The Bible contains numerous references to “dragons” and other creatures that resemble dinosaurs, such as Behemoth, as well as other extinct reptiles like Leviathan and the flying serpents. Most of these references are after Genesis 6-8, implying that these kinds survived the global flood. So how and when did these marvelous creatures go extinct?
In part 1, we found that we can learn much about the history of dinosaurs from Scripture, even though the term ‘dinosaur’ is modern and therefore not to be found in the ancient text. Yet, the King James Bible uses the word ‘dragon’ or ‘dragons’ 35 times. Could some of these be dinosaurs?
How do dinosaurs fit into the history recorded in the Bible? Some would say, “They don’t. Dinosaurs lived millions of years before people were around. The Bible doesn’t mention them.” Dinosaurs are often used as an icon for evolution and deep time. It seems that there is no need to make a logical argument for an “old earth” – just say the word “dinosaurs” and you win! After all, we all know that dinosaurs lived millions of years ago, and some evolved into birds. Or did they?
The critics for this week have posted on the Biblical Science Institute Facebook page in response to the geology articles here and here. I will use only their first name in the response. The critic’s comments are in violet text, with my response in black.
In part one, we examined the basics of geology, and found that scientists generally agree on the observational aspects of geology regardless of their respective positions on origins. But when it comes to interpreting geological events of the past, we form different conclusions on the basis of different starting presuppositions and views of Earth history.