Doctrine of Creation (Doctrine of Biblical Creation)

Doctrine of Creation (Doctrine of Biblical Creation)

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, April 29, 2026 (Donate)

The doctrine of creation, or more specifically the doctrine of biblical creation, is foundational to understanding all of Scripture. While many creation-based discussions extend into Genesis 1–11 broadly, the central focus of this doctrine is the Creation Week itself, recorded in Genesis 1:1–2:3.

Genesis snippet in Hebrew; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

The rest of Genesis 2 then provides a more detailed look back at specific events, especially the creation of man and the Garden of Eden. This doctrine establishes God as the sovereign Creator, the origin of all things, and the One who defines reality, time, and purpose.

Ex Nihilo

At the heart of the doctrine of creation is the truth that God created all things ex nihilo, meaning “out of nothing.” Scripture begins with the profound declaration: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1, NKJV). There was no pre-existing matter, energy, or space. God didn’t use any pre-existing material but even caused the very fabric of the universe to exist by the word of His power.

God alone is eternal and all powerful, and everything else owes its existence to His creative word. This truth distinguishes the biblical worldview from all naturalistic and pagan systems, which assume eternal matter/eternal universe that has always existed or has some form of cyclical existence (e.g., big bang, big crunch, big bang, big crunch…forever).

Time Is A Creation Of God

Creation also marks the origin of time itself. “In the beginning” signifies not only the start of material and spiritual creation but the beginning of time itself. God, who is eternal (i.e., not bound by time that He created), and thus He exists outside of time.

Yet He created time as a framework for His creation. During Creation Week, God established the fundamental units by which time is measured: days, weeks, months, and years.

Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

First, the week originates from God’s creative work. God created everything in six normal-length days and rested on the seventh. “And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done” (Genesis 2:2, NKJV). This pattern established the seven-day week, which has no astronomical basis but is rooted entirely in God’s actions (see also Exodus 20:11 and Exodus 31:17).

Second, the time marker of a day is defined by the cycle of evening and morning. Each day of creation is marked by the phrase “the evening and the morning,” indicating a normal night-day cycle (Genesis 1:5). Initially, light was provided directly by God, separating light from darkness. On the fourth day, God created the sun as the “greater light to rule the day” (Genesis 1:16), indicating that the original source of light for the first three days was no longer needed in the same way.

Third, the concept of a month is tied to the moon (lesser light in Genesis 1:16 to rule the night; Psalm 104:19). The moon’s cyclical phases provide the basis for measuring months, which is used throughout Scripture.

Fourth, the year is defined by celestial patterns. God created the stars “for signs and seasons, and for days and years” (Genesis 1:14, NKJV). The regular movements and alignments of the heavenly bodies is how we record annual cycles.

The Three Heavens

The doctrine of creation also includes the origin of the heavens. Scripture speaks of three “heavens” (e.g., 2 Corinthians 12:2). The physical heavens include the sky and outer space. On Day 2, God expanded the initial space He made in which earth initially sat. This space is often called the firmament  or expanse in our translations of raqia. In this same motion of power of God separating the waters from the waters and gathering them, He formed the atmospheric heavens (Genesis 1:6–8). This is what we breath and where birds will later fly.

The physical heavens are the atmosphere and space; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Later on Day 4, the expanse which includes the vastness of space, was filled with stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. In addition, Scripture speaks of the “third heaven,” the dwelling place of God (2 Corinthians 12:2), indicating the origin of the spiritual realm and heavenly beings.

Light, Matter, Science Laws, And Water

Light itself originated at God’s command: “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). God, in a spiritual sense, often equated Himself with light as opposed to darkness which was spiritually seen as evil. However, Creation Week is discussing the actual physical processes of created light. This initially created light preceded the sun and shows that God is the ultimate source of all illumination, both physical and spiritual.

Matter also began during Creation Week. God created the basic components of the universe, including the earth which was described in its initial state as formless, void, pure, empty water and then He made land, and the heavenly bodies. On consecutive days, He formed the earth, separated waters and gathered the seas, and created the sun, moon, and stars (Genesis 1:9–18). This includes all astronomical bodies such as planets, comets, and galaxies.

