Evidence of an ancient worldwide Flood is very widespread in the fossil record. The mere fact that most fossils are embedded in deposits laid down by water indicates catastrophic formation. Geologists recognize that "waterborne sediments are so much more widely distributed than all other agents of burial that they include the great majority of all fossils."i
Some fossils show immaculate preservation of detail and these creatures must have been buried instantly to prevent decay. The state of preservation can thus be an indication of how long the animals were exposed to the elements before they were buried.
In a flood scenario, some creatures would have remained uncovered longer than others. For example, we find perfectly preserved specimens of fossil fish, as well as specimens without heads or scales, and sometimes we find only the bones or pieces of specimens. During putrefaction, the scales and heads of fish drop off quite rapidly, and so it is clear that some were buried instantly while some floated before burial.
There are four major types of fossils:
1. Molds and casts, comprising footprints and molds that have been filled in with rock forming material.
2. Petrified fossils, or fossils turned to stone by replacement of the tissue with the elements of the surrounding strata.
3. Carbonized fossils, such as coal.
4. Unchanged fossils such as animals trapped in amber or the preserved parts of animals trapped in tar pits. Seashells and tooth and bone fragments also belong to this group.
Since fossilization requires very specific, complex conditions, the vastness of the fossil record does not support the idea of uniformitarianism. When we consider the giant dinosaur fossil, we ask, "What buried these creatures so quickly?"
Dinosaurs are sometimes found in relatively large numbers. They are mostly washed into position, with many of them showing distinct stream orientation. Scientists explain this by stating that these creatures lived in the plains and were periodically overcome by floods. However, these fossil beds often stretch over thousands of square kilometers, which would not be consistent with such a scenario.
Read about petrified trees, another example of stream orientation.
Updated January 2009.
i. C. Dunbar, Historical Geology (New York: John Wiley and Sons Inc, 1957).
Read several authors' thoughts on papal Rome's history.
This article highlights quotes from historical and Catholic sources proving the Papacy's aggressive nature.
Persecution in the First Centuries
An Era of Spiritual Darkness The Waldenses
John Wycliffe Huss and Jerome
Luther's Separation From Rome
Luther Before the Diet The Swiss Reformer
Progress of Reform in Germany
Protest of the Princes The French Reformation
The Netherlands and Scandinavia
Later English Reformers
The Bible and the French Revolution
The Pilgrim Fathers Heralds of the Morning
An American Reformer Light Through Darkness
A Great Religious Awakening A Warning Rejected
Prophecies Fulfilled What is the Sanctuary?
In the Holy of Holies God's Law Immutable
A Work of Reform Modern Revivals
Facing Life's Record The Origin of Evil
Enmity Between Man and Satan
Agency of Evil Spirits Snares of Satan
The First Great Deception
Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
Liberty of Conscience Threatened
The Impending Conflict
The Scriptures a Safeguard The Final Warning
The Time of Trouble God's People Delivered
Desolation of the Earth The Controversy Ended
Is Revelation a Sealed Book?
Revelation 1 Commentary
Revelation 1: Jesus, The Heart of Revelation
Revelation 2 Commentary
Revelation 2-3: Letters to Seven Churches
Revelation 3 Commentary
The Lamb and the Sealed Book
Revelation 4 Commentary
Revelation 5 Commentary
Revelation 6 Commentary
Revelation 7 Commentary
Revelation 8 Commentary
Revelation 9 Commentary
Revelation 10 Commentary
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