The concept of a “First Earth Age” comes from certain interpretations of biblical texts, particularly those that reference a world that existed prior to the creation account in Genesis. While not a mainstream view, some Christian groups believe the Bible speaks of an original creation that preceded Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden. This theoretical period is sometimes called the First Earth Age.
References to a world before this one are sparse in scripture. However, some point to verses like Jeremiah 4:23-26 as possible evidence: “I looked on the earth, and behold, it was without form and void; and to the heavens, and they had no light. I looked on the mountains, and behold, they were quaking, and all the hills moved to and fro. I looked, and behold, there was no man, and all the birds of the air had fled. I looked, and behold, the fruitful land was a desert, and all its cities were laid in ruins before the Lord, before his fierce anger.”
The argument is that this passage describes the earth as initially being in a state of chaos and devoid of human life, implying there was a world in existence before the more orderly creation of Genesis 1. Other proposed scriptures include Isaiah 45:18 which speaks of God not creating the earth “in vain” or “a chaos” in the Hebrew, yet Genesis 1:2 describes the early earth as “formless and void.” Some claim this suggests a gap between an original creation and the world made for Adam and Eve.
Those who believe in a First Earth Age often connect it to the “gap theory” which inserts a long period of time between Genesis 1:1 (“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”) and the successive verses describing the six days of creation. This allows for an initial creation followed by a catastrophic event or destruction that led to the earth becoming “formless and void.” The six days of Genesis 1 are then taken to describe a re-creation of the demolished world.
What evidence exists for this previous age? Those advocating this view claim there are ruins, artifacts, and remnants across the globe indicating an advanced civilization before Adam. Some Young Earth Creationists argue the earth is only 6,000 years old making it impossible for such antiquities to predate Adam. But First Earth Age proponents believe science and archeology reveal a much older earth consistent with an original creation long before Genesis 1.
Specific accounts pointed to include mythologies and oral traditions from diverse ancient cultures describing a primordial age destroyed by flood or fire. The Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh, Greek myths, Hindu Vedas, and stories from Egypt, China, and the Americas seem to recount a common distant past. First Earth Age theorists argue these corroborate the Bible’s veiled references to a former world.
Fossil evidence and sedimentary rock layers are also said to confirm vast pre-Adamic ages. It’s argued a global flood like Noah’s could not account for all the geologic column and apparent long eras of Earth history. Ruins of ancient sophisticated civilizations found worldwide are claimed to be remnants from this pre-Genesis period.
Critics argue this First Earth Age concept is primarily based on questionable interpretations of a few poetic Old Testament verses, while contradicting other more straightforward scriptures. Theologians widely reject gap theory as an attempt to forcibly reconcile Genesis with modern scientific dating methods and theories. Most view the creation account as intended to describe a literal 7-day sequence without gaps.
Full pre-Adam civilizations supposedly destroyed in a judgment event are deemed biblically unwarranted speculation. Apparent echos in diverse mythologies are considered more likely a remnant memory of early post-Flood oral histories passed down within Noah’s family. The fossil record is viewed as better explained by a global deluge.
References to a world existing before Genesis are rare and debatable. The concept of a First Earth Age remains outside mainstream biblical theology. Most Christians believe scripture reveals God newly created the heavens and the earth for mankind’s habitation, with no clearly described prior creations or civilizations referenced. The Genesis account is widely taken as the definitive starting point for God’s work on this planet and His purposes for humanity.
In the end, the First Earth Age hypothesis seems to introduce more questions than answers. Why would such an epoch go unmentioned? What purpose did it serve? Why destroy this creation before Adam? Significant assumptions are required to arrive at conclusions not directly found in the Bible’s accounts of cosmic and human origins. Sparse and poetic verses provide an unclear basis at best for broader theories about bygone worlds and civilizations.
Without substantive scriptural support or scientific confirmation, positing a detailed First Earth Age complete with advanced prehistoric cultures remains firmly in the realm of speculation. Most biblical scholars consider the Genesis narrative God’s full revelation to man of His creative work in preparing the earth for humankind’s dominion and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. A previous creation or age lacks scriptural warrant and raises questions of theodicy. God’s purposes are best understood through what He has plainly revealed about Adam as the first man.
In conclusion, the concept of an earth age predating Genesis remains a fringe belief unable to be confirmed or reconciled with a straightforward reading of scripture. While the Bible contains prophetic references to future ages and dispensations, it does not clearly describe a prior creation or civilization before Adam and Eve. Discussion of a First Earth Age relies on questionable interpretations of a limited number of poetic verses, while inserting gaps theorized but not explicit in the Genesis account. Most theologians find insufficient basis in scripture for this hypothesis of a world preceding the Genesis creation narrative.