Dr. Terry Mortenson Articles
Latest Articles by Dr. Terry Mortenson
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April 8, 2025 from Answers in Depth
Rejecting the historical Adam comes with serious theological consequences.
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Jan. 3, 2025 from Answers in Depth
Responding to Hugh Ross’ Old-Earth Arguments
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Oct. 27, 2024 from Answers Magazine
If you just connect all the dots, isn’t it easy to see how the first humans could evolve from a shared ancestor with the apes?
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In-Depth ArticleCritique of Hugh Ross’s Creation StoryJuly 24, 2024 from Answers in Depth
Does Dr. Ross’s view (particularly about the origin the earth, sun, moon, and stars) really stand up to scrutiny with an open Bible?
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May 31, 2024 from Answers in Depth
Why biblical creation is the answer to today’s worldview crisis.
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March 10, 2024 from Answers Magazine
When we deny the existence of a literal Adam, we undermine the very authority of Scripture.
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Feb. 9, 2024 from The Great Turning Point
The controversies regarding the early chapters of Genesis and the geological discoveries and theories were part of a complex movement of thought which pulsed through the educated minds of Europeans.
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Sept. 29, 2023 from Answers in Depth
As Christians think about the origin and history of the universe and everything in it, it is important to distinguish between God’s original work of creation and his work of providence since.
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Sept. 22, 2023 from Answers in Depth
God’s commentary on the Sabbath refutes all long-age theories.
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June 30, 2023 from Answers Magazine
At some point, everyone struggles with tragedy. Without the Bible’s account of creation, there are no good answers.
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Jan. 1, 2023 from Answers Magazine
Christians who believe in the literal historical existence and fall of Adam should also believe that God created everything in six literal days about 6,000 years ago.
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A Literal Adam Is Not the IssueJuly 6, 2022
A defense of only the historical Adam without the rest of the creation account is incomplete.
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May 13, 2022 from Answers in Depth
All old-earth interpretations of Genesis unintentionally assault the character of God, undermine the truth and authority of Scripture, and subvert the gospel.
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Nov. 26, 2021 from The New Answers Book 3
How Old and New Testament authors, Jesus, and we should understand the genre of Genesis 1–11, and why it’s vital to a proper biblical hermeneutic.
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Nov. 1, 2021 from The New Answers Book 2
Today, most people in the world, including most people in the Church, take for granted that the earth and universe are millions and millions of years old.
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Oct. 27, 2021 from Searching for Adam
It is claimed that the Bible does not deal with the issue of the age of mankind or even how man came into existence.
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Sept. 29, 2021 from Answers in Depth
Can the evolutionist view of the history of natural evil be harmonized with the Bible’s apparent teaching that all of this evil is the consequence of the Fall?
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July 20, 2021 from The New Answers Book 2
Problems with progressive creation, including non-historical reading of Genesis 1, multiple animal creation events, manlike creatures before Adam & others
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Jan. 15, 2021 from Answers in Depth
A geology historian’s book review of “The Grand Canyon, Monument to an Ancient Earth” and why its arguments should fail to convince a careful Bible student.
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William Lane Craig's Mytho-History vs. Historical GenesisDec. 19, 2020
William Lane Craig has done much good for the church, but he has strayed far from the truth on the question of origins.
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Nov. 14, 2020 from Answers in Depth
This is a summary of the historical development of the modern uniformitarian view of the geological record and the millions-of-years time-scale.
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Nov. 13, 2020 from Answers in Depth
Old-earthers claim Augustine as support for figurative interpretations of Genesis 1. But what did Augustine really say?
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Oct. 16, 2020 from Answers in Depth
Many people who have written on Genesis 1 have attempted to make a very significant distinction between two Hebrew words found there.
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July 12, 2020 from Answers Magazine
Nobody should minimize the danger of errors, especially when we teach error to others.
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March 1, 2020 from Answers Magazine
What does the Intelligent Design movement get right, and what does it leave out?
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Jan. 19, 2020 from Answers Magazine
Evangelicals typically balk at human authorities who ignore God’s Word. Now some Old Testament scholars are effectively denying the clarity of Scripture.
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July 28, 2019 from Answers Magazine
Was Genesis 1 written from the perspective of “God’s time,” unlike the rest of Scripture?
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July 24, 2019 from Answers Magazine
Most Christians at least give lip-service to following Christ. But what about His view of the Old Testament?
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July 1, 2019 from Answers Magazine
Nature reveals so much more about God’s character than a few hints we might easily overlook.
