted in a way that allows for longer timescales and natural processes guided by God's providence. Job 28:5-6 provides a fascinating passage that, when viewed through the lens of Old Earth Creationism, speaks to the deep, transformative processes that hav...

This image showcases a striking fold within turbidite sedimentary rocks of the Devonian-aged Porthtowan Formation, exposed in the cliffs of Porthtowan Beach, Cornwall, England, UK. Turbidites are clastic sedimentary rocks formed from the deposits of turbidity currents – dense, sediment-laden underwater flows, often likened to underwater avalanches. These currents are typically triggered by seismic activity, storms, or other events that destabilize seafloor sediments on a slope. As these currents travel downslope, they deposit their suspended material in a characteristic graded bedding sequence, where coarser sediments settle first, followed by progressively finer grains. The presence of the fold indicates subsequent tectonic activity that deformed these once horizontally deposited layers. The Devonian age of these rocks places their formation approximately between 419 and 359 million years ago. This immense timescale is crucial for understanding the geological processes inv...

Uttarakhand, a northern Indian state nestled in the Himalayas, is a region of immense geological significance, characterized by its dramatic mountains, deep valleys, and intricate river systems. Its landscape is a testament to millions of years of tectonic activity, primarily the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates. This collision, which began approximately 50 million years ago (though the main uplift of the Himalayas is more recent, starting around 10-15 million years ago), has sculpted the towering peaks like Nanda Devi and Kamet, and created the complex fault lines that crisscross the region. The age of the rocks found in Uttarakhand varies widely, with some of the oldest metamorphic and crystalline rocks dating back over a billion years (Precambrian), while the sedimentary rocks of the Lesser Himalayas and Siwaliks range from the Neoproterozoic to the Pliocene-Pleistocene epochs (around 600 million to a few million years old). Evidence of ancient ma...

In July 1979, near Fairbanks, Alaska, a gold miner's unusual discovery—a pair of bison feet protruding from the mud—led to an extraordinary paleontological find. Unlike the typical disposal of ancient animal remains encountered during the Alaskan Gold Rush's hydraulic mining operations, this miner's decision to alert others preserved a scientific treasure. The remains were identified as a mummified Steppe bison, later famously dubbed "Blue Babe" due to the metallic blue hue of its remarkably preserved hide. This ancient creature was estimated to be around 36,000 years old. The exceptional preservation of Blue Babe offered an unparalleled opportunity for scientific study. While the initial curiosity of the miners led them to sample a piece of the neck meat (a decision quickly regretted due to the putrid taste), the subsequent examination revealed incredible detail. Paleontologists were able to discern the animal's age and gender thanks to the intact...

Quetzalcoatlus northropi was a truly awe-inspiring creature that dominated the Late Cretaceous skies, approximately 68 to 66 million years ago, making it one of the last non-avian dinosaurs to exist. Discovered in Texas, this colossal pterosaur held the record as the largest known flying animal of all time. Its most striking feature was its immense wingspan, estimated to be between 33 and 36 feet (10 to 11 meters)—comparable to that of a small aircraft. Despite its massive size, Quetzalcoatlus was surprisingly lightweight for its bulk, thanks to hollow bones, a characteristic shared with modern birds, allowing for efficient flight. Its long, slender neck and elongated, toothless beak suggest it was a terrestrial stalker, likely preying on small animals or scavenging carcasses. The sheer scale of Quetzalcoatlus northropi provides a humbling perspective on the diversity and grandeur of life that existed millions of years before humans walked the Earth, serving as a testament ...

The James Webb Space Telescope has captured a captivating image of Arp 107, a pair of interacting galaxies located approximately 465 million light-years away. This cosmic duo presents a striking visual — a giant "smiley face" in space. The bright cores of the two galaxies form the luminous "eyes," while a graceful arc of stars connecting them creates a perfect "grin." This seemingly playful appearance belies a powerful gravitational interplay, as each galaxy slowly tugs at the other, distorting their forms and agitating gas clouds, which in turn fuels the birth of new stars. This slow, cosmic dance will unfold over millions of years, culminating in a complete merger of the two galaxies. For now, Arp 107 offers a stunning glimpse into the dynamic evolution of galaxies, a snapshot of celestial bodies caught mid-spiral, presenting a beautiful and powerful illustration of gravitational forces at work on a grand scale. Special Relativity and Light T...

This stunning specimen of Quartz var. Amethyst, hailing from the renowned Brandberg Area in the Erongo Region of Namibia, measures an impressive 10.8 x 10.2 x 6.8 cm. The amethyst exhibits a captivating range of purple hues, from delicate lavender to deep, rich violet, often displaying exceptional clarity and a brilliant luster. Its characteristic crystalline structure, likely forming as euhedral crystals within vugs or fractures in the Brandberg granitic massif, speaks to a prolonged geological history. The Brandberg Massif itself is an ancient geological feature, with radiometric dating indicating an age of approximately 130 million years, placing its formation in the Early Cretaceous period. The amethyst crystals, having grown within this environment, are thus also millions of years old, forming over extended periods through hydrothermal activity where silica-rich fluids deposited quartz, with trace amounts of iron contributing to the amethyst's distinctive coloratio...

