Publisher's Synopsis
ABSTRACTThis project argues that the biblical creation accounts give no room for macro-evolution. Exegetical work supported by literature research shows that the creation days consist of six ordinary 24-hour periods, each covering a night and a day. The universe was created ex nihilo on the first of the six creation days probably not much more than six thousand years ago. Since mainstream science draws a very different picture of reality, authoritative scientific sources have been briefly referred to, showing that biblical teaching can be found to be in harmony with sound natural science. Creation and the fall into sin are central events in Christian theology. It is decisive for sound ministry to know whether Genesis 1-11 is reliable history and what kind of history it is. This has been the driving motive of all the research and counseling of this project.DESCRIPTIONIn this dissertation Ivar Kristianslund gives strong logical, scientific, and experimental reasons why Bible-based Christianity has a superior probability of being true compared to atheism and other religious worldviews. Briefly but clearly he indicates why the 66 books of the Bible can be trusted as the inspired inerrant word of God. He argues convincingly that God created out of nothing by his word about 6000 years ago and completed this work after six ordinary days. Three different biblical reasons, each alone being sufficient for rejecting macro-evolution, are treated in detail. Kristianslund goes deeply into biblical, cultural and other reasons why it was possible for mainstream science, history, and theology to fail so seriously regarding central questions. He also counters objections to his views by quoting relevant up to date scientific literature of high quality. Kristianslund also supplements existing literature by doing some original Bible-based thinking. He treats several matters not commonly covered in the creation literature and offers well founded suggestions for rethinking and rewriting parts of mainstream science, history, and theology. In spite of its academic level, most of this dissertation can be read with benefit by lay people. It is very interesting reading, treating several Bibel-related questions, seldom discussed. IVAR KRISTIANSLUND was born in Fredrikstad, Norway in 1934. He is very well educated and experienced. In addition to several other academic degrees, he has three earned doctorates from accredited institutions. He has a comprehensive academic career within agriculture, economics, econometrics, statistics, and theology, and has been teaching statistics and scientific method at all levels, for decades. Kristianslund is also an experienced animal breeder and farmer. He is married to Leikny, and they have 8 children and 28 grandchildren.
