Claim CD103:
The entire geologic column is based on the assumption of evolution.
Source:
Huse, Scott, M., 1983. The Collapse of Evolution. Grand Rapids, MI:
Baker Book House, p. 14.
Response:
- The geologic column was outlined by creationist geologists. For
example, Adam Sedgwick, who described and named the Cambrian era,
referred to the theory of evolution as "no better than a phrensied
dream" (Ritland 1982). The geologic column is based on the observation
of faunal succession, the fact that organisms vary across strata, and
that they do so in a consistent order from place to place. William
"Strata" Smith (1769-1839) recognized faunal succession years before
Darwin published his ideas on biological evolution.
- The geologic column is validated in great detail by radiometric dating,
which is based on principles of physics, not evolution. Furthermore,
different dating techniques are consistent, and they are consistent
with the order established by the early pioneers of stratigraphy.
Links:
Ritland, Richard, 1982. Historical development of the current
understanding of the geologic column: part II. Origins 9(1): 28-50.
http://www.grisda.org/origins/09028.htm
Matson, Dave E., 1994. How good are those young-earth arguments?
http://www.talkorigins.org/faqs/hovind/howgood-gc.html#G2
References:
- Ritland, R. 1982. (see above).
Further Reading:
Schneer, Cecil J., n.d. William "Strata" Smith on the web.
http://www.unh.edu/esci/wmsmith.html
Young, Davis A., 1988. Christianity and the Age of the Earth.
Thousand
Oaks, CA: Artisan Sales.
created 2003-3-27, modified 2004-9-8