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March 6, 2019 from Buch: Fragen und Antworten zur Wahrheit der Bibel
„Evolution ist Wissenschaft, Schöpfung ist Religion“ – haben Sie das auch schon gehört oder vielleicht sogar selber gesagt?
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Feb. 5, 2019 from Feedback
What is the most compelling scientific evidence of a young earth? Many new materials have been produced by young-earth creationists to help answer the question.
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July 2, 2018 from Answers in Depth
Did the Flood really happen? Or is it a myth? Was it global? Or was it a local flood described in hyperbole? Was it a peaceful flood? And does it matter anyway?
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May 4, 2018 from Answers Magazine
Some respected Christian leaders, famous for defending the fundamentals of the faith against compromise, were guilty of their own compromise.
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Feb. 26, 2018 from Answers Update
The denial of the clarity of Genesis undermines the authority of Genesis—which undermines the authority of the entire Bible! The rejection of the clear, authoritative teaching of Genesis about how and when God created has significantly contributed to the moral and spiritual decadence into which America has descended.
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July 31, 2017 from Answers Magazine
So few pastors are preaching on Genesis. Before we can help, we need to understand what might be holding a pastor back.
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May 5, 2017 from World Religions and Cults Volume 3
Naturalism, or philosophical naturalism, is one of the most popular religions in the world today, although most people don’t recognize it as such.
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March 1, 2017 from Searching for Adam
Does it really matter what we believe about Adam? Yes it does! There are enormous moral and spiritual implications of these truths.
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Oct. 7, 2016 from Answers Magazine
How should you respond as a faithful witness for Christ when in a gospel-oriented conversation with an atheist?
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July 1, 2016 from Answers Magazine
Some Christians claim Noah’s Flood was local, and it doesn’t really matter what we believe about it. Does this view hold water?
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Book Chapter“Deep Time” and the Church’s Compromise: Historical BackgroundApril 5, 2016 from Coming to Grips with Genesis
As we trace the history of this idea of millions of years, we will see that it is the product of speculation rooted in anti-biblical philosophical assumptions.
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Genesis 2:17—“You Shall Surely Die”Nov. 24, 2015
Many old-earth creationists (OEC) try to get around young-earth creationist arguments about there being no death (animal or human) before Adam sinned.
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In-Depth ArticleTrillions of “Artifacts”—Who’s Really Got the Problem?July 7, 2015 from Answers in Depth
Do trillions of artifacts found in Africa and elsewhere prove that the young-earth creation view is ridiculous?
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June 7, 2015 from Answers Magazine
A vast number of conservative theologians accept animal death before Adam’s Fall.
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A Response to a Gospel Coalition Blog on the Age of the EarthApril 22, 2015
In a blog post for The Gospel Coalition, Justin Taylor presented his reasons for doubting that the days of creation in Genesis 1 were literal 24-hour days.
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Jan. 26, 2015 from The New Answers Book 3
Few people have actually read the works of Darwin, and if they did they might be shocked to read some of Darwin’s ideas.
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Jan. 1, 2015 from Answers Magazine
“Why make such a big deal about the age of the earth? It’s so divisive!”
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Discovering or Destroying the “Recipe for Belief in Creationism”?Dec. 22, 2014
BioLogos attempts to convince Christians to believe in evolution and millions of years and reject the clear teaching of the inerrant Word of God.
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Fossil Evidence of Whale Evolution?March 25, 2014
The creature Pakicetus was initially regarded as a primitive whale, while further analysis confirms it was a land-dwelling mammal.
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Was Darwin Right?March 24, 2014
The fossil record falsifies the theory of evolution, but it confirms the teaching of Genesis 1.
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The Theological and Geological Influences on DarwinFeb. 11, 2014
Charles Darwin’s anti-biblical, naturalistic worldview assumptions controlled his interpretations of what he saw in the world
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Reaching Bolivia and Latin America with Creation ApologeticsNov. 20, 2013
Last week in Bolivia, AiG held some very full days of presenting creation apologetics talks in the city of Santa Cruz.
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Magazine Department ArticleAre Demons Active Today?Jan. 1, 2013 from Answers Magazine
Thankfully, there is no reason to fear demons.
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Mutilating God’s Word: Adam, Bilbo, and Peter EnnsDec. 14, 2012
Dr. Terry Mortenson, AiG-U.S., responds to a recent blog post by Dr. Peter Enns that strongly accused Ken Ham of teaching obvious error and misleading Christians.
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Book ChapterThe Nature of the DebateOct. 6, 2011 from The Great Turning Point
We must consider why the scriptural geologists wrote on this subject, summarize the contemporary reactions to their writings, and then analyze the reasons for the reactions of their opponents.