The essential, polar water molecule; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Let’s hone in on water for a moment. This unique compound shows that God made the laws of nature and was upholding them on Day 1. For example, the forces that hold two hydrogens and one oxygen together were in place. Looking back at light, electromagnetic waves were in existence by God’s power.

Back to water, it wasn’t ice or vapor. This shows that the laws of thermodynamics were created and put in place. Since organized heat was an essential aspect of God’s creation regarding water, this means the laws of thermodynamics were in place instituted and being used perfectly by God who not only created them but upholds these laws into existence.

God Making The Earth Habitable

God then established the land and oceans. “Then God said, ‘Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear’” (Genesis 1:9, NKJV).

Plant life was created on Day 3. “And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind” (Genesis 1:12, NKJV). Plants were created mature and fully functional, capable of reproduction from the beginning.

Animal life followed, created according to their kinds. Sea creatures and birds were made on Day 5, and land animals on Day 6 (Genesis 1:20–25). Each kind was created distinct, fully formed, and designed to reproduce.

Finally, the pinnacle of creation is man. “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness’” (Genesis 1:26, NKJV). God created mankind as male and female (Genesis 1:27), uniquely bearing His image. Unlike animals, man was given dominion over the earth and a special relationship with God.

The original creation was perfect. “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good” (Genesis 1:31, NKJV). This aligns with the character of God, who is perfect: “He is the Rock, His work is perfect” (Deuteronomy 32:4, NKJV). There was no death, suffering, bloodshed, or sin in the original creation. These entered later as a result of man’s rebellion.

Triune Reflections

Creation also reflects in vague ways, the triune nature of God in various ways. Time can be understood in terms of past, present, and future, yet all converge in the absolute present (“A.P.”) moment. At A.P., past, present, and future essentially become one.

Light exhibits properties such as electric and magnetic components along with directional movement (velocity). Where these converge is triune in the very nature of light.

Absolute convergence point of light where all three are unified into one; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Space and matter exist in three dimensions: length, width, and height. As these directional dimensions converse into a single absolute point, they are essentially one.

A point is technically a convergence of all three dimensions on one; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Water is a unique substance vital to life, cleanliness, and is used in baptism and judgments like the Flood of Noah. The makeup of water causes it to be polar molecule with two hydrogens atoms and one oxygen atom. This is what makes it so good at cleaning. While it is a singular molecule made of three distinct atoms, that is not the triune connection I want to draw (I think that is a bad analogy by the way).

Instead, I want to draw out a particular property of water that even makes the mind of scientists scratch their head. It is called the Triple Point of water. At a particular pressure and temperature, water is solid, liquid, and a gas at the same time. The water molecule is literally coequal as a singular, yet three phases at the same time. This Triple Point of water is actually quite fascinating and, in a way, has a triune nature.

Water's Triple Point; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

While no analogy is perfect regarding the nature of God’s triune aspect, they serve as reflections within creation of a triune Creator.

Living beings also display increasing complexity. Plants have a body. Animals are described as “living creatures” (nephesh chayyah), possessing body and soul (Genesis 1:24). Man, however, is uniquely composed of body, soul, and spirit. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, NKJV).

Man then reflects the nature of our triune God, who is eternal and spiritual: “God is Spirit” (John 4:24, NKJV), and “The eternal God is your refuge” (Deuteronomy 33:27, NKJV, emphasis added). Man is indeed a reflection of a triune God since we are made in the image of a triune God. It also means that our souls/spirit will go on for eternity—hence the eternal importance of every human being.  

Summarizing The Doctrine Of Creation

The doctrine of creation teaches that God is the all-powerful, wise, and purposeful Creator who brought everything into existence from nothing. He established time and order, and made a perfect world that reflects His nature. Creation provides the foundation for understanding man, the universe, scientific law, and the perfection of God who created and upholds all things into existence.

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields. 

 

Protestant Denominations After The Reformation

Protestant Denominations After The Reformation

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, April 28, 2026 (Donate)

The Reformation brought about many changes in Europe (and America) as Christians began returning to the Bible as the absolute source of authority over any church (e.g., Rome). But they didn’t unite together into one body.

