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In 1966 and 1967, the Day-Age Theory of creation
was a hot topic on the campus of Cedarville College.
The source of the debate? The Hebrew word
yom
.
Translated “day” in Genesis 1 and 2,
yom
has a range of
meaning in the Old Testament that can include an age
or a period of history. In describing the creative process
of God, the Day-Age Theory considers that perhaps
Genesis was speaking in terms of great spans of time
rather than 24-hour periods.
Faculty and students debated the merits of
both sides of the issue. Proponents wrote a stack of
correspondence 6 inches tall to Cedarville President
James T. Jeremiah. Views were published in the
Whispering Cedars
student newspaper. On January
14, 1967, the Board of Trustees met and, after careful
research and prayer, affirmed that six literal 24-hour
days of creation was the best biblical interpretation and
articulated that to be Cedarville’s official position. The
letter sent to pastors announcing the decision is also
pictured here.
One of the strong proponents of the 24-hour-day
position was Arthur Williams, Professor of Bible,
who initially sent a paper to all faculty supporting
the 24-hour-day position. This paper was eventually
expanded and published as a booklet, which is
also shown.
The College worked through a difficult theological
debate to reach a position that Cedarville still holds
uniquely among Christian colleges and universities —
six literal 24-hour days of creation.
The Day-Age Debate
Cedarville Magazine
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