Counsel #11 — Carbon-14

Picture: Counsel #11 — Carbon-14CSe 98.1

While carbon-14 dating can be a useful tool in certain contexts, its limitations and underlying assumptions make it unreliable for establishing the age of the Earth as proposed by macroevolutionary theory. For instance, carbon-14 dating is only effective for materials up to approximately 50,000 years old. This narrow range is insufficient to date the Earth's supposed billions of years, especially when considering the existence of fossils claimed to be millions of years old. It relies on the assumption that the rate of carbon-14 decay has remained constant throughout history. However, there's no guarantee that this rate has been consistent, especially during events like the global Flood described in the Bible, which could have significantly altered atmospheric conditions. Also, organic materials can be easily contaminated with modern carbon, leading to inaccurate age determinations.CSe 98.2

The presence of carbon-14 in supposedly ancient materials like coal and diamonds challenges the notion of an old Earth. If these materials are truly millions of years old, they should not contain any measurable carbon-14, as it would have decayed long ago.^{[98]https://www.grisda.org/origins-51006}CSe 98.3

Young Earth creationists maintain that the Bible provides a more accurate and consistent account of Earth's history.CSe 98.4

“"For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth." Psalms 33:4 NKJVCSe 98.5

“All true science is but an interpretation of the handwriting of God in the material world.” Ellen White in Counsels on Education, p. 66CSe 98.6

Reflect: How can you seek God's wisdom and guidance as you continue to explore the complexities of science and faith?CSe 98.7