One of the key questions in studying the past is the age of the Earth and its inhabitants. Scientists use a variety of dating methods to estimate the ages of human, animal, and plant material. Some methods measure radioactive decay; others study growth patterns or historical records. These methods are often discussed in relation to the Bible’s account of creation and the flood.

By examining dating methods and comparing them with Scripture, believers can gain a deeper understanding of both the insights and the limitations of science.