This specimen showcases striking red-orange vanadinite crystals, with the largest measuring 7mm, elegantly perched on a matrix of white barite. Originating from the Milbladen Mining District in the Draa-Tafilalet Region of Morocco, this piece exemplifies the exquisite mineralogical diversity found in this geologically rich area. Vanadinite, a lead vanadate-chloride mineral, typically forms in the oxidized zones of lead deposits, often in arid climates, which is consistent with the Moroccan environment. The vibrant color of the vanadinite is due to the presence of vanadium. Barite, a barium sulfate mineral, often forms in hydrothermal veins and sedimentary environments, providing a contrasting white backdrop that highlights the vanadinite's crystalline structure. The formation of such well-defined crystals on a distinct matrix points to a complex interplay of geological processes including hydrothermal activity, mineral deposition, and oxidation over considerable periods...

Prepare to be captivated by the surreal and vibrant landscapes of southern Iran, home to some of the world's most astonishing geological formations: mountains made of salt, yet bursting with color. These aren't just ordinary salt domes; they are nature's own masterpieces, meticulously carved by millennia of natural processes and painted by an astonishing array of minerals. Imagine towering peaks showcasing vivid reds from iron oxides, brilliant whites from gypsum, earthy greens from various clays, and even striking yellows indicative of sulfur deposits. These incredible layered salt domes are not recent phenomena; their origins stretch back over 500 million years, a testament to deep time and continuous geological activity. The intricate patterns and dramatic forms seen today are the result of a complex interplay of forces: rain has sculpted their surfaces, the buoyant nature of salt has uplifted them from below, and the relentless march of time has preserved th...

Eastern Zion Slot Canyon, nestled within the iconic Zion National Park, Utah, is a breathtaking geological marvel characterized by its narrow, winding passages carved through Navajo sandstone. These towering, sculptured walls, often reaching hundreds of feet high, display a vibrant palette of reds, oranges, and purples, a result of various mineral oxidations. The canyon's formation is primarily attributed to flash floods and water erosion over vast periods. Water, carrying abrasive sediments, meticulously cuts through the relatively soft sandstone, deepening and widening the channels. This continuous, gradual process has sculpted the intricate curves, alcoves, and overhangs that define the slot canyon's unique beauty. The interplay of light and shadow, filtering down into the depths, further enhances the ethereal atmosphere, making it a popular destination for hikers and photographers alike. The sheer scale and intricate detail of the canyon speak volumes ab...

Crinoids, affectionately known as "sea lilies," are fascinating marine invertebrates with an astonishingly deep history. While they grace our oceans today, their fossil record stretches back an incredible 500 million years, making them one of the oldest known animal groups. These echinoderms, related to starfish and sea urchins, are characterized by their feathery arms used for filter feeding and, in many species, a stalk that anchors them to the seafloor. It's these stalks that provide some of the most compelling evidence of their antiquity. Their stem segments, called columnals, are remarkably preserved as fossils. Each individual columnal is a single, perfectly formed crystal of calcite, a unique characteristic that aids in their fossilization and distinct identification. The sheer abundance of these fossilized columnals in ancient rock layers worldwide speaks volumes about their long presence on Earth, providing a tangible link to prehistoric m...

This image showcases striking ptygmatic folding within a migmatite from Northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Ptygmatic folds are characterized by their contorted, often disharmonic, and typically isolated appearance, resembling squiggly lines or intestines. They are commonly found in migmatites – rocks that have undergone partial melting, existing in a transitional state between igneous and metamorphic rocks. The highly ductile behavior of the mobilized melt fraction within the migmatite, alongside the more rigid behavior of the un-melted or less-melted portions, facilitates the formation of these intricate folds under immense pressure and high temperatures. The specific conditions in Northern Saskatchewan, a region known for its complex Precambrian geological history, suggest these folds formed during significant orogenic (mountain-building) events, where deep crustal rocks were subjected to intense deformation and metamorphism. Given the geological context of migmatites and the...

Belemnites, an extinct order of cephalopods related to modern-day squids and cuttlefish, are commonly found as fossils, primarily their distinctive bullet-shaped internal shells called guards. What makes the discovery of "belemnites with crystals" particularly fascinating is the presence of well-formed mineral crystals, often calcite or quartz, within the belemnite guard itself or in the surrounding matrix directly associated with the fossil. These crystals are not simply adhering to the exterior but frequently display evidence of having grown in situ, within the empty spaces of the decaying belemnite or replacing its original aragonitic shell material through diagenesis. The formation of such crystals requires specific geochemical conditions and, crucially, significant time. The gradual percolation of mineral-rich fluids through porous sediment, the slow precipitation of dissolved ions, and the subsequent growth of macroscopic crystals are all processes that typi...

Ammonites, an extinct group of marine mollusks, are renowned for their distinctive spiral shells. While most fossils preserve the original shell material, some truly remarkable specimens reveal the interior chambers of the ammonite shell filled with exquisite mineral crystals. This phenomenon occurs through a process called permineralization or recrystallization. After the ammonite dies and is buried, groundwater rich in dissolved minerals seeps into the empty chambers of the shell. Over vast expanses of time, these minerals, often calcite, quartz, or pyrite, precipitate out of the water and gradually fill the voids, forming perfect, often sparkling, crystal formations. The original aragonite of the shell may dissolve, leaving a mold that is then filled with the new minerals, or the aragonite itself may recrystallize into a more stable mineral like calcite. The resulting fossil is not just a mold of the creature, but a geode-like structure, showcasing the intricate internal...