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Book ChapterCollective PortraitSept. 29, 2011 from The Great Turning Point
All the scriptural geologists in the early 19th century believed that Genesis 1–11 provided a divinely inspired and historically accurate account of the origin and early history of the world.
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Book ChapterWilliam Rhind (1797–1874)Sept. 15, 2011 from The Great Turning Point
Though virtually unknown in discussions of the scriptural geologists, William Rhind’s geological qualifications enabled him to debate the issues of his day.
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Book ChapterGeorge Young (1777–1848)Sept. 1, 2011 from The Great Turning Point
Young had an obvious love for the study of geology and saw it not as a threat, but as an aid to faith.
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Book ChapterJohn Murray (1786–1851)Aug. 25, 2011 from The Great Turning Point
John has been completely overlooked by historians, and his works related to the Genesis-geology debate were largely ignored by contemporary old-earth proponents.
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Book ChapterGeorge Fairholme (1789–1846)Aug. 18, 2011 from The Great Turning Point
Fairholme did not discuss at length his view of the Bible. But clearly he held to the traditional Christian view of the inspiration, infallibility, and inerrancy of Scripture.
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Book ChapterAndrew Ure (1778–1857)Aug. 11, 2011 from The Great Turning Point
Ure wrote his book for the expressed purpose of promoting the study of geology, that “magnificent field of knowledge.”
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Book ChapterGeorge Bugg (1769–1851)Aug. 4, 2011 from The Great Turning Point
Bugg held to the dominant view of evangelicals and high churchmen regarding the infallibility of the Scriptures, not just in matters of religion and morality, but also of history.
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Book ChapterGranville Penn (1761–1844)July 28, 2011 from The Great Turning Point
Penn made no claim to be a geologist, but he was well read in the geological literature of his day.
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Book ChapterAssessing Geological CompetenceJuly 21, 2011 from The Great Turning Point
Before we can ascertain the level of geological ignorance or acumen of any of the scriptural geologists, we must define what constituted a competent geologist in the early 19th century.
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Book ChapterBiblical InterpretationJuly 14, 2011 from The Great Turning Point
To assess properly the debate that the scriptural geologists were involved in, one needs also to understand the views of Scripture held by evangelicals and high churchmen.
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Book ChapterThe Early 19th Century Social and Religious MilieuJuly 7, 2011 from The Great Turning Point
Two revolutions had a significant effect on life in Britain and the wider Western world in the 18th and early 19th centuries.
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Book ChapterReinterpretations of GenesisJune 30, 2011 from The Great Turning Point
In a sermon to his church in 1804, the gap theory began to be propounded by the young pastor, Reverend Thomas Chalmers.
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Book ChapterHistorical Developments in Geology, Paleontology, and CosmologyJune 23, 2011 from The Great Turning Point
The fundamental features of geological study, namely, field work, collection, and theory construction, were not developed until the 16th to 18th centuries.
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Noah’s Flood and JudgmentJune 13, 2011 from Answers Update
With our announcement of the construction of a full-size Noah’s Ark and with the 50th anniversary of the publication of The Genesis Flood, our attention is once again drawn to Genesis 6–8.
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Book ChapterIntroductionJune 9, 2011 from The Great Turning Point
Many people in the church today think that “young-earth” creationism is a fairly recent invention, popularized by fundamentalist Christians in the mid-20th century. Is this view correct?
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In-Depth ArticleYoung-Earth Creationist View Summarized And DefendedFeb. 16, 2011 from Answers in Depth
There is a great amount of controversy in the church today regarding evolution and the age of the earth. Many competing views attract the attention of Christians producing great confusion and leading
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Feedback ArticleThe Definite ArticleNov. 26, 2010 from Feedback
Why do English translations of the Bible include definite articles that are not present in the original text?
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Why Don’t Many Christian Leaders and Scholars Believe Genesis?May 31, 2010
Old-earth proponents’ own words indicate that evolutionary theories about the history and age of the earth and universe are the determining factor influencing their understanding of Genesis 1–11.
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Feedback ArticleWeaved Together in the Womb?April 16, 2010 from Feedback
Is the NIV version of the Bible wrong to say that we are “knit” together in the womb? Dr. Terry Mortenson and Dr. David Menton, AiG–U.S., examine the Hebrew and science.
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Seminary Prof. Resigns Over Pro-Evolution CommentsApril 15, 2010
The departure of Dr. Waltke has become a news item outside Evangelical circles. Terry Mortenson, AiG–U.S., comments on this news item.
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Magazine ArticleSix Literal DaysApril 1, 2010 from Answers Magazine
Did God create the whole universe, including the original plants, animals, and first two people (Adam and Eve) in six literal 24-hour days?
