But you’re definitely correct – neither viewpoint can be proven scientifically. Whatever view you chose, they both demand faith on some level.

A book I would highly recommend on the subject of astronomy and origins is Starlight and Time by Dr. Russell Humphreys. The theory he puts forward is presented in a way us normal people can easily grasp. He has presented a number of very technical papers since that book was released, but the central idea is essentially good. He explores problems with a number of creationist theories as well as the most popular evolutionist theories (big bang, multiverse, etc).

You present three convictions. Regarding #1, while it is true that one need not have a conviction one way or the other to be saved by the blood of our Lord, it seems to me anyone who faces the question honestly must make a choice between God’s revalation and man’s invention. There are numerous sound theological reasons to reject “old earth” compromise. I will tell you as a matter of personal testimony that after years of research on my own I’ve come to the conclusion that science – that is to say the strict application of scientific method to various models – has led me to believe science soundly supports the plain literal reading of Genesis. Regarding #2, I feel exactly the same way. I’ve studied and written quite a bit on the subject, but I’m not interested in conversing with flamers from either end of the spectrum. Regarding #3 I also fully agree.

I’m currently in the process of posting an extensive series on the subject of science and creation at http://blogs.bible.org/blog/16486 if you’re interested.

Move your eyes, not your head when reading. Moving your head – which a lot of us do automatically – slows us down and causes neck strain.

Pause only every few words, rather than on every word. Use Zapreader.com to practice this, and put the setting on 400 words @ 2 words at a time. Each pause you make is 0.27seconds in duration and so even by pausing on every second word you can cut your reading time on 150 pages down by 50% – and then go out to play!

This technique is all about widening your peripheral vision. The ultimate would be to be able to take in an entire line of text or a page as a single unit – imagine how fast you can get through a book then!

If you really enjoy this, and want to find out how to do that, go on a PhotoReading course. It will blow your mind. I did and have never looked back: these days if I have 90 mins to spare I can go through a 150 page book in 90 mins, completing two sets of notes and be ready to present or use the information in my business. I just love it.

Finally, remember that speedreading can cause eye strain, so stop every 50 mins or so and do some exercises: rotate your eyes gently clockwise twice, then anti clockwise twice, then move your eyes up and down, left and right several times. Finally, close your eyes and imagine them being sluiced in blue water – this cleanses the eyeballs and helps you to relax.

Happy Reading!