Beyond Is Genesis History? Season 1 Episode 18 Radioisotope Dating 2 - Implications & Carbon-14 : SP Crater

Beyond Is Genesis History? is a documentary series that explores the scientific evidence for creation and the biblical account of origins. In season 1 episode 18, titled "Radioisotope Dating 2 - Implications & Carbon-14: SP Crater", viewers are taken on a journey to the SP Crater in Arizona to explore the evidence for young earth creationism.

The episode delves into the topic of radioisotope dating, a commonly used method for determining the age of rocks and fossils. The host of the show, Dr. Del Tackett, meets with geologist Dr. Andrew Snelling to discuss the assumptions and limitations of this dating method.

Dr. Snelling explains that radioisotope dating relies on the assumption that the rate of decay of radioactive isotopes remains constant over time. However, there is evidence to suggest that this rate may have varied in the past due to changes in the earth's magnetic field and other factors. This could lead to inaccurate dates being assigned to rocks and fossils.

The discussion then turns to the use of carbon-14 dating, which is used to determine the age of organic material such as plants and animals. Dr. Snelling describes how carbon-14 dating can only be used for material that is less than 50,000 years old, and that it is subject to contamination from other sources of carbon.

To illustrate these concepts, the show takes viewers on a tour of the SP Crater, a volcanic crater in Arizona that is believed to be around 5,000 years old. Dr. Snelling and Dr. Tackett examine the rocks and soil around the crater to look for evidence of radioisotopes and to determine their ages.

The experts uncover a range of interesting findings, including evidence of recent volcanic activity and signs that the rocks around the crater have been exposed to high levels of radiation. They also discover that the carbon-14 dating of materials from the site is consistent with the belief that the crater is only a few thousand years old.

Throughout the episode, the experts discuss how these findings support the biblical account of creation and challenge the prevailing scientific paradigm of an old earth. They argue that the evidence suggests that many of the assumptions and dating methods used by scientists today may be flawed, and that a young earth creationist view is a viable alternative.

Overall, "Radioisotope Dating 2 - Implications & Carbon-14: SP Crater" offers a fascinating look at the evidence for creationism and the challenges faced by those who hold this belief in an increasingly secular world. It is an informative and engaging episode that is sure to interest viewers who are curious about the origins of our planet and the universe.