The excitement when people reading the 95 Theses of Luther and realizing they can be saved by Jesus Christ without paying sums of money for indulgences; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

This is unlike previous church splits where the Oriental Churches, largely maintained unification around ~AD 450. When the Eastern Churches (Orthodox) and Western Church (Roman) split, both sides has largely remained united to their own.

After the Protestant Reformation with Luther, unity was attempted but it didn’t work for a host of reasons. So today, there are many various denominations spread through each with their own unity sometimes sharing or standing side by side with other denominations on certain issues (standing together to fight abortion for instance). Let’s evaluate how this happened starting with Luther.

What Was Luther’s Famous Declaration And The Events Surrounding It?

In 1517, Martin Luther famously challenged the sale of indulgences by posting his Ninety-Five Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg. His protest was not initially meant to start a new church but to call the Roman Catholic Church to reform according to Scripture. He wanted to the church leadership to get back to God’s Word.

For instance, Luther argued that salvation was by grace through faith like the Bible says (Ephesians 2:8), not purchased through indulgences as Rome was teaching. His writings spread rapidly due to the printing press, igniting widespread debate across Europe.

The conflict escalated when Luther refused to recant at the Diet of Worms (a Diet was a formal theological conference and it was held in the city or Worms, Germany). There he declared,

 “Here I stand; I can do no other.”

He was appealing to Scripture as his final authority. He was subsequently excommunicated (kicked out!) of the Roman Church and declared an outlaw by Charles V (head of the Holy Roman Empire at the time). Nevertheless, Luther was protected by German princes. Then he continued translating the Bible into German and writing theological works, which laid the foundation for what became the Protestant Reformation.

Luther translating the Bible in German; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

After Luther’s Declaration, Protestants Almost Unified But Didn’t—Why?

Although many Reformers agreed that Scripture is the ultimate authority (sola Scriptura) and that salvation is by faith alone (sola fide), unity broke down over other doctrinal differences. One major division arose at the Marburg Colloque—a large theological meeting at Marburg Castle—between Luther and another Protestant leader Huldrych Zwingli regarding the Lord’s Supper.

Luther held to a real presence of Christ in the Eucharist (the Lord Supper/the bread and the wine), while Zwingli viewed it as symbolic. This disagreement, was the primary factor that prevented a unified Protestant front.

Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

It wasn’t just this of course. Other disagreements involved church governance—should church leaders be elected or appointed (presbyterian-style) or a mixture of both. Another disagreement is the role of tradition (what aspect of Roman’s worship services did they get right and should that be brought over) as well as the extent of reform in hosts of doctrinal positions.

Reformers such as John Calvin developed distinct theological systems (this led to Calvinism). There were also political factors that kept many churches from unifying as rulers often supported different reforms within their territories. Thus, even though Protestants agreed on many core doctrines, secondary issues often led to lasting fragmentation into many different denominations.

The Four Initial Denominations To Come Out Of The Reformation

The Lutheran tradition followed Luther’s teachings, with such positions as justification by faith and yet, they retained some liturgical/formal elements found in Rome. Lutheran churches often maintained a structured form of worship and upheld a sacramental understanding of baptism and the Lord’s Supper (obviously not Zwingli’s view), though it was distinct from Roman Catholic theology.

Puritans, influenced largely by Calvinist theology, sought to further purify the church from remaining Catholic elements, especially within England. Anglicans, tied to the Church of England, emerged under English King Henry VIII and retained a blend of Protestant theology and traditional structure.

The Anabaptists, by contrast, rejected infant baptism and strictly pushed believer’s baptism, simple living, and separation from state control, often facing persecution from both Catholics and other Protestants initially.

What Groups Today Derived From The Lutherans?

Modern Lutheranism continues through organized bodies such as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Evangelical Free Churches, the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). These groups differ somewhat in theology and practice, particularly regarding biblical authority, worship style, and social issues, but all trace their roots back to Luther’s reforms.

Globally, Lutheranism remains one of the largest Protestant traditions, especially in parts of Europe and Africa. They largely hold to historic confessions like the Augsburg Confession. Modern Lutheran though can deviate extensively from one another. Groups range from more conservative and biblical (LCMS and WELS) to more liberal and woke expressions (ELCA).

What Groups Today Derived From The Puritans?

