{"id":22563,"date":"2026-07-24T14:55:26","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T12:55:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apologeet.nl\/?page_id=22563"},"modified":"2026-07-16T16:26:54","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T14:26:54","slug":"jonge-aarde-christen","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.apologeet.nl\/en\/studies\/jonge-aarde-christen\/","title":{"rendered":"Why I&#8217;m a Young-Earth Christian"},"content":{"rendered":"<script async defer src=\"https:\/\/bible-link.globalrize.org\/plugin.js\" data-language=\"en\" data-translation=\"kjv\" data-reference-color=\"#5e0900\" data-theme=\"dark\"><\/script>\n\n<div class=\"iframe-container\"><iframe style=\"background: url('https:\/\/www.apologeet.nl\/wp-content\/uploads\/images\/studies\/Why-Im-a-Young-Earth-Christian.jpg') no-repeat center center \/ cover;\" id=\"lbry-iframe\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/rumble.com\/embed\/v7ahx4a\/?pub=2102lq\" allowfullscreen frameBorder=\"0\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"\"><\/p>\n\n<style> .fallback-yt { cursor: pointer; } <\/style>\n\n<button class=\"fallback-yt tooltip\" title=\"Click to watch through a different stream\" onclick=\"document.getElementById('lbry-iframe').src='https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/qwj0CYJstCE'\">YouTube<\/button>\n<button class=\"fallback-yt tooltip\" title=\"Click to watch through a different stream\" onclick=\"document.getElementById('lbry-iframe').src='https:\/\/odysee.com\/$\/embed\/@apologeet:3\/why-I-am-a-young-earth-christian:6?r=3TTANsYXZKAPzbHVRo6ymuw5ABY957YH'\">Odysee<\/button>\n\n<p class=\"\">As a Christian, I am regularly asked the same question:<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\"><i>&quot;Do you really believe the earth is only a few thousand years old?&quot;<\/i><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">And when I answer <i>&quot;yes&quot;<\/i>, the next response usually follows almost immediately:<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\"><i>&quot;But surely science proved evolution a long time ago?&quot;<\/i><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">That is a fair question.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">In fact, when I first became a Christian, I also believed that evolution and an earth billions of years old had been scientifically proven. I felt as though I had to make a choice: either you accept science, or you believe the Bible.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">But then I decided to look into the subject for myself.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">I read books. I attended seminars. I studied arguments from both sides. And the more I investigated, the stronger my conviction became that the discussion is nowhere near as straightforward as it is often presented to be.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Today I&#8217;d like to explain why.<\/p>\n\n<h3>My Starting Point Is Not Geology<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"\">Let me begin with something important.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">My belief in a young earth does not begin with fossils.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Nor with dinosaurs.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Nor with carbon dating.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Nor with rock strata.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">My starting point is Jesus Christ.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">If Jesus truly rose from the dead, then He is far more than just another religious teacher. He is the Son of God. And if that is true, then I trust His words more than the conclusions of human beings, no matter how intelligent they may be. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Romans 1:4; John 20:24-29)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">That does not mean science is unimportant.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Quite the opposite.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">But science is a human endeavour.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">And human beings can be mistaken.<\/p>\n\n<h3>Jesus Believed Genesis<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"\">What has always surprised me is that many Christians readily say, <i>&quot;Jesus is my Lord.&quot;<\/i><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">But as soon as Genesis is discussed, they suddenly say, <i>&quot;We shouldn&#8217;t take Jesus literally there.&quot;<\/i><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Read the Gospels carefully.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Jesus refers to Adam and Eve as real people. (Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">He bases His teaching on marriage on creation itself. (Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9; Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:24)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">He speaks of Abel as someone who truly lived. (Matthew 23:35; Luke 11:51)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">He compares His return to the days of Noah. (Matthew 24:37-39; Luke 17:26-27)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Nowhere does He treat Genesis as a symbolic story or a myth. (John 5:46-47; Matthew 19:4-6; Matthew 24:37-39)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">And that brings me to an important question. If Jesus took Genesis seriously&#8230; why shouldn&#8217;t we?<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">That question changed my life. In fact&#8230; if Jesus was mistaken about Adam and Eve&#8230; how can we know He wasn&#8217;t mistaken about the origin of sin? (Romans 5:12-19)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Or about forgiveness? (Mark 2:5-12; Ephesians 1:7)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Or about heaven? (John 14:1-3)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Or about eternal life? (John 3:16; John 5:24)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">For me, everything ultimately stands or falls on the trustworthiness of Christ. (John 14:6; John 17:17)<\/p>\n\n<h3>Does Creationism Actually Have Any Arguments?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"\">Creationists are people who believe that God created the earth and everything on it. (Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:11; Hebrews 11:3)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">It is often portrayed as though creationists simply say, <i>&quot;The Bible says it, so that&#8217;s the end of it.