The November 5 RATE Conference accomplished much more than simply presenting the stunning research results of the RATE Initiative. It was a time to look back and see God's mighty hand of blessing and favor. It was a time to give Him thanks and praise for all He had done.
During the introductory comments I rehearsed the initial meeting of RATE, and how the room full of Ph.D.'s bowed their knees and hearts to God, beseeching Him for guidance in this venture. The opening devotional of that first meeting eight years ago compared the overwhelming task of confronting the stronghold of radioisotope dating with David facing Goliath. We claimed his brave challenge as our own.
Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand . . . that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel (I Samuel 17:45-46).
For too long evolution has hid behind the Goliath of radioisotope dating. Unable to present scientific evidence to document descent from a common ancestor, they have consoled themselves and intimidated the public with the seemingly unassailable claim "Radioisotope dating proves the billions of years claim. The Bible and creation are false."
Yet when dedicated creationists faced the giant in the name of the Lord, with full assurance that His Word is true, and in faith that there must be an answer, they were victorious. Every research project, every investigation yielded another confirmation of Scriptural claims. In eight years, blow after blow was struck.
I wish I could say radioisotope dating is now "dead," but much remains to be done to complete the job. What can be said is that Goliath is severely wounded. Never again should a Christian be cowed into doubting the plain meaning of Scripture. Never again should a Christian flounder for answers to the questions of a skeptic. Never again should a witness to an unbeliever be stymied by the claims of radioisotope dating.
The holiday season is upon us, a time for reflection and thankfulness for all the Lord has done for us. This year we can add the RATE results to our prayers of gratitude. As the year 2005 comes to a close we can echo a theme of the conference. "Time is running out on the theory of evolution!"