Many Presbyterian churches were born out of Puritanism and broader Reformed theology shaped by Calvinist principles. Puritan influence also extends to many Baptist groups, particularly those holding to Reformed theology. The minor differences between Presbyterian and Baptists can usually be seen between the Westminster Confession of Faith of 1647 and the London Baptist Confession of 1689.

Puritan theology also strongly influenced Congregational traditions. Groups such as the United Church of Christ and various Congregational churches trace their roots to Puritan settlers in New England.

What Groups Today Derived From The Anglicans?

The Anglican tradition continues globally through the Anglican Communion, including churches like the Church of England and The Episcopal Church. These churches maintain a liturgical style of worship and episcopal governance (rule by bishops), blending Protestant doctrine with historic forms.

From Anglicanism. We also get Methodism and later Wesleyan traditions through the work of John Wesley (and his brother Charles). Methodist churches, including the United Methodist Church, tend toward Arminian theology. This branch also gave rise to the later Holiness Movement and Pentecostal deviations. Thus, Anglicanism has given rise to a wide spectrum of traditions.

What Groups Today Derived From The Anabaptists?

Anabaptist descendants include groups such as the Mennonites, Amish, and Hutterites (Hutterian Brethren). These communities held strongly to believer’s baptism, simple living, and often pacifism. They typically maintain a separation from worldly systems and prioritize community life and discipleship.

Some Baptist traditions also share theological similarities with Anabaptists, particularly regarding believer’s baptism and congregational governance, though historically Baptists developed independently out of the Puritan line.

Why Do Denominations Persist Today Despite Broad Agreement?

Despite agreement on most core doctrines such as the Trinity, the authority of Scripture, and salvation through Christ, denominations persist due to differences in interpretation and emphasis on certain matters. Key dividing issues include modes of baptism (infant vs believer’s baptism), views of the Lord’s Supper, church governance, and theological systems such as Calvinism versus Arminianism. Eschatological differences (views of end times) also contribute to division.

Additionally, historical, cultural, and geographic factors have reinforced denominational identities. Over time, traditions develop distinct practices, confessions, and institutional structures that are not easily unified. While many modern efforts aim at cooperation and unity, these longstanding doctrinal and practical differences continue to sustain denominational diversity within Protestant Christianity.

Today, many new denominations have appeared—some with the same focus of returning to Scripture as the sole and supreme authority—others developed a new split within denominations that have roots and ties to one of these four initial groups at the Reformation but a secondary issue—or even church leadership—often divides.

Unbiblical Denominational Directions

Today, we are witnessing something even more unique in the way certain churches are. Some are giving up biblical authority and borrowing from the world’s secular ideas to supersede what God clearly teaches in His Word.

We observe some denominations giving up Genesis and six-day creation to borrow the secular humanistic origins account with things like big bang, millions of years, and evolution.  We see some denominations give up godly marriage to push for homosexuality and transgender ideology (i.e., woke concepts). We see churches deviate from fact there is one race of man going back to Adam and Eve (i.e., the human race or Adam’s race) and heavily holding to racist ideas. And there is so much more that could be added!

Like the Ninety-Five Theses being nailed to the door of the church in 1500s, we need to "nail" the Bible to the door of many churches today! Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

What we need for churches is to step back and let God be God. We need to treat the 66 books of the Bible like the authority that it is (sola Scriptura) and get back to what God clearly teaches in His Word in all matters—marriage, race, origins, etc. What makes any denomination healthy and functional to do the Lord’s work? Trusting God and His Word in in all areas—science, history, life, theology, relationships, law, and all things.

If you would like to see an even more specific breakdown of denominations in graphic format see here.

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

*Images done by ChatGPT

Dinosaurs—From A Biblical Viewpoint

Dinosaurs—From A Biblical Viewpoint

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, April 27, 2026 (Donate)

Dinosaurs are a hot topic in today’s secularized culture. We are commonly taught by secularists that dinosaurs lived millions of years ago—at least that is what we see in secular textbooks, journals, paleontology books, kids’ books, and museums.

Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

As you can see, the secular humanistic religion is dominating much of the Western World—particularly in educational realms. Secular humanism is basically the religion of man (i.e., that man’s ideas and opinions are the supreme authority on all matters).

