Crosstalk: September 6, 2017

​​The Bible tells us that, 'The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.' (Psalm 19:1) Unfortunately, there are times when people believe one must choose between science and the Bible. This is due to the fact that it's man that often brings in a distorted picture on this issue when it doesn't have to be this way. In fact, the Bible reveals much about science and specifically, about astronomy.

Joining Jim to talk about some of these distortions was Dr. Danny Faulkner. Dr. Faulkner has a Masters of Science in Physics, a Master of Arts degree as well as a Ph.D in Astronomy. He taught at the university of South Carolina, Lancaster for over 26 years. He serves as editor of the Creation Research Society Quarterly and has published over 100 papers in various journals. He's a research author and speaker for Answers in Genesis. He's the author of numerous books including 'The Created Cosmos: What the Bible Reveals About Astronomy'.

This program began with discussion concerning September 23rd of this year. Some people believe this date has prophetic significance as it relates to Revelation 12:1-2.

This particular point deals with the constellation Virgo. As the earth orbits the sun each year, the sun appears to move through each of the constellations, spending about a month in them. The sun spends it's month in Virgo around September/October each year.

The moon orbits the earth and every month it spends a day or two in the vicinity of the feet of Virgo, so it's reasoned by some that when it happens this year, Virgo will be 'clothed in the sun' and the moon will be literally at her feet.

Actually, this happens every year, but what makes this year so special has to do with Jupiter. This planet orbits the sun once every 12 years, so it spends about a year in the constellations and this happens to be one of the years it will be doing that. Those defending the prophecy tie-in believe this represents the child being born. Also they point to the fact that West of Virgo, above her head, is the constellation Leo. The argument is that Leo has 9 stars but this year there are 3 naked-eye planets (Mercury, Venus & Mars) that will join those 9 stars for a total of 12. Some feel this creates the 12-star crown for Virgo as referenced in Revelation, that this has never happened in the history of humanity, so this must be the literal fulfillment of the sign that the Apostle John wrote about.

As this broadcast progressed, Dr. Faulkner answered the following:

--How do we know that what's about to occur on September 23rd isn't fulfillment of Revelation 12:1-2?
--What do we make of the resurgence of the belief in a flat earth, even by some Bible believers? After all, the Bible does refer to the corners of the earth and the ends of the earth, things a sphere doesn't have.
--What was the source of the light prior to the creation of the sun and moon?
--What amazes Dr. Faulkner most about the stars?
--How do we account for starlight if we have a young universe?
--Dr. Faulkner describes Genesis 1:1 as 'introductory encapsulation'. What does he mean?