The Threefold Problem of the Gap Theory
From Wilmington's Guide to the Bible: Pg. 19
IT IS UNSCIENTIFIC
The Gap theory was (in part) a Christian attempt to reconcile the creation account with the long periods of time in the theory of evolution.
But evolution itself as a theory is totally unscientific, defying the second law of thermodynamics.
IT IS UNSCRIPTURAL
The Gap theory would describe Adam walking atop a gigantic fossilized animal graveyard.
Paul, however, in Romans 5:12 and Romans 8:20-22 states tht man's sin brought about death, even of animals.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: Romans 5:12
For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Romans 8:20
Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. Romans 8:21
For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. Romans 8:22
IT IS UNNECESSARY
The most natural interpretation of Gen. 1 and 2 is taking it at face value, without addition or subtraction.
Genesis 1:1 thus becomes a summary statement of creation.
1. In the first verse God tells us what He did.
2. In the remaining verses He tells us how He did it.
Although traces of this theory can be traced back in Christian writings as early as the fourth century A.D., it was not until the ministries of Dr. Thomas Chalmers, Scottish scholar , and George H. Pember (1876) that the theory really caught on. In 1917 C.I. Scofield included it in his notes and its popularity was assured. These last two dates are significant, for by 1880 Darwin's theory of evolution, as propounded in his book, The Origin of the Species, was universally accepted by the scientific world. This theory taught that the world was many millions of years old , as indicated by the vast fossil record and the claims of uniformitarian geology. The Christian theologian was then confronted with a serious problem. How could all this be reconciled with Genesis 1? An answer was found--uncounted millions of years could be conveniently tucked into that bottomless hole which was thought to exist between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. Thus the gap theory may be viewed in part as an attempt by the Christian theologian to appease the non-Christian evolutionist.
