evolution beats creationism 10 to 3 and thats generous, page 6

Ashanu, looks like you are hang up with the star/earth-earth/star conundrum. But before I clarify it further, let me make this statement. As a JW we don't have anything against science, scientist and cosmologist for their many discoveries has helped us to appreciate more the power and love of the creator. It also helped us to confirm this statement:

“His invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable.” (Romans 1:20).

Also consider this very important point - the Bible is not a scientific book but if verified against TRUE science it is 100% accurate. The more knowledge we gain from studying the universe the more clearer the scriptures become. It is only when the scriptures are put against false science then the conflict arises and in the same vain when false religion with it's fanatical belief and unscriptural teachings are put against true science will conflict arise. But if we let the scriptures stand on its own, speak for itself if you will, then the true meaning will come out in full agreement with science – that is true science. Blind faith also plays a major role on both camps – insisting on something that is contrary to nature or for that matter true science of nature causes great conflict (point in case – flat earth, hell, immortal soul, piltdown man, primordial soup, etc). It is this blind faith that alienate/alienated many to the true teachings of the scriptures or science and both are guilty of it. However there are things on both camps that are beyond our grasp (for now) and yet we readily accept them as normal for they are part of our lives. Others will require faith to believe in them, great faith sometimes. But again this not blind faith but faith as described in the following scriptures

“Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld. For by means of this the men of old times had witness borne to them. By faith we perceive that the systems of things were put in order by God’s word, so that what is beheld has come to be out of things that do not appear.” Hebrew 9:1-3. Yes faith backed up by realities though not beheld.

Now back to your Q:
I don't know how extensive your knowledge of the bible is so don't take my word unless you've verified it yourself.

Here's what you said:

“the bible does it not say the earth was made FIRST and THEN THE stars? it didn't say god made some stars it said he made THE stars correct?

I believe this is the text you are referring to:

Gen 1:16 “And God proceeded to make the two great luminaries, the greater luminary for dominating the day and the lesser luminary for dominating the night, and also the stars”.

Did you notice something in the wording? The word used was “make”, or as you put it 'made' instead of “create” like in Gen 1:1. What's the difference between the two words?
Well in Hebrew the original word used for 'make' is “'a-sah' while 'create' is 'ba-ra' which is used exclusively with reference to divine creation.
As I've already explained since the sun, moon, and stars are included in “the heavens” mentioned in Genesis 1:1, they were created long before Day Four. On the fourth day God proceeded to “make” these celestial bodies occupy a new relationship toward earth’s surface and the expanse above it. When it is said, “God put them in the expanse of the heavens to shine upon the earth,” this would indicate that they now became discernible from the surface of the earth, as though they were in the expanse. Also, the luminaries were to “serve as signs and for seasons and for days and years,” thus later providing guidance for man in various ways.—Ge 1:14.
So no – the earth was not created before the stars.

[edit on 16-3-2010 by edmc^2]