Abstract
Old-earth creation models such as theistic evolution and progressive creation accept the occurrence of death before sin. Theological arguments centered on God's character-- his omniscience, omnipotence, and loving nature--are developed by recent creationists to argue against the occurrence of death before sin. Likewise, the atoning work of Christ is understood by recent creationists to be incompatible with death before sin. Analysis of these assertions reveals that theological argumentation cannot preclude an old earth creation in which death of animals and humans occurred before sin. Conversely, it can be argued theologically that such a world is to be expected.