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Are (Biblical) Creationists “Cornered”?Sept. 11, 2009
We agree when Dr. Moreland states that “we ought not allow science to dictate to us our exegesis of the Old Testament,” but then he proceeds to do exactly that.
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Psalm 104:6-9—the Flood or Day Three of Creation Week?July 28, 2009
Old-earth creationists such as Hugh Ross claim Psalm 104:6–9 refers to the Creation Week, but a closer look shows otherwise.
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July 5, 2009 from Answers Magazine
Ever heard one of these claims? Perhaps you’ve even said one yourself. We’ve heard them all—but they’re all false, or at least they imply a falsehood.
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“Slam Dunk for Science and the Constitution”?Feb. 23, 2009
Noted philosophy professor and author Dr. Barbara Forrest came to Northern Kentucky University to attack creation.
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Getting a GripDec. 9, 2008
Fourteen scholars came together to address key topics related to the age of the earth. The result was a substantial historical, theological, and exegetical defense of the biblical account of creation
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Oct. 13, 2008 from Answers Magazine
Most of these Christians ignore the account of Noah’s Flood in Genesis 6–9 and its implications for understanding the geological history of the earth.
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Book ChapterWhy Shouldn’t Christians Accept Millions of Years?Aug. 16, 2007 from The New Answers Book 1
Is the age of the earth unimportant and divisive, as some Christians claim? Answers in Genesis thinks not.
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In-Depth ArticleJesus, Evangelical Scholars, and the Age of the EarthAug. 1, 2007 from Answers in Depth
What did Jesus think about the age of the earth? Did He say anything during His earthly life that would reveal His thinking?
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Feedback ArticleWere Fossils Created Ex Nihilo During Creation Week?Oct. 6, 2006
Feedback: Were fossils created ex nihilo during Creation Week?
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Learning from “The Great Debate”Aug. 7, 2006
In this article I provide a sampling of the arguments used by Drs. Ankerberg, Ross, and Kaiser along with my commentary.
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Taking Back Theology!July 18, 2006
Besides taking back the scientific disciplines of astronomy, biology, geology, archaeology, etc. which have been captured by the godless evolutionary worldview, we also need to take back theology.
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Proclaiming the Truth in Russia . . . from the Very First VerseMay 20, 2006
For eleven days Dr. Mortenson had the privilege of presenting the truths of creation in Russia, a huge country of 11 time zones and 140 million people.
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Evolution vs. Creation: The Order of Events Matters!April 4, 2006
The order of events of creation recorded in Genesis 1 contradicts (at very many points) the order of events according to the evolution story.
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Feedback ArticleAn In-Depth Look at the Translation of the Hebrew Word AdamJan. 20, 2006 from Feedback
“Why is Adam translated either man or mankind and not Adam?”
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ID and President Bush—the Deeper IssuesOct. 18, 2005
I have written a critique of statements made by Dr. William Dembski, who commented on President George Bush’s recent statement about ID and public schools.
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Real Scientists, Really?July 27, 2005
The claims of evolutionists and some old-earth creationists that young-earth creationists don't have real degrees and don't do real scientific research that can be published are simply not true.
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#1 Problem: Young-Earth Creationists?July 25, 2005 from Answers Update
Imagine my shock! The president of a Christian college (where I was speaking) was an eyewitness of the story he shared with me at lunch a few weeks ago.
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Fossil Turtles Confound EvolutionistsApril 18, 2005
Australian scientists announced in February the discovery of dozens of fossilized sea turtles that they say have exciting implications for evolution.
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Philosophical Naturalism and the Age of the Earth: Are They Related?March 2, 2005
Many Christians do not understand the stranglehold that philosophical naturalism has on geology and astronomy.
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Technical Research PaperGeorge Young
British scriptural geologists in the first half of the 19th century: part 12. George Young
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National Geographic Is Wrong and so Was DarwinNov. 6, 2004
The 33-page cover story of the November issue of National Geographic asks the question, “Was Darwin wrong?” The magazine surprised no one with their confident answer, “No!”
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But from the Beginning of . . . the Institution of Marriage?Nov. 1, 2004
Respected Christian apologists Dr. John Ankerberg and Dr. Norman Geisler have launched another attack on young-earth creationism.
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Magazine ArticleGenesis According to EvolutionSept. 1, 2004, pp. 50–51
When confronted with what the Bible says about origins, many Christians have argued that God could not have communicated that He created in this manner to people in a pre-scientific age.
