The Genesis Flood Revisited
The Genesis Flood Revisited Hardcover – October 24, 2022
Published by Master Books
Reviewed by Jack Kettler
Author’s Bio:
Andrew A. Snelling, B.Sc. (Hons), Ph.D. (Geology), was for many years a Geologist, Senior Research Scientist, and Editor of the CEN Technical Journal (now Journal of Creation) at Creation Science Foundation (now Creation Ministries International), Brisbane, Australia. From 1998, he worked for the Institute for Creation Research, USA, where he was an Associate Professor of Geology. Since 2007, he worked for Answers in Genesis USA.
Andrew completed a Bachelor of Science with degree in Applied Geology with First Class Honours at The University of New South Wales in Sydney. He graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy (in geology) at The University of Sydney for his thesis entitled A geochemical study of the Koongarra uranium deposit, Northern Territory, Australia.
What others are saying:
Those who support Snelling's work view ‘The Genesis Flood Revisited” as a valuable resource, reaffirming their belief in a literal interpretation of the biblical flood account. They appreciate Snelling's scientific arguments, which they feel validate the accuracy and historicity of the Genesis flood narrative.
A Review:
Title: A Masterful Reexamination of the Genesis Flood: An Indispensable Resource for Biblical Creationists
In 1974, this writer read the original Genesis Flood by John C. Whitcomb and Henry M. Morris. It was one of several factors that opened a thirst for apologetics.
Without fear of contradiction, “The Genesis Flood Revisited” by Andrew A. Snelling is a well-researched book that provides a comprehensive and scientific examination of the biblical flood account. The book is an invaluable resource for young-earth creationists seeking to solidify their beliefs and understand events in the Old Testament, along with New Testament confirmation of these events.
“The Genesis Flood Revisited” is generally suitable for readers of varying levels of scientific knowledge, although some sections are rather technical. If some book sections are too technical, the reader can pass over them. The book is truly encyclopedic.
Snelling’s book is in the eight by 11 format and is massive, totaling 670 pages. On pages 641 to 670, Snelling treats the reader to numerous charts and figures, enabling the reader to visualize some of the technical concepts in the book. This reviewer has both the hardback and the Kindle editions. The Kindle version may be a solution for those on a tight budget.
As seen in the bio, Snelling is a highly respected geologist with extensive experience in the field. Snelling challenges conventional scientific interpretations while presenting a compelling case for the legitimacy of the Genesis flood account.
One of the book’s major strengths is Snelling’s ability to integrate biblical scholarship with geological evidence. He expertly navigates through the complex field of flood geology and demonstrates how the Earth’s geological features can be explained within the framework of a cataclysmic global flood. Snelling convincingly demonstrates from Scripture and the geological record the case for a universal flood as opposed to a local flood in Chapter Fourteen.
This reviewer is particularly interested in how Snelling explains in Chapters 99 and 100 ‘The Radioactive Methods for Dating Rocks” and “The Assumptions of Radioactive Dating.” In dealing with this topic, he addresses common arguments by skeptics and presents compelling counterarguments supported by scientific data. Additional dating issues are covered in Chapters 101 through 106.
Another area covered is in Section X, Chapters 113 through 126, “Problems For Biblical Geology Solved —Formations Implying Slow Deposition.” Snelling consistently approaches the subject matter with scientific rigor. In addition, Snelling’s attention to detail and comprehensive analysis makes his work difficult to dismiss, even by those who hold opposing views.
The author convincingly defends Creation in Six 24-hour days. He does so in the following paraphrase and summary that this reviewer gleaned from the book:
1. The use of the word “Yom” in the Hebrew Old Testament outside Genesis 1 is principally understood as literal 24-hour days. In over 2000 instances, “Yom” almost always refers to a typical day.
2. The phrase “and there was evening and there was morning” is consistently linked to each of the six creation days in Genesis 1. This phrase strongly suggests a regular 24-hour day cycle.
3. The sequential numbering of the days in Genesis 1 further supports the interpretation of literal 24-hour days. Each day is numbered from the first to the sixth, indicating a clear progression of time.
4. The creation account was written in a narrative form, not as a poetic or figurative piece, which suggests the author intended to convey a literal understanding of the creation days.
5. Exodus 20:11 reaffirms a literal interpretation of the creation days. In the Ten Commandments, God commands the Israelites to remember the Sabbath day by working for six days and resting on the seventh day, in alignment with the six-day creation account of Genesis. This commandment implies that the creation days are the same 24-hour days we experience.
6. The astrological markers used: In the creation account in Genesis, the word “Yom” is consistently followed by numerical modifiers such as “first day,” “second day,” and so on (Genesis 1:5, 1:8, 1:13). This pattern suggests that “Yom” should be understood as literal 24-hour days, as opposed to more extended periods of time.
7. The Hebrew language: The Hebrew word “Yom” has a consistent and primary usage throughout the Old Testament to refer to a literal, 24-hour day. In fact, out of the 2,301 times the word is used in the Old Testament, “Yom” overwhelmingly refers to a literal day. It would be inconsistent to interpret “Yom” differently in the context of the creation account.
8. The Sabbath commandment: In Exodus 20:8-11, God declares that the Israelites are to remember and keep the Sabbath day holy. The commandment explicitly states that they are to work for six days and rest on the seventh, just as God worked for six days and rested on the seventh, which suggests a parallel between the days of creation and the days of the week, implying that the days of creation were literal 24-hour days.
9. The narrative structure of Genesis: The creation account in Genesis is written in a straightforward narrative style, using the phrase “And there was evening and there was morning” to describe each day of creation, which this phrase is consistently used throughout the Bible to indicate the passing of a 24-hour day.
10. The purpose of the creation account: The purpose of the creation account is to provide a foundation for understanding God's work in creating the world. Interpreting the “Yom” as literal 24-hour days aligns with the straightforward reading of the text and allows for a clear understanding of God's creative activity.
In conclusion:
“The Genesis Flood Revisited” leaves no subject untouched. It is a valuable and comprehensive exploration of foundational events in the Bible and deserves recognition as an important contribution to the ongoing interchange between science and faith. As said in the title of this review, Snelling’s book is truly “masterful” and a fitting tribute to the original Genesis Flood book. Snelling’s book is also a testament to fifty years of hard work in researching and understanding the scientific and geological work involved. The book is a cause for celebration!
End of Review.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
Mr. Kettler has previously published articles in the Chalcedon Report and Contra Mundum. He and his wife, Marea, attend the Westminster, CO, RPCNA Church. Mr. Kettler is the author of 17 books defending the Reformed Faith. Books can be ordered online at Amazon.