Canada Burns
AFA Journal graphic designer
Editor’s note: AFA Journal first reviewed Is Genesis History? in February 2017. We revisit the scholarly documentary in order to cite subsequent resources developed to complement the original film.
April 2019 – Is Genesis history? It’s the question that has been debated among both scientists and theologians through countless years. In the documentary by that name, producer, director, and writer Thomas Purifoy Jr. seeks to answer this question.
Hosted by Dr. Del Tackett, creator of The Truth Project (thetruthproject.org), Is Genesis History? takes the viewer on a journey across the continental U.S. as
Dr. Tackett speaks to scientists and scholars concerning the historicity of the book of Genesis.
Through interviews and engaging illustrations, the integrity of the biblical account is explained in a down-to-earth way that viewers can understand and enjoy. From the strata of the Grand Canyon to the depths of the ocean, the evidence for a young earth presents itself in myriad ways.
A few things covered include evidence for the Grand Canyon being formed quickly. A comparable phenomenon occurred in 1980 when the catastrophic explosion of Mount Saint Helens demonstrated how quickly layers of sediment appear to be ancient almost immediately. The vast layers of sediment that lie across the continental U.S. are evidence of a global rather than local flood. Archeological evidence for the Genesis account is also investigated, including recently found dinosaur tissue that could not have survived for millions of years.
The film also delves into the light-time problem and how God could have matured the light of the stars just as he did plants, animals, and people when He created them. The fact that spiral galaxies and ring systems have kept their shape is also evidence of a young universe.
A talk with biblical scholars reveals that the Genesis account is written as a narrative, not as an epic poem as many other creation accounts were written. The Hebrew text supports that the author of Genesis believed it was true.
Evolution says the present is the key to the past. However, with evidence of historical catastrophes that no longer occur today, this assumption doesn’t hold water. Today’s slow processes don’t explain the geological formations seen today. No one can reliably use the present to judge the past.
The importance of the historicity of Genesis is paramount. Tackett reveals through his investigation how important Genesis is, not only to science, but also to theology and morality as well. History explains what occurred in times past, and science is used to explain how those things occurred, not the other way around. Science used as God intended yields further testimony to God’s glory as well as His overarching plan for creation.
“Nothing in the world makes sense,” Tackett concludes, “except in the light of Genesis.” 
Complementary resources
Beyond Is Genesis History? Vol. 1: Rocks & Fossils, Vol. 2: Life & Design, Vol. 3: Bible & Stars
This DVD set includes over 40 segments featuring extended and new content from the original Is Genesis History? Great for group and classroom settings as well as personal study.
Is Genesis History? Bible Study Set
Includes study guide and discussion videos to be used alongside Is Genesis History? Perfect for Bible studies and Sunday school groups.
All items available at isgenesishistory.com/shop.
