Blue Babe: A Glimpse into Ice Age Alaska

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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 horns and male genitalia. The find attracted the attention of the University of Alaska, prompting paleontologist Russell Dale Guthrie to lead an expedition to the site. Despite the formidable challenges of excavating in frozen ground amidst ice wedges, Guthrie and his team meticulously recovered the specimen, preventing further decay. Blue Babe's discovery provided invaluable insights into the fauna of Ice Age North America, offering a tangible link to a prehistoric ecosystem and significantly advancing our understanding of this ancient period.

Old-Earth Creationism and Blue Babe

Old-Earth Creationism (OEC) readily accommodates the discovery of Blue Babe and its 36,000-year age. OEC proponents believe that God created the universe over long periods, not in six literal 24-hour days. This view allows for scientific findings that indicate an ancient Earth and universe, including the vast timescales required for geological processes and evolutionary changes, as well as the existence of prehistoric animals like Blue Babe. OEC sees God's creative work unfolding over eons, with scientific discoveries like Blue Babe revealing the intricate details of His sustained creative activity throughout natural history.

Why a Global Flood Cannot Cause This

A global flood cannot explain the existence or preservation of Blue Babe. Such a catastrophic event would result in massive sedimentation and widespread geological disruption. The delicate mummification process, requiring rapid burial in perpetually frozen conditions (permafrost), is entirely inconsistent with the turbulent, erosional, and widespread depositional environment of a global flood. A flood would scatter, disarticulate, and decompose organic remains, not preserve them intact and mummified for tens of thousands of years in specific localized conditions.

Long Genesis Days in OEC

Old-Earth Creationists believe that the "days" of Genesis 1 represent long, undefined periods of time, not literal 24-hour days. This interpretation allows for the vast stretches of time indicated by scientific evidence, such as the 36,000-year age of Blue Babe. It provides a framework where biblical accounts align with scientific discoveries, seeing God's creation as an ongoing process that unfolded over eons.

The flexible nature of "yom" in Genesis 2:4. "This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made earth and heavens." This single verse encapsulates the entire creation week. By using "yom" in this way, the verse emphasizes the grand sweep of creation as a unified act by God, rather than a 24 hr day.

Old-Earth Creationism interprets the Genesis creation account in a way that allows for a much older Earth and universe, consistent with scientific findings. This allows for vast stretches of time during which God's creative activity unfolded. Regarding different species, the Bible consistently presents God as creating diverse forms of life "according to their kinds" (Genesis 1:21, 24-25). This phrase suggests distinct categories of life, not necessarily rigidly fixed species as understood in modern taxonomy, but rather groups with inherent boundaries. Old-Earth Creationists believe that God created these "kinds" and that variation and diversification within these created kinds could have occurred over long periods, leading to the vast array of species we see today.

God's Glory in Old-Earth Creationism

Old-Earth Creationism magnifies God's glory by showcasing His power and wisdom in orchestrating a universe that unfolds over vast spans of time. The intricate processes of geology, biology, and the long history of life on Earth, including creatures like Blue Babe, speak to God's profound creative artistry and sustained providence. This perspective reveals a God whose creative acts are not confined to a single week but are evident throughout the immense timeline of the cosmos.


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