Counsel #13 — Continued Evolutionary Timeline Challenges

Picture: Counsel #13 — Continued Evolutionary Timeline ChallengesCSe 38.1

Debates about the lengthy evolution of complex life and the sparse fossil record lead some to question if rock time differs from fossil time. However, trying to separate these is flawed as fossils within rocks indicate identical time periods.CSe 38.2

Others claim earliest fossils are simple animals, yet two problems exist with that thought. First, even evolutionary biologists recognize that animal complexity, particularly in cell biochemistry, is immense, with the oldest fossils being as biochemically complex as modern animals.^{[37]Any living cell is an unimaginably complex system of protein machines.} Second, the earliest fossils differ ecologically, not in complexity; they are marine animals, not terrestrial animals like us. This logically supports the creation narrative that ocean dwelling marine animals were killed and buried first in a global flood, followed by terrestrial animals that lived at higher altitudes.^{[38]https://youtu.be/_R7muW9caXs?si=GCAW7uNxoiykh8kv}CSe 38.3

“So the Lord destroyed every living thing that was on the surface of the ground, including people, animals, creatures that creep along the ground, and birds of the sky. They were wiped off the earth. Only Noah and those who were with him in the ark survived.” Genesis 7:23 NETCSe 38.4

“The entire surface of the earth was changed at the Flood…. Everywhere were strewn the dead bodies of men and beasts. The Lord would not permit these to remain to decompose and pollute the air, therefore He made of the earth a vast burial ground. Ellen White in Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 107.4CSe 38.5

Reflect: When considering creation vs. evolution theories, what are key data that helps you determine what you believe?CSe 38.6