The

Genesis

Question

Scientific Advances

and the Accuracy of Genesis

Second Expanded Edition

Hugh Ross

©1998, 2001 by Reasons to Believe

Second edition 2001

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission from NavPress, P.O. Box 35001, Colorado Springs, CO 80935.

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Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2001030627

ISBN 1-57683-230-9

Cover photo by D2 Designworks

Some of the anecdotal illustrations in this book are true and are included with the permission of the persons involved. All other illustrations are composites of real situations, and any resemblance to people living or dead is coincidental.

Unless otherwise identified, all Scripture quotations in this publication are taken from the HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ® (niv®). Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Another version used is the King James Version (kjv).

Ross, Hugh (Hugh Norman), 1945–

The Genesis question: scientific advances and the accuracy of Genesis / Hugh Ross.—2nd expanded ed.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 1-57683-230-9 (pbk.)

1. Bible. O.T. Genesis I–XI—Criticism, interpretation, etc. 2. Bible. O.T. Genesis I–XI—Evidences, authority, etc. 3. Bible and science. I Title.

BS1235.2.R68 2001

222′.1106—dc21 2001030627

Contents

Preface to the Second Edition

Acknowledgments

1. A Personal Journey

2. Reasons for Resistance

3. Creation of the Cosmos

4. Creation Events: Days One and Two

5. Creation Events: Days Three and Four

6. Creation Events: Days Five and Six

7. The Source Controversy

8. Rest: Day Seven

9. A Spiritual Perspective on Creation—Genesis 2

10. Modern Criticism Arises

11. Genesis and “Creation Science”

12. How Far the Fall—Genesis 3

13. Cain’s Wife and City—Genesis 4

14. Dating the Origin of Humanity—Genesis 5

15. The Possibility of Long Life Spans—Genesis 5–6

16. Sons of God and the Nephilim—Genesis 6

17. The Boundaries of God’s Wrath—Genesis 6

18. The Flood: Global or Local?—Genesis 7–8

19. The Ark and Its Passengers—Genesis 6–9

20. The Origin of Nations and Races—Genesis 9–11

21. Dispelling Myth About Genesis

Appendix A: Biblical Origins of the Scientific Method

Appendix B: Word Studies in Genesis 1

Appendix C: Sons of God and Sons of Men

Appendix D: Scientific Discoveries Supporting Genesis 1–11

Index

Preface to the Second Edition

Since the publication of The Genesis Question, first edition, scientists have made many more discoveries substantially strengthening the evidence for the accuracy of the first eleven chapters of Genesis. This new edition describes these new discoveries, for example the discovery and dating of early ...