Biblical Christianity is in opposition to the religion of secular humanism. In other words, God disagree with the assessment that man is supreme; instead, God is supreme and His Word come with that same supremacy. We see His authority beginning with the very first verse of the Bible.

The subject of dinosaurs is an excellent way to see how the Bible views dinosaurs differently from the secular view. Dinosaurs are easily understood within a straightforward reading of the Bible, especially Genesis. Although I have written an entire book on the subject (Dinosaurs, Dragons, and the Bible), here is a concise summary of the biblical perspective.

Brief Definition

Dinosaurs are land-dwelling reptiles, with one of two hip structures so that they walk upright. They were created by God during the Creation Week. The term “dinosaur” is a modern label (dubbed in the 1841 by Sir Richard Owen), but the creatures themselves are considered part of the broader category of “beasts of the earth” described in Scripture (Genesis 1:24–25, NKJV).

Some passages such as Job 40:15 and Psalm 91:13 (Behemoth and certain land dragons) are often suggested as possible tentative descriptions of dinosaur-like creatures. Creatures like leviathan or water flying dragons (e.g., fiery flying serpent) would not be considered dinosaurs but dragons.

Dragon is an overarching term that includes flying dragons (e.g., pteranodons), sea dragons (e.g., plesiosaurs), and land dragons (e.g., T-rex, and brachiosaurus), where dinosaurs are a subset of the land dragons—because of their specific definition. Even crocodiles could be termed as a dragon by the classical definition. The Bible often used the words dragon/dragons in older translations and I think they are more accurate to the original Hebrew words.[1]

When Were Dinosaurs Created?

Dinosaurs, being land animals by definition, were created on Day Six of Creation Week, along with other land animals and humans (Genesis 1:24–31). This places their origin only thousands of years ago, not millions. They predate man, but only by hours.

Adam with dinosaurs; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

They lived in the same world as Adam and Eve and were originally part of a “very good” creation (Genesis 1:31), meaning there was no death, suffering, or predation before sin. All dinosaurs were originally vegetarian—like all other critters…until sin.

Effect Of The Curse (Genesis 3)

After Adam’s sin, the Curse brought major changes to all creation (Genesis 3:17–19; Romans 8:20–22). Dinosaurs, like all animals, were affected in several ways:

• The introduction of death: animals began to die.
• Changes in behavior: some animals likely became carnivorous or more aggressive.
• Environmental hardship: thorns, disease, and struggle for survival entered the world.
• Cursed design might have affected dinosaurs in ways we may not fully understand; consider that the serpent was cursed to physically change form and the vegetation brought forth thorns.

Thus, dinosaurs went from living in a perfect environment, with perfect bodies in perfect harmony to surviving in a fallen, deteriorating creation.

Were Dinosaurs On The Ark?

Yes! According to Genesis 6:19–20, Noah brought “two of every sort” of land animal (with more of some kinds). Dinosaurs were included because they are land animals with the “breath of life.”

Dinosaurs and other creatures that did not get on the Ark, died. Many decayed, but those that were rapidly buried by watery sediment were candidates for fossilization. Dinosaurs fossils found in the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous rock are from the Flood of Noah. 

Juvenile pairs entering the Ark; Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Importantly, Noah likely took representatives of “kinds,” not every species, and these were probably juvenile or perhaps smaller individuals. This would make space on the Ark more feasible and a better vigor when coming off the Ark—speaking of which...

Did Dinosaurs Come Off The Ark?

Yes. After the Flood, all animals on the Ark, including dinosaurs, disembarked and began to repopulate the earth (Genesis 8:15–19). Therefore, dinosaurs would have lived alongside post-Flood humans for some time.

Bear in mind that man initially settled at Noah’s Farm, then as Noah’s descendants were to move to their allotted land they tried to defy God and moved to Babel for some time. They built a city and tower but God came down and confused their languages and scattered them. The point is that many animals—like dinosaurs—would have a head start.

As people encountered dinosaurs and other dragons’ recordings were preserved in petroglyphs, ancient writings, and descriptions. This helps explain dragon legends found in many cultures. These are historical memories of encounters with dinosaur-like creatures.

Why Did Dinosaurs Die Off?

Dinosaurs are believed to have gone extinct over time after the Flood, not in a single prehistoric extinction event millions of years ago—nor did they evolve into birds. 

