Balls' Pyramid - an Old Earth Wonder

Balls' Pyramid is a towering, isolated sea stack located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 20 kilometers southeast of Lord Howe Island. It is the remnant of a shield volcano and caldera, rising dramatically 551 meters (1,808 feet) above the sea, making it the tallest volcanic stack in the world. Its sheer, jagged sides and needle-like peak present a formidable and striking appearance. The pyramid's geological composition primarily consists of basalt, reflecting its volcanic origins. The surrounding ocean environment is rich in marine life, and the island itself, despite its extreme topography, has been a refuge for unique flora and fauna, most notably the Lord Howe Island stick insect, which was once thought extinct. Its remote location and challenging terrain have contributed to its relative isolation and preservation.

Old Earth Creationism Explanation:

Old Earth Creationism (OEC) explains Balls' Pyramid through standard geological processes occurring over vast periods. Volcanic activity, plate tectonics, and erosion are the primary factors. OEC accepts radiometric dating, which places the volcano's formation millions of years ago. Gradual erosion by wind and waves sculpted the initial volcanic structure into the dramatic pyramid we see today. OEC integrates these scientific findings with a belief in a Creator, attributing the natural processes to God's design.

Global Flood Inadequacy:

A global flood could not form Balls' Pyramid due to its sheer scale and composition. A flood would deposit sedimentary layers, not create a volcanic stack. The pyramid's basalt composition indicates volcanic origin, not flood deposition. Furthermore, the immense time required for erosion to shape the pyramid is incompatible with a single, short-lived flood event. The flood would have also covered the structure in sediment.

OEC and Long Genesis Days:

OEC interprets the "days" of Genesis 1 as long, indefinite periods, or "ages." This allows for the integration of vast geological timescales into the biblical narrative. The Hebrew word "yom" can mean a literal day, but also a longer period.

Bible Verses and "Yom":

OEC proponents cite several verses to support the idea of "yom" meaning a long period. Psalm 90:4 states, "For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night." These verses suggest that God's perception of time differs from human perception. The long-day interpretation of Yom in Genesis   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. 

Additionally, Genesis 2:4 uses "yom" to refer to the entire creation period: "This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the Lord God made the earth and the heavens."

OEC and God's Glory:

Old Earth Creationism emphasizes that God's glory is revealed through the vastness and complexity of His creation. The immense timescales and intricate processes seen in geology and cosmology showcase God's power and wisdom. The grandeur of structures like Balls' Pyramid, formed over millions of years, inspires awe and wonder, highlighting the magnificence of the Creator's handiwork. The sheer size, and the complex systems that formed it, show a God who is working on a scale beyond human comprehension.