Problem w/ your "age built in" idea w/ lightyears is that while you can say that the light was already on its way at creation, you are also saying that the information that is being sent is information about something that never existed in history.
For example, when we see stars exploding from millions of lightyears away, according to the "age built in" we are seeing an event that actually never happened.
If that is not illogical, then I don't know what is.
Now there are other ways to handle the lightyears issue, but the "light en route" view is not a good one.
But the time dilation theory is, particularly with improvements Harnett has made.
But in my mind it doesn't make any real difference.
the Bible says what it says!
Are we seeing the star explode in real time, or did it happen millions of years ago and we are just now witnessing it?
How is it possible to witness something in real
time that happened before even the advent of a telescope?
How does it contradict age built in?
That may be true for agnostics and or atheists, but I think you are incorrect for believers who pursue scientific knowledge, exploration, using the gift of intelligence and rational thought given to us.
Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death,that is, the devil; Heb. 2:14
And the earth was without form, and void;and darkness upon the face of the deep.
And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
To open their eyes, to turn from darknessto light, and the power of Satanunto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
From the above would you agree that Satan, the devil who has the power of death was on the earth when God said let there be light?
IMHO God because of the sin of Satan had removed himself from the earth which became dead and in darkness and decay because of that sin.
Let there be light was the return of God to renew the earth and bring about the result of Hebrews 2:14. To destroy Satan.
Keep in mind also before it was said Let there be light it was ordained for a sinless man to die. Interesting in that there was no death.
So, would you admit that the earth and cosmos appears to be much more than 6,000 years?
God has given us good reason to think so, obviously. So, at least (or perhaps at best) an old earth theory is reasonable.
Why should you hold it against people for being reasonable?
Is it unreasonable to believe what the evidence indicates?
This I can appreciate Webdog. I felt the same way. Do you think agree that there are many godly educated evangelicals that still accept an Old Earth view?
Do you think that they have an understanding of the Gen 1 account or do you think that they personally don't know what to do with it?