Assessment Questions 1.3

1. Who was James Ussher, and what was his significant contribution to the determination of the Earth's age?

James Ussher, an Irish archbishop, calculated in 1650 that the Earth had been created in 4004 B.C.E. His determination, widely accepted in the Western world, was printed in English bibles starting in 1701. Ussher arrived at this date through historical research, analysis of astronomical cycles, and reference to biblical genealogies.

2. What was the prevailing belief about the nature of the Earth and its creation during this period?

Many Western thinkers believed in a young Earth created by God during the creation week discussed in the Old Testament. They saw the world as "fixed" or unchanging since creation, with plant and animal species, as well as humans, having changed little, if at all, in less than 6,000 years.

3. Who was John Ray, and what perspective did he advocate regarding the creation of the world?

John Ray, a minister, naturalist, and scientist, was an eloquent spokesman for the creationist perspective. In his view, the world reflected "the works created by God at first and by him conserved to this day in the same state and condition in which they were first made."