Peril in Paradise:
Theology, Science, and the
Age of the Earth
by
Mark S. Whorton, Ph.D.
"it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to
write it out for you …
so that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been
taught."(Luke 1:3,4)
There is no lack of books that take a side and make a case for the age of the earth. Many excellent
books are available that dig into nuances of Hebrew and esoteric scientific principles. There is,
however, one important perspective missing, and that is the big picture. Why do Christians divide
themselves so strongly on the issue of science and faith? Why do we "Bible-believers" oppose each
other with animosity and heated rhetoric when it comes to the first three chapters of the Bible?
The answer can be boiled down to one issue with far-reaching implications.
Far beyond time, the young-earth and old-earth creation camps are built on two very different worldviews.
Essentially the difference boils down to two small words: "very good." What did the Creator mean when
He pronounced His creation very good?
At its heart, the young earth movement is built on a sentimental notion of what a "very good" world
must have been like. Whereas the young earth view sees the original creation as a pristine, perfect
paradise with no possibility for suffering or anything unseemly, the proper ancient creation perspective
sees the creation of this world as perfectly suited to the Creator's perfect plan. It was the perfect
means to accomplish His perfect purpose -- that is to glorify Himself.
Peril in Paradise begins by developing a theological framework for an ancient creation that is
grounded in conservative evangelical theology. Then it deconstructs the implications of the young
earth paradigm -- from scripture and science -- to demonstrate that it is internally inconsistent
and contrary to sound theology. Finally the book thoroughly analyses the central issue - animal
death before the fall of man.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Whorton holds a PhD in aerospace engineering from the
Georgia Institute of Technology and has worked for the NASA
Marshall Space Flight Center for the past 15 years. As an
internationally recognized expert in the control of space
structures and the Principal Investigator for an International
Space Station experiment, Dr. Whorton has received many
professional honors: NASA Administrator’s Fellow, Associate
Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and
Astronautics, and selected for Who’s Who Among Students in
American Colleges and Universities (1987).
An experienced published author, educator, and speaker in
Christian apologetics, he has been active leading the formation
of local chapters for the Reasons to Believe Ministry and has
developed and taught Bible study courses in classical and modern
apologetics. Dr. Whorton’s education and experience brings
credibility and insight to this unique book addressing the
theology and science of creation.
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