&quot;<\/i><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">But that simply is not true. There are scientists, biologists, geologists, and physicists who carry out serious research from a creationist worldview.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">There are such scientists in the Netherlands as well.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">And although you may disagree with their conclusions, it is difficult to claim that there are no arguments. Entire books have been written on these subjects. Obviously, I cannot cover everything in a single video, but let me mention just a few examples.<\/p>\n\n<h4>Take rock strata, for example.<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"\">All around the world we find enormous sedimentary layers stretching across vast distances. Creationists see these as evidence of a global catastrophic event, such as the Flood. (Genesis 6-9; 2 Peter 3:5-6)<\/p>\n\n<h4>Or consider the enormous fossil graveyards where millions of animals appear to have been buried rapidly.<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"\">Creationists argue that this fits far better with a sudden catastrophe than with millions of years of slow geological processes, during which dead animals would normally have decomposed long before they could become fossilised. (Genesis 7-8)<\/p>\n\n<h4>Then there is the fine-tuning of the universe.<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"\">The fundamental constants of nature appear to be astonishingly precise. If gravity, the strong nuclear force, or other fundamental constants had been even slightly different, complex life would have been impossible. (Psalm 19:2; Romans 1:20; Isaiah 40:26)<\/p>\n\n<h4>And consider biology.<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"\">Within species we observe tremendous variation. Dogs exist in hundreds of breeds. Pigeons come in countless varieties. Yet despite all that variation, dogs remain dogs. And pigeons remain pigeons.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">These clear boundaries fit remarkably well within the creation model. (Genesis 1:11-12; Genesis 1:21; Genesis 1:24-25 \u2013 &quot;according to its kind&quot;)<\/p>\n\n<h3>Why I Am Cautious When People Say &#8220;Science Has Proven It&#8221;<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"\">Another reason why I am a creationist is that I have seen how often so-called &#8220;conclusive proof&#8221; has later been revised.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">That does not mean science is unreliable. Quite the opposite. Good science continually corrects itself. But it also means we should be cautious whenever someone says, <i>&quot;The debate is over.&quot;<\/i> (1 Thessalonians 5:21; Proverbs 18:17)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">History provides many examples.<\/p>\n\n<h4>Take Ernst Haeckel&#8217;s embryo drawings.<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"\">Generations of schoolchildren were shown these illustrations as evidence that embryos pass through the same evolutionary history. Later, it became clear that the drawings had been exaggerated or altered in important respects.<\/p>\n\n<h4>Or consider so-called vestigial organs.<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"\">For many years it was claimed that certain parts of the human body were useless remnants of our evolutionary past. Over time, however, a number of these organs were found to have important functions after all.<\/p>\n\n<h4>Then there is junk DNA.<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"\">At one time, much non-coding DNA was portrayed as useless evolutionary baggage. Over the past few decades, functions have been discovered for an increasing number of these sections of DNA.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Dutch molecular biologist Peter Borger argued early on that so-called junk DNA actually performs important functions and therefore fits far better with design than with a collection of evolutionary leftovers. Once again, reality proved to be far more complex than had long been assumed. (Psalm 139:13-16)<\/p>\n\n<h4>Here&#8217;s another example from the Netherlands.<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"\">Across the world we find enormous sedimentary layers extending over vast distances. Creationists see these as evidence of a worldwide catastrophic event such as the Flood. You don&#8217;t even have to visit the Grand Canyon to find examples. Beneath the Dutch province of Groningen lie enormous salt domes. Geologist Stef Heerema has investigated how these formations came into existence and has reached conclusions that differ significantly from the standard millions-of-years model. As far as I have been able to determine, his model has not yet been refuted on its scientific merits. (Genesis 6-9; 2 Peter 3:5-6)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">My point is not that you have to agree with Peter Borger or Stef Heerema. My point is that creationism is more than simply saying, &#8216;The Bible says so.&#8217; There are researchers working from a creationist worldview who develop and publish concrete, testable models.<\/p>\n\n<h4>Consider the fossil Ida.<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"\">When Ida was unveiled in 2009, it was announced worldwide as <i>the<\/i> &#8216;missing link&#8217; between primitive primates and humans. Some media outlets even suggested that this discovery had dealt creationism its final blow.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Later, however, many researchers concluded that Ida was not a human ancestor at all, but an extinct lemur-like primate. Once again, the initial media claims proved to be far more confident than the scientific conclusions that ultimately stood the test of time.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">My point is not that this disproves the theory of evolution. My point is much simpler. Throughout history, arguments have repeatedly been presented as the final and decisive proof.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Yet later, reality turned out to be far more complicated.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">And these are only a few examples. That is why I am cautious whenever someone says, <i>&quot;Science has proved it once and for all.&quot;<\/i> (Ecclesiastes 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:21)<\/p>\n\n<h3>What Does It Ultimately Come Down To?