Many students of the creation movement have noted that the publication of The Genesis Flood by John Whitcomb and Henry Morris (1961), was used by God to catalyze the modern revival of creation thinking. Up until that time, most scientists and many theologians held to some form of theistic evolution. Most had been intimidated into accepting long ages and evolution.

Up until fairly modern times, people in western countries have basically believed that the Bible was God's Word, and, by and large, believed what it said.