On Theories, Laws And Fossils

I was recently asked a question on a forum I visit, asking how a Christian could ignore the scientific evidence found in fossils. How could we just turn our backs on what is proof that the world wasn't created in just six days (which the Bible says happened, and therefore which I agree with 100%.) I thought it would be good to repeat here what Father led me to as an answer.

According to the process of Scientific Method, one of the steps involves creating a hypothesis. This hypothesis needs to be constructed with attention paid to observability and testability. (as paraphrased from "The Scientific Outlook" by Bertrand Russell, other sources et al)

Therefore, who was present to verify that the fossils we see today were formed in any given way? There is NO directly observable process for the development of fossils. Therefore, fossils, by definition, cannot be used as part of the process of formulating any hypothesis involving the earth's age.

As a continuation, all known methods of estimating the age of fossils are known to have anomalies that induce sufficient question to their direct application to such a task. In using methods such as those mentioned above, one has to accept that a) the original source was predictable in it's composition and energy and b) there was a linearity present in such time. Now, since there was no direct observation available, point "a" is ASSUMED to be accurate by scientists (which tends to move the whole hypothesis into the realm of faith.) As for point "b", that would be like a car going from New York to Los Angeles being stopped in Oklahoma for doing 80 mph. The police report states, "car was doing 80 mph all the way from start to end." That would be quite a leap to make that statement, and it is the same in our fossil.

So, since there was no direct observation, and since there are no accurate methods of testing fossils (that can truly take into consideration the entire scope of the time line existence of those samples.), it is impossible to construct a verifiable hypothesis. Without a hypothesis, there can be no law (according to scientific methodology.)

Now, from the Christian viewpoint, there WAS an observer at the creation:

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Gen. 1:1

And this Being was not alone:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God." John 1:1-2

That being, the Word, visited earth:

"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:14

This person was identified as Jesus. He is quoted as saying:

"I and [my] Father are one." John 10:30

During His life, he was recorded to have performed 47 different miracles, ranging from control over nature, to instant healings of various diseases and handicaps, to restoration of life to the dead. This includes His own resurrection, the results of which were witnessed by a total of over 500 people (including such as Cephas, Mary Magdalene, James, the "twelve", Paul, Emmaus, Cleopas, ad nausum....)

To this day, there are literally millions of people that testify that Jesus is risen, and alive, and taking an active part in their daily lives.

So, according to Scientific Method, I shall propose a hypothesis:

"Proposed: The only method of earth creation that has both direct observation and testable, measurable methods, is that God, through and with the Word (Jesus), created the earth in 6 days."

Observation, provided by God, through the Bible and the Word. This was verified in person by His Son, who gave demonstration that not only did this happen, but that sufficient power was possessed by same to effect such actions. A chain of continued witness of evidence has existed from the arrival of Jesus to date, showing that these results have not been tampered with. Continued testing of the truth to these statements exists within the body of believers that have experiential knowledge of the day-to-day workings of Jesus and His Father, YHWH.

So, again I must ask a simple question: Why is it that, even when the Bible follows the rules of the game that science lays out, those same scientists refuse to believe the only possible truth?

Simple. To admit that science is wrong forces one to realize that ALL of what the Bible states is true. This makes a person come face to face with the fact that they are flawed, sinful, without hope except through the grace of God given by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

"Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification." Rom. 4:23-25

I hope this clears up many questions.

Grace and Peace....