Image requested by Bodie Hodge*

Several key factors that helped lead to dinosaur extinction are:

1. Post-Flood Environmental Changes
   The Flood drastically altered earth’s climate and ecosystems. Conditions after the Flood were less stable and often harsher, making survival more difficult for large animals.
2. An Ice Age was triggered by the Flood and about 1/3 of the earth was covered with ice at a glacial maximum (creationists and evolutionists agree on this!). This also lowered sea levels to expose land bridges for animals to migrate to far places like the British Isles, Japan, the Americas, and likely Australia. But reptiles do not do well in the cold and so, the Ice Age may have caused the numbers of dinosaurs to diminish in many parts of the globe.
3. Food Supply and Habitat Loss
   Changing vegetation, climates, and landscapes would have reduced suitable habitats and food sources for many large reptiles. Many old accounts of dragons has them living nears swamps and much swamp ground had been decimated and drained for farming for the past 1,000 years.  
4. Human Activity
   Humans likely hunted large and dangerous animals, including dinosaurs, contributing to their decline.
5. Population Pressures
   Larger animals reproduce more slowly and require more resources, making them more vulnerable to extinction.
6. Natural Degeneration in a Fallen World
   Since creation is under the Curse (Romans 8:22), decay, disease, genetic defects, and extinction are expected outcomes over time.

In Brief

In the biblical view, dinosaurs were created by God on Day Six, lived alongside humans, were affected by the Fall, survived the Flood on Noah’s Ark, and gradually went extinct afterward due to hosts of factors like environmental, biological, and human-related influences.

When we start with God’s Word and reject the idea that dinosaurs lived millions of years before humans, it makes perfect sense. Dinosaurs and dragons are brilliantly explained within the biblical timeline.

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

* Image generated using ChatGPT

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[1] Bodie Hodge, Dinosaurs, Dragons, and the Bible, Master Books, Green Forest, AR, 2023, pp.

Flat Earth?

Flat Earth?

Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI

Biblical Authority Ministries, April 23, 2026 (Donate)

The flat earth view is a failed hypothesis on several fronts. It should be rejected as a misreading of Scripture (and also via scientific means). A biblical perspective, when interpreted consistently and contextually, doesn’t teach a flat earth.

The earth we live on doesn't look like a flat disc; Image requested by Bodie Hodge

Brief History Of The Flat Earth Movement

The idea of a flat earth is often assumed to be ancient and widespread, but historically that is misleading. In the ancient world, many early cultures had cosmologies that could be described as “flat,” yet by the time of classical Greek scholarship, a spherical earth was already well established.

Thinkers like Pythagoras and Aristotle argued for a globe based on observations such as lunar eclipses and changing star positions. By around 240 BC, Eratosthenes even calculated the earth’s circumference with surprising accuracy.[1]

During the Middle Ages, contrary to popular myth, educated Europeans generally accepted a spherical earth.[2] For instance, Christian scholars, including Thomas Aquinas, worked within this framework. The idea that medieval Christians widely believed in a flat earth was largely a later invention, popularized in the 19^th century by Washington Irving in his fictional book, “A History of the Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus” in 1828.

The modern flat earth movement began in the 1800s with Samuel Rowbotham, who promoted “Zetetic Astronomy,” claiming the earth was a flat disk. His ideas gained a small following and were later organized into groups like the Universal Zetetic Society.[3]

In the 20^th century, flat earth beliefs persisted on the fringe, notably through the Flat Earth Society, founded by Samuel Shenton in 1956. Interest declined after the space age provided clear photographic evidence of a spherical earth.

However, the movement saw a resurgence in the 21^st century, largely due to social media. Online platforms allowed communities to form around conspiracy-based interpretations, often rejecting mainstream Christian views. Today’s flat earth movement is less about historical or scientific inquiry and more tied to distrust of authority and alternative worldviews.

While ancient ideas varied, belief in a spherical earth has largely dominated educated thought for over two millennia especially by Christians, and the modern flat earth movement is a relatively recent and fringe development.

Biblical Problems

To start, there are no flat earth Bible verses. That doesn’t mean that flat earth adherents don’t throw many out there, but when viewed in context, the language, and obvious meaning, these verses evaporate in their alleged support for a flat earth. From here, I want to look at some of the common Bible passages used in this debate.

