TSAWTB Section 6 - Interlude - A Miscellany of Items

278 Section 6 - Interlude
4. Geological formations
Neither evolution nor creation can describe the precise sequence of events
that have produced the present geological formations. Their form and
structure are phenomenally complex, and it is possible that there may have
been conditions existing at the time of the Flood that are either not present at
this time, or are so reduced that at their present low level, they would be quite
inadequate to bring about the conditions now visible.
It is possible that a full explanation may eventually be forthcoming, but, as
we will see when we deal with the subject later, the present complexity is
daunting.
5. Geocentricity
If it could be proven that the earth was at the centre of the universe, it
would be a death-blow to the materialist and humanist. We deal with this
subject more thoroughly in Appendix 10, but we will here note that secular
scientists cannot actually prove that the Earth travels around the Sun. It is
intriguing that God should so form the planetary system that the huge sun
ought to be the centre around which the planets travel, yet the scientific
evidence does not support this interpretation. As always happens, we come to
such profound subjects with our preconceptions already formed and it is these
that ultimately determine whether we accept the evidence, and not the plain
facts themselves.
6. Discovery of the Ark
There have been many reputed sightings of this famous vessel, but nothing
substantial has ever been produced. That the most likely site is at the centre
where East meets West and the highly charged political overtones that that
generates is probably all part of God’s plan of which uncertainty of human life
is a specific feature.
One might speculate on the repercussions if clear evidence of its existence
were ever to be discovered and publicised. It is not impossible that this might
occur at some stage - perhaps at a time when there is severe persecution of
Christians. Should this ever take place, some might hail this as a great
confirmation of their belief at a time when the faith of many might be failing.
However, Christ did say that, “it is an evil generation that demands a sign”, -
and to doubting Thomas, “Blessed are those who see not and yet believe.”
True faith is a gift of God. It is a rational faith and does not rely upon an
unending stream of “signs and wonders” for its continued existence.
7. Accuracy of the Bible.
We have discussed in Section 3.9 - A Biblical Chronology - the differences
between the various texts of the Hebrew Old Testament. In that section, we
noted that few Christians realise that the text used by Christ and the Disciples
was not the Massoretic text from which our Old Testament has been
translated. We will not repeat the discussion set out there but mention the
subject here as yet another aspect of God not providing an absolute and final
authority that is completely free of all problems.
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The crucial aspect about this seeming lack of certainty in the seven
examples set out above - and more could be added - is that they are all part of
God’s perfect programme. He never intended that we should be absolutely
convinced by factual evidence alone. To have done so would have led to an