Table of Contents

Preface

List of Figures
List of Tables
Abbreviations

Introduction

Part One: Historical Perspectives
1. The Age of the Earth Through the Seventeenth Century
2. Investigation of the Earth in the Seventeenth Century
3. The Emergence of Modern Geology
4. Harmonizing Geological Chronology and Scripture in the Nineteenth Century
5. Antiquity of the Earth: Twentieth Century to the Present

Part Two: Biblical Perspectives
6. The Bible and the Antiquity of the Earth: Part One
7. The Bible and the Antiquity of the Earth: Part Two

Part Three: Geological Perspectives
8. The Nature and Nurture of the Stratigraphic Record
9. Fossil Graveyards: A Rumble in the Jumble?
10. Sands Through the Hourglass: Sedimentation, Ancient Environments and Time
11. Of Time, Temperature and Turkeys: Clues from the Depths
12. Time and the Stratigraphy of the Michigan Basin: A Case Study
13. Illumination from the Range of Light: The Sierra Nevada
14. Radiometric Dating: Part One
15. Radiometric Dating: Part Two

Part Four: Philosophical Perspectives
16. Uniformitarianism, Catastrophism and Empiricism
17. Creationism, Evangelism and Apologetics

Index of Names
Index of Subjects

About the Author

Davis A. Young (Ph.D., Brown University) is Professor Emeritus of Geology at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Ralph F. Stearley (Ph.D., University of Michigan) is professor of geology and chairman of the department of geology, geography and environmental studies at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Reviews

"This book will prove a useful tool for scientists to explain geologic ideas to the public, and to refute the notion that accepting science necessarily means rejecting religion. It will be especially useful in communicating with evangelical Christians."
*Steven Newton, Reports, 2009*

"Well written and comprehensive."
*Hugh Henry, Stone Campbell Journal, Fall 2009*

"I am sorry that this book had to be written, but I am so glad that it was written and that it was done in such a splendid fashion."
*Michael Ruse, Perspectives on Science and Christian Faith, Spring 2009*

"Rigorously argued and well-documented."
*Marcus R. Ross, Christianity Today, April 2009*

"It is remarkable to encounter a scientific treatise written in a very interesting style. One should not be intimidated by its 500-page length. One geologist says: "Every church librarian should have this volume available as an essential reference." We agree and are pleased to have a book of this caliber in our collection."
*Betty Waller, The Lamplighter, May 2009*

"Saying that The Bible, Rocks and Time is probably the best book of its kind would not be saying enough, since there really is no other book of its kind: a treatment of the varied and overwhelmingly consistent evidence for the antiquity of our planet, written by Evangelical Christians with the aim of not only making the scientific case for the age of the Earth, but also helping conservative Christian readers navigate the issues of theology and Biblical interpretation that go along with such a conclusion, and all the while pointing out the difficulties and at times dishonesty of the young-earth creationist position. I highly recommend this book for any young earth creationist who is open to encountering an opposing viewpoint. I also recommend it for anyone who is unsure what to think about matters of science and creationism and wants more information. I heartily recommend this book -- all 510 pages of it!"
*James F. McGrath, Exploring Our Matrix (exploringourmatrix.blogspot.com), April 23, 2009*

"This solidly researched book would be a useful reference for anyone interested in the broader issues of the historical development of geology and why geology supplanted the traditional biblical view of Earth history. While all geologists should read this book to learn more about the history of their field, it would be especially valuable for Christian school and seminary libraries as well as university libraries with history of science and religious studies departments."
*S. H. Schimmrich, CHOICE, February 2009*

"These men know what they are talking about on this subject. They have put together a nice and readable presentation of the geological evidence for the age of the earth. This book is an excellent resource for and Pastor and any Christian struggling with the issue. I recommend [parts 1 and 2] to everyone interested in the debate and how we got to the current position, especially Pastors and church leaders. Even if you don't care about the scientific details, read this."
*RJS, Jesus Creed (blog.beliefnet.com/jesuscreed), November 25, 2008*

"How old is the earth, anyway? That's a question that continues to haunt evangelicals, even in the 21st century. Suggestion: an adult Sunday school class at your church, using this book as a text. Invite professors from local colleges for some of the sessions. Yes, you will be asking people to read 500 pages. About geology. And at the end, they will agree it was time exceedingly well spent."
*John Wilson, Christianity Today, December 2008*

"This book would be especially helpful for: Christian college students with a major or interest in sciencePastors and youth workers who need a viable, Biblically-sound alternative to young-Earth creationismNon-believing scientists, doctors and engineers who reject Christianity because they think faith in Christ is incompatible with scienceAnyone who has an interest in the relationship between science (especially geology) and the Bible"
*The Geo Christian (geochristian.wordpress.com), September 11, 2008*

"The tone is pastoral: the authors have no interest in winning a rhetorical battle. Rather, their wish is to provide a thorough assessment of the available evidence, evaluate young-Earth creationism, and encourage those who hold an Evangelical faith with a paradigm for holding the two worlds together."
*Peter Enns, a time to tear down (peterennsonline.com/book-reviews/), November 2008*