The Bible is written in many different genres of literature like songs, prayers, literal history, metaphors, prophecy, visions, and so on; one needs to understand the genre of a passage to interpret it instead of taking certain passages out of context. Image requested by Bodie Hodge (ChatGPT)

To understand them, one needs to realize that the Bible often uses phenomenological language—describing things as they appear to human observers. This is the same way people today speak of the “sun rising” or “setting,” even though we understand the earth rotates. Such language isn’t intended to give technical scientific descriptions but to communicate truth in everyday terms.

Flat earth interpretations often take poetic or observational phrases in a wooden literal sense, ignoring genre and context. That isn’t a good hermeneutic (i.e., interpretation of Scripture) since they are used out of context.

For example, some point to “the four corners of the earth” as proof of a flat shape. However, this is clearly idiomatic, referring to the entirety of the earth, not its geometry. Isaiah 11:12 (NKJV) states:

“He will set up a banner for the nations, And will assemble the outcasts of Israel, And gather together the dispersed of Judah From the four corners of the earth.”

This phrase is best understood as meaning “from all four directions” or “the whole world,” much like we say “the four corners of the globe” today.

Consider also that Scripture has passages that are more consistent with a spherical earth than a flat one. Isaiah 40:22 (NKJV) says:

“It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in.”

The Hebrew word for “circle” (chug) is referring to something round or spherical. While not a technical scientific statement, it certainly doesn’t support a flat, disk-shaped earth and is more compatible with a round one.

The Bible describes the earth as suspended in space, not resting on a physical foundation as flat earth models often suggest. Job 26:7 (NKJV) declares:

“He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth on nothing.”

This is remarkably consistent with the modern confirmation of the earth floating in space, not sitting on pillars or a solid base. While Scripture elsewhere uses figurative language like “pillars of the earth,” those passages are poetic and symbolic, emphasizing stability or general foundation rather than structure.

Flat earth interpretations often misunderstand the “firmament” in Genesis 1. The Hebrew word raqia refers to an expanse or stretched-out space, not a solid dome. Genesis 1:6-7 (NKJV) says:

“Then God said, ‘Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.’ Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so.”

This “expanse” is the sky including the atmosphere (and beyond), not a hard barrier. Psalm 19:1 (NKJV) reinforces this:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.”

This aligns with an open, vast heavens rather than a closed dome enclosing a flat earth.

Scripture teaches that God created an orderly, lawful universe that can be studied and understood. The consistency of nature (Genesis 8:22) goes hand in hand with the reliability of observation and investigation. Genesis 8:22 (NKJV) says:

“While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.”

Modern observations—such as circumnavigation, satellite imagery, time zones, and the behavior of gravity—are consistent with a spherical earth (more on this in a moment). Since God is a God of truth (John 14:6), His creation will not ultimately contradict accurate observation when properly understood.

Finally, promoting flat earth ideas can harm the individual Christian’s witness. It can give the impression that Christians reject clear evidence and misinterpret Scripture, which may become a stumbling block to unbelievers. Nevertheless, the Holy Spirit can convict people regardless of man’s errors (1 Corinthians 12:3). The issue isn’t the authority of Scripture, which is upheld, but the proper interpretation of it. Thus, from a biblical viewpoint:

• The Bible uses observational and poetic language, not technical scientific descriptions.
• Idioms like “four corners” refer to extent, not shape.
• Passages like Isaiah 40:22 and Job 26:7 are consistent with a round, suspended earth.
• The “firmament” is an expanse, not a solid dome.
• God’s orderly creation allows for consistent observation, which aligns with a spherical earth.

The flat earth view is simply not supported by a sound reading of the 66 books of the Bible and is considered a misunderstanding of Scripture rather than a faithful interpretation.

Scientific Problems

If we set Scripture aside for the moment (which is sufficient to refute a flat earth concept) and look strictly at observable reality, three arguments stand out as especially decisive against a flat earth:

First, global circumnavigation and consistent travel routes. I have a friend, “Rocket Rob” Webb who is a rocket scientist who has worked on GPS. It operates on a global—not flat—positioning system.

