Bible Commