Counsel #12 — The Cambrian Conundrum

Picture: Counsel #12 — The Cambrian ConundrumCSe 37.1

If radiometric dates are accurate, complex life on earth originated near the beginning of the Cambrian period, about 541 million years ago, marking the Cambrian explosion when most fossilizable animal phyla first appear in the rocks. These animals should represent simple life forms at the start of the evolutionary process. During a recent Geological Society of America (GSA) meeting, biologists and paleontologists vigorously discussed the nature of the Cambrian fossils. Evolutionary biologists argued at least half a billion years of evolution was needed before the Cambrian to account for the extreme complexity of Cambrian animals. However, paleontologists noted the absence of pre-Cambrian fossils, questioning such an extended evolutionary period. Despite paleontologists attempts to argue rapid early Cambrian evolution, biologists, knowing how complex even the “simplest” animals are, insisted on the necessity of 500 million years of evolution before the Cambrian. The debate ended without a resolution, and the issue remains unresolved.^{[36]https://www.grisda.org/the-cambrian-explosion-1}CSe 37.2

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding,” Job 38:4 NASBCSe 37.3

“Millions of years, it is claimed, were required for the evolution of the earth from chaos; and in order to accommodate the Bible to this supposed revelation of science, the days of creation are assumed to have been vast, indefinite periods, covering thousands or even millions of years. Such a conclusion is wholly uncalled for.” Ellen White in Education, pp. 128, 129CSe 37.4

Reflect: Why do you think so many people are unwilling to consider the biblical account of creation?CSe 37.5