Radiometric dating has its uncertainties, but often seems to work well. At this point we don’t know how to relate its resulting ages with the Bible record, for we only know in part (I Cor 13:8-12). However, God’s ways are not our ways (Isa 55:8) and with God all things are possible (Mt 19:26; Lk 18:27).
Currently evolutionary geology explains the fossil record as the result of slow processes and change occurring over long periods of time. However, an increasing number of rock formations and fossil occurrences previously interpreted within such an evolutionary framework must be reinterpreted as the result of rapid, or even catastrophic, processes operating on a different time scale.
A review of the book, Radioisotopes and the Age of the Earth. Published in Origins n. 52.
Attempts to account for the He-4 in Earth's atmosphere on the basis of diffusion of radiogenic helium from the crust and thermal loss to outer space yield unreasonable models. Published in Origins v. 25, n. 2.
A review of the book, The Mythology of Modern Dating Methods. Published in Origins v. 25, n. 2.
Review of the book, Scientific Theology. Published in Origins v. 24, n. 2.
Any of the proposed resolutions to the conflict between radiometric dating and biblical chronology has problems. The pros and cons of each need to be considered.
Radiometric dating is an interpretive science. The complex chemical and physical processes taking place within Earth's mantle and crust are neither completely known nor understood. This is especially true when the radioactive isotope parameters are considered.
Various examples adequately establish that a radioisotope age does not necessarily have a real-time significance. A relationship of a radioisotope age with real-time must be based on an interpretation.
A review of the book, The Age of the Earth. Presents the standard interpretation of radioisotope data. Published in Origins v. 19, n. 2.
A review of the book, Absolute Age Determination. An authoritative description is provided of the methods of age-dating used to estimate the age of the earth. Published in Origins v. 17, n. 2.
The approach outlined in this paper suggests that the radiometric age assigned to the inorganic minerals associated with a fossil is more a reflection of the characteristics of the source of this inorganic material than an indication of the age of the fossil. Published in Origins v. 17, n. 2.
A review of the book, Principles of Isotope Geology. An authoritative description of radioisotope dating and use of stable isotope ratios. Published in Origins v. 16, n. 1.
The geochronological time scale of thousands of millions of years is based mainly on radiometric dating. On the other hand, some other time-dependent processes change at rates which challenge generally accepted geochronology. Published in Origins v. 13, n. 2.
Radioisotope ages are calculated from ratios of certain atoms. The isotopic ratios can be precisely measured, but the calculation of age from that ratio involves assumptions that may vary depending on the philosophical orientation of the investigator. Published in Origins v. 10, n. 2.
Dates based on amino-acid racemization and uranium radioactive decay were quite different, with preference given to the radiometric dates. Published in Origins v. 8, n. 1.
A review of the book, Principles of Isotope Geology. This is an authoritative textbook on radioisotope dating that provides useful background information, regardless of philosophical persuasion. Published in Origins v. 6, n. 1.
Radiometric dates are subject to uncertainties due to the assumptions inherent in the method and to the effects of non-natural changes in the earth's crust on the third day of creation and during the biblical Flood. Published in Origins v. 4, n. 2.
Tektites are formed from molten target rocks by an extraterrestrial impact. Australian tektites dated at about 700,000 years are found resting on soil dating less than 10,000 years old. This discrepancy is unresolved at present, and provides an opportunity for further research that could be very significant for the question of radiometric dating. Published in Origins v. 4, n. 2.
Major tektite falls in Australia in strata as young as 5700 years old according to radiocarbon dating have called in question both the fission-track and the K-Ar methods of dating which assign these identical tektites an age of about 700,000 years. Published in Origins v. 3, n. 2.
