The Missoula Floods apart from Noah's Flood


The Missoula Floods were a series of catastrophic floods that ravaged the Pacific Northwest at the end of the last ice age. These floods were triggered by the repeated failure of a glacial ice dam holding back Glacial Lake Missoula in Montana. 


When the dam breached, trillions of cubic feet of water surged across eastern Washington, carving out the unique landscape known as the Channeled Scablands. Giant ripple marks, reaching 50 feet high, and massive coulees, hundreds of feet deep, testify to the floods' immense power. Geologists have identified evidence for dozens of these floods, occurring between 15,000 and 13,000 years ago. The Missoula Floods stand as a testament to the powerful forces shaping Earth's geology and a prime example of how catastrophic events can dramatically alter landscapes.

How Young Earth Creationism Relates to this flood

Young Earth Creationism (YEC) rejects mainstream geological findings favoring a literal interpretation of the biblical creation account. YEC adherents interpret geological features, like the Missoula Flood, as evidence of catastrophic events like Noah's flood, rather than an ice age melt. This puts YEC at odds with disciplines like ice age geology.

How Old Earth Creationism Relates to Science 

Old Earth Creationism (OEC) accepts the scientific evidence for ice age geology but maintains that God created the universe and life. OEC proponents seek to reconcile scientific findings with their religious beliefs, interpreting the "days" of creation in Genesis as long periods. While OEC is more compatible with geological evidence than YEC, there are still areas of disagreement, particularly regarding neo darwinism.

24-Hour vs. Long Genesis Days

YEC interprets the six days of creation in Genesis literally as 24-hour periods, leading to a belief in a young Earth approximately 6,000 years old. 

OEC views the "days" as representing much longer periods, potentially millions or billions of years, aligning with scientific estimates of Earth's age.

Bible Verses Used by YEC and OEC 

YEC often cites Genesis 1, with its emphasis on six days of creation, and genealogies in Genesis and Exodus to support a young Earth timeline. 

OEC proponents point to verses like the long-day interpretation of Yom in Genesis 2:10 ”Now a river flowed out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it divided and became four rivers.” This aligns with geological understanding of river formation, where erosion and tectonic shifts over eons carve out landscapes and alter watercourses.

God's Glory in Young Earth and Old Earth Creationism

YEC emphasizes God's power displayed through rapid, catastrophic creation. The Missoula Floods, for example, might be seen as evidence of God's judgment during Noah's flood. However, The Missoula Floods occurred during the ice age.

OEC views God's glory in the vastness of time and the intricate processes of the earth's geology, showcasing His creativity and wisdom over eons.

Reaching Consensus

Reaching consensus between YEC and OEC, or between creationism and mainstream science, is challenging due to fundamentally different interpretations of evidence. Open dialogue, respectful engagement with opposing viewpoints, and a focus on shared values may offer a path towards greater understanding, even if full agreement remains elusive.


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