People have been traveling completely around the earth for centuries—by sea and by air—returning to their starting point without ever encountering an edge. Commercial airlines today routinely fly long-distance routes that only make sense on a spherical earth (for example, curved great-circle paths between continents).

Navigation systems, flight times, and fuel calculations all work precisely because the earth is a globe. A flat earth model can’t coherently explain why these routes consistently function in real-world practice without contradiction.

Image requested by Bodie Hodge (ChatGPT)

Second, time zones, seasons, and the movement of the sun. On a spherical earth tilted on its axis, the sun illuminates different regions at different times, producing time zones and predictable day/night cycles. My wife is from Australia and I’ve been Down Under a few times. I could call home when the sun bright and talk to people in the States when it’s darkest night!

It also explains seasons: when one hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, it experiences summer, while the other experiences winter. On a flat earth, it becomes extremely difficult to explain why daylight varies so precisely across the globe, why polar regions have extended daylight or darkness, or why seasons are opposite between the northern and southern hemispheres. The observed patterns match a globe perfectly and resist any consistent flat earth explanation.

Third, direct observation from space and high altitude, combined with gravity. This should be obvious. Satellites, Christian astronauts, the International Space Station, and high-altitude balloons provide continuous visual confirmation of a curved earth.

Satellite technology (GPS, weather forecasting, communications) depends on orbital mechanics that only work with a spherical earth and gravity acting toward a center of mass. Gravity itself pulls objects toward the center of the earth, naturally forming a sphere.

A flat earth would require an entirely different, unobserved force to explain why objects fall downward uniformly and why large bodies in space (planets, stars) are consistently spherical. So gravity itself wouldn’t be a cogent force in a flat earth scenario—if they were consistent.

Together, these three lines of evidence—global travel, predictable time/seasonal systems, and direct observation supported by gravity—form a confirming case to what we gather form Scripture. Each can be used independently to refute a flat earth model, but combined, form a powerful devasting response to flat earth because they all have the same conclusion: the earth is a globe.

If anyone reading this has been caught up in the flat earth movement, I want to encourage you to reconsider those beliefs. I also want invite you to trust what the Bible says in context and that includes the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Recommended research sources to get you started (with caveats that not all of these are Christian):

• Russell, J. B. (1991). Inventing the flat earth: Columbus and modern historians. Praeger.
• Faulkner, D. (2017). The flat earth movement. Answers in Genesis. https://answersingenesis.org/astronomy/earth/the-flat-earth-movement/
• Catchpoole, D. (2019). Flat earth? Creation Ministries International. https://creation.com/flat-earth
• Garwood, C. (2007). Flat earth: The history of an infamous idea. Thomas Dunne Books.
• Hannam, J. (2009). God’s philosophers: How the medieval world laid the foundations of modern science. Icon Books.
• Grant, E. (1996). The foundations of modern science in the Middle Ages: Their religious, institutional, and intellectual contexts. Cambridge University Press.

• Eratosthenes. (as cited in Cleomedes). (2004). Cleomedes’ lectures on astronomy: A translation of The heavens (A. C. Bowen & R. B. Todd, Trans.). University of California Press.

• Kaplan, E. D., & Hegarty, C. J. (2006). Understanding GPS: Principles and applications (2nd ed.). Artech House.

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Bodie Hodge, Ken Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.  

Bodie launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and universities. He is married with four children.

Mr. Hodge earned a Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar, Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.

His love of science was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over 25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.

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[1] Aristotle. (1984). The complete works of Aristotle (J. Barnes, Ed.). Princeton University Press; Eratosthenes. (as cited in Cleomedes). (2004). Cleomedes’ lectures on astronomy: A translation of The heavens (A. C. Bowen & R. B. Todd, Trans.). University of California Press.

[2] Russell, J. B. (1991). Inventing the flat earth: Columbus and modern historians. Praeger; Hannam, J. (2009). God’s philosophers: How the medieval world laid the foundations of modern science. Icon Books; Grant, E. (1996). The foundations of modern science in the Middle Ages: Their religious, institutional, and intellectual contexts. Cambridge University Press.

[3] Samuel Rowbotham, Zetetic Astronomy: Earth Not a Globe. (1865). London: Simpkin, Marshall, & Co.