The Linking Problem

Check the link before you throw out the map

Those who believe the Bible need to relate the geological data to the biblical account of earth history. Virtually all geological data is presented in an evolutionary framework incorporating concepts of millions of years. As a result, when a person inspects a geological map or reads a geological text-book it is not obvious how the data fits a biblical framework. A biblical geologic model is required to link the two sources of information, namely, the written biblical history and the observed geological data.

The link makes data useful.

Whenever different sources of information are encountered, such as field notes and map information, they need to be related together. Otherwise neither source will be of assistance to the other. Map information, for instance, provides no assistance to navigation until a location on the map can be tied to a physical location on the ground. That is why maps in supermarkets have a "You are here" label. The link makes the map useful to the shopper.

A successful link is possible only when we are familiar with both sources of data. Not only must we study our map in the supermarket, but we must look around to get our bearings. That is why we will examine both the biblical record (in detail) and the geological data. We must be familiar with both sources.

The inability to link separate sources says nothing about the accuracy or reliability of the information. The absence of a link simply means that one source of information is not able to shed light on the other source. On the other hand, an incorrect link will produce confusion and error. Both sources of information may still be accurate yet the further one proceeds the more difficulties are encountered. The problem is not with the information but with the link.

For the Bible to be useful from a geological perspective we must correlate the written historical record of the Bible (remember this is assumed to be reliable) with the geological information recorded in geological reports and maps for a specific area. The first step is to ask "From a geological perspective, what would we expect to find?" This highlights the need for a biblical geological model. The geology of a particular area can then be classified within the model. As further attempts are made to establish links between the biblical record and the geological information the usefulness of the model will be tested.

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