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Technical Research PaperJohn Murray
British scriptural geologists in nineteenth century 11: John Murray
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Technical Research PaperFowler De JohnsoneApril 1, 2004 from British Scriptural Geologists in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century
Nothing is known of Fowler De Johnsone apart from the words of his book addressed to William Buckland in 1838.
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Special AiG Outreach and Debate in AtlantaDec. 2, 2003
AiG has a multi-pronged strategy for calling the church back to the truth of Genesis. One aspect of this speaking in venues of Christian higher education, including the Evangelical Theological Society
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“Creation Scientists Aren’t Real Scientists and Don’t Do Real Research.”Aug. 15, 2003
The Creation Science Fellowship has been organizing and hosting the International Conference on Creationism about every four years since 1986.
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Technical Research PaperThe Origin of Old-Earth Geology and its Ramifications for Life in the 21st CenturyAug. 5, 2003, pp. 22–23
Almost everyone living today takes for granted that the universe and earth are billions of years old.
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‘You Are a Threat to Education!’July 11, 2003
This is the 8th year that AiG has been able to distribute resources at the National Education Association's (NEA) annual meeting.
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In the Eye of the StormJuly 1, 2003
Terry Mortenson talks about the upcoming outreach at the boothof the 'Creation Science Educators Caucus' at the 2003 National Educators Associatioin.
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Tearing Down Temples in BulgariaJune 16, 2003
Bulgarians have been brainwashed for decades with the lie of evolution and millions of years. Surely, science has proven that the Bible is full of mythology, most Bulgarians think.
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Technical Research PaperJames Mellor BrownApril 1, 2003 from British Scriptural Geologists in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century
In 1838, James M. Brown wrote a 56-page pamphlet entitled Reflections on Geology, in which he critiqued the geological views of William Buckland and John Pye Smith.
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Refuting Evolution OverseasFeb. 21, 2003
Evolution is taught virtually everywhere as fact. I saw this again first hand as I traveled to Ukraine, Russia and Canada last fall.
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Technical Research PaperGeorge Fairholme
George Fairholme was an enthusiastic and competent geologist, well read in the leading geological literature of his time, British and foreign.
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Special Feature: Hugh Ross ExposéAug. 23, 2002
I have been asked many times as to my response to the teachings of Dr Hugh Ross—probably the world’s leading Progressive Creationist.
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Technical Research PaperRev. Samuel Best
Samuel Best devoted his clerical life to serving the people of Abbots Ann near Andover. His great heart was for the people and he demonstrated this through the establishment of a primary school.
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“The Way We Were: Human Origins Research in Ethiopia”April 23, 2002
I attended a lecture with the above title given at Miami University by Dr Tim White, a leading researcher on human evolution from the University of California at Berkeley (California).
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Deifying Darwin?April 6, 2002 from Answers Update
The British nation today is sliding into moral and spiritual chaos as God’s Word is brought down while Darwin’s Origin of Species is exalted.
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Glenn Morton: Who’s Misrepresenting History?Feb. 6, 2002
Recently Glenn Morton has been promoting his web article entitled 'John Murray: A Misrepresentation of History.'
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Glenn Morton: A Misrepresentation of History?-A short rebuttalFeb. 6, 2002
Recently Glenn Morton has been promoting his web article entitled 'John Murray: A Misrepresentation of History.'
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Stop the Brainwashing!June 1, 2001 from Answers Update
This spring I had the wonderful opportunity to speak many times about Genesis and creation in Poland, Moldova, Russia, and Hungary.
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Technical Research PaperThomas GisborneApril 1, 2000 from British Scriptural Geologists in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century
Thomas Gisborne was a highly respected and nationally influential evangelical Anglican minister in early nineteenth century Britain.
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Technical Research PaperHenry ColeApril 1, 1999 from British Scriptural Geologists in the First Half of the Nineteenth Century
Although numbered among the early 19th century scriptural geologists, Henry Cole was largely ignorant of the facts of geology.
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Technical Research PaperAndrew Ure
Andrew Ure was one of the top chemists of his day with an international reputation as a meticulous scientist, a prolific writer and an effective teacher.
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Technical Research PaperGeorge Bugg
An evangelical Anglican pastor, George Bugg faced difficulties and controversies within the church because of his uncompromising stand on the Scriptures as ‘strictly and literally true’.
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Technical Research PaperGranville Penn
At a time when many early geologists were abandoning Genesis, Granville Penn made a courageous stand in defence of the Scriptures in his book.
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Technical Research PaperHistorical Setting
The scriptural geologists in Britain in the first half of the nineteenth century tenaciously defended Genesis 1–11 as a reliable historical account.
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