<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"\">For me, this discussion is ultimately not about how many sedimentary layers there are. Or how many fossils we have. Or which dating method works best.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Creationist responses and alternative models have been published for all of these subjects.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">The distance to the stars.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">So-called transitional fossils.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">The formation of crystals.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Rock strata.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Radiometric dating.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">For each of these observations, there are models which, according to creationists, fit a young earth better than an old one. Ultimately, however, all these subjects concern the past. This is what we call historical science. No one was present when the universe came into existence. No one witnessed the appearance of the first forms of life. (Job 38:1-7)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">We always interpret the evidence within a particular framework.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Many scientists work from the perspective of methodological naturalism. This means they seek explanations in natural processes without considering a supernatural Creator as part of their explanatory framework. Creationists begin from a different starting point: that God&#8217;s revelation in Scripture provides trustworthy information about the past. As a result, the very same evidence can be interpreted in different ways. (Hebrews 11:3; Psalm 33:6-9; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)<\/p>\n\n<h3>There Is One More Reason Why This Matters to Me.<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"\">If millions of years of death, disease, and suffering already existed before Adam sinned, then death is not the consequence of sin, but part of God&#8217;s original, &quot;very good&quot; creation. (Genesis 1:31)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Yet the Bible teaches that death is an enemy that entered the world through sin and was conquered by Christ. (Romans 5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22; 1 Corinthians 15:26)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">That is why this discussion is not merely about the age of the earth. It also touches the very heart of the gospel. (Romans 5:12-21)<\/p>\n\n<h3>And That Brings Me Back to the Most Important Question.<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"\">Whom do I trust?<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Do I ultimately place my trust in changing scientific models?<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Or do I trust the Son of God? (Proverbs 3:5-7)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">I believe that Jesus spoke the truth. (John 14:6)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">I believe that He rose from the dead. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">I believe that He took Genesis seriously. (Matthew 19:4-6; Mark 10:6-9; Matthew 24:37-39)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">And that is why I take Genesis seriously as well. Not because I am afraid of science, but because I believe that God&#8217;s revelation is ultimately more trustworthy than human conclusions. (2 Timothy 3:16-17; John 17:17; Psalm 119:160)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">You do not have to agree with me. But examine both sides honestly. Do not read only books that argue in favour of evolution. Read the arguments put forward by creationists as well. Compare them. Weigh them carefully. (1 Thessalonians 5:21; Acts 17:11)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Then ask yourself this one question:<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\"><i>If Jesus truly is the risen Son of God&#8230; what does that mean for the way I read Genesis?<\/i> (John 5:46-47)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">For me, the question does not begin with the age of the earth. It begins with Jesus Christ. (Colossians 1:15-17; Hebrews 1:1-3)<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"\">Because if He truly is the Son of God&#8230; then He is also right when He speaks about the beginning. (John 1:1-3; Colossians 1:16-17)<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"When I first became a Christian, I believed that evolution and an earth billions of years old had been scientifically proven. I felt as though I had to make a choice: either you accept science, or you believe the Bible. But then I decided to look into the subject for myself. And the more I investigated, the stronger my conviction became that the discussion is nowhere near as straightforward as it is often presented to be.","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22574,"parent":1147,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"spay_email":""},"categories":[225,307],"tags":[264,234,250,269],"folder":[305,102],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.apologeet.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22563"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.apologeet.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.apologeet.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apologeet.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apologeet.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22563"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.apologeet.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22563\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22580,"href":"https:\/\/www.apologeet.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/22563\/revisions\/22580"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apologeet.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1147"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apologeet.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22574"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.apologeet.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22563"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apologeet.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22563"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apologeet.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22563"},{"taxonomy":"folder","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.apologeet.nl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/folder?post=22563"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}