False Science by C. Green

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 11, 1875

False Science.

By C. Green

When men seek to account for the creation of matter in some other way than that taught by the Spirit of God through his word, such teachings are denominated false science by the inspired writer.

At the present day, much thought is given to an attempt to prove the creation of our world by a process founded upon the eternal duration of matter; and many lengthy treatises are written, and intricate propositions are brought forward, to account for the creation on these principles. Much attention is also given to a discussion of the probable changes which would take place in matter during long periods of time, and by which the earth became fitted for the support of vegetable and animal life. In order to unite this theory with the Bible testimony of creation, each day in the creation week is made to equal a myriad of years. When through the process of constant agitation a change was about to take place, in which a higher state was to be developed, the Almighty’s fiat went forth, and light beamed upon the darkened mass, producing what scientists term the first day.

The waters yet enveloped the earth wherein hideous monsters dwelt. Another lengthy period must pass, and wonderful changes take place, before another command from the Creator could separate the waters, allotting to the earth and the heavens their respective shares, and the second day of the first week of time be placed upon the calendar.

The earth now assumed a globular form, having been freed from water and mists which had heretofore held it without shape or order, and awaited, during another period of time, the word of God whereby the waters were to be gathered together, and the dry land made to appear. When this was done, its barren surface was ready for a higher state and a new order of things. The necessary changes take place in their proper order and at the proper time, and prepare for the ushering in of another creation day.

But why go on presenting this theory of creation, in which a natural cause for the formation of matter and the worlds is given a primary place, and the authority of God becomes a secondary consideration? We will suppose this theory to be true; that ages are required to produce certain changes; and that when a change takes place a period denominated a day is passed. Six of these periods are required to effect the creation of our planet—for, according to this theory, the sun, moon,

and stars, had long shone in all their brilliancy, but the darkness and mist enveloping the earth, had prevented their rays from reaching its surface—then comes Jehovah’s rest; for this must be included in the weekly cycle or the Bible testimony of this event must be set aside. Can this seventh day compare for length of time with the preceding ones? It should, in order to keep up the harmony; but if it does, Jehovah’s rest is not yet ended. And the testimony given declares that that day ended, and was blessed and set aside, to be observed by man ever after as sacred.

We can see in this scientific theory of creation nothing but infidelity and confusion. When men will set aside the plain narrative of the manner in which the worlds were “created by the word of God,” and “seek out many inventions” of their own, they expose their own weakness, and confirm the declaration that “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.”

Are men made better morally by such teachings? Are these teachers themselves patterns of piety, zealous for the honor and glory of God? Are they reformers? Are any affected by their teachings and converted from the error of their ways? We fear not. Yea; we can see in them that which goes to destroy faith in the Bible, and in the plan of salvation through the sacrifice of Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer.

C. GREEN.

Battle Creek, Mich.