Introduction to Earth and Space Science

What is Earth and Space Science?

Earth and space science studies the physical portions of creation. It include the fields of geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. These sciences have an important influence on issues such as climate change, energy and resource management, Earth’s history, weather, geologic hazards, and so much more. This course studies the physical aspects of creation from both a biblical perspective and a conventional perspective allowing students to think and engage critically on these issues to the glory of God.

Why Study Earth and Space Science?

Earth Science is the study of the physical nature and processes of God’s creation.  Today, it is often cited as evidence for a naturalistic understanding of the world that removes God from the picture. This is an incredibly tragic situation, but it is not unexpected.  Rather, Romans 1:18-25, tells us that God’s wrath is just, because man has not honored God, despite God making Himself known through creation. Instead, man worships and serves the creation rather than Creator God. This is the situation that every human is born into, and it is only by the grace of God that we are saved. What is especially sad about earth science being twisted to remove God as Creator, is that creation is meant to point us to God and instead, we as sinners, worship the signpost of creation. The truth of the matter is that creation, even as it groans for the new heavens and the new earth, still points to its Creator (Psalm 19, Psalm 104, Isaiah 41, Job 38-41). Everything God does He does to bring Himself glory. He made the heavens and the Earth to bring Himself glory and one of the ways that they bring Him glory is by causing our hearts to wonder at Him.  

Another primary reason to study Earth Science as a believer is because the world is bombarding us with lies. In the last days 2 Peter 3:4-7 says, “They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.” People will say that God is not true to His Word, they will “overlook the fact” that creation and the flood happened. But the same God that created ex nihilo, the same God who judged sinners by sending the flood, is coming again for the final judgement with fire. These two truths, creation and the flood, are being intentionally attacked because they often make believers question “did God really say?”. The reality is that God did create the heavens and the earth, and He really did send a flood. One of the incredible things about Earth Science is that you can see and touch the physical evidence of these events. This is the primary reason that believers in today’s world should have a basic understanding of Earth Science. What is so often cited as the basis for forsaking the Creator not only constantly proclaims His eternal power and divine nature but also gives an account of the truth of God’s Word and the fact that we can trust Him to return. Ultimately this should give us an urgency therefore to stand firm for the Word of God and to “give an account to anyone who asks us for a reason for the hope that is within us” (1 Peter 3:15).  That hope is the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins. A study of Earth Science should therefore turn our hearts to worship the Creator, trust His Word, and motivate us to share the truth of His coming.  

Introduction to the Course Layout

This course is broken up into 32 lessons. Each lesson is composed of 3-5 hours of work meant to be completed in a week. The lessons are composed of various steps. These steps include lectures by Dr. John Whitmore, textbook reading assignments, labs, quizzes, and Scripture studies.

There are two unit exam lessons at lesson 16 and 32. These lessons review previous material and test the students comprehension. They are designed so that can be a winter break if desired.