Creation of Half Dome, Yosemite: Two Views


Half Dome, a granite monolith in Yosemite National Park, is an iconic symbol of the park and a popular challenge for hikers and climbers. Its distinct shape, resembling a dome sliced in half, is thought to be a result of glacial activity and erosion over millions of years. The sheer face rises nearly 5,000 feet above the valley floor, offering breathtaking views of Yosemite Valley, Yosemite Falls, and the surrounding wilderness.

Young Earth Creationism Explanation

Young Earth creationists (YEC) believe the Earth is approximately 6,000 years old. They attribute the formation of Half Dome to the catastrophic events of Noah's Flood. According to this view, rapid geological processes during and after the Flood, including massive erosion and tectonic uplift, sculpted Half Dome and other geological features in a short period.

Old Earth Creationism Explanation

Old Earth creationists (OEC) accept the scientific consensus of an Earth billions of years old. They explain Half Dome's formation through gradual geological processes like glacial carving, erosion, and tectonic uplift, occurring over vast periods. They view these processes as part of God's ongoing creative work in the natural world.

Genesis Days

  • YEC: Believe the "days" in Genesis 1 are literal 24-hour periods, basing this on a literal reading of the text and the Hebrew word "yom."

  • OEC: Interpret the "days" in Genesis 1 as long periods, possibly even geological ages, pointing to the context and literary structure of the creation account.

Bible Verses

  • YEC: Exodus 20:11 ("For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day.") and Genesis 1:5 ("God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.")

  • OEC: views 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

  • YEC: God's glory is displayed in His power and creative acts during a literal six-day creation and the global Flood.

  • OEC: God's glory is revealed through His wisdom and majesty in sustaining the universe and guiding the intricate processes of creation over vast periods.

Reaching Consensus

Both YEC and OEC perspectives can find common ground by focusing on their shared belief in God as Creator, acknowledging different interpretations of the Genesis account, and engaging in respectful dialogue with humility and a commitment to truth. Ephesians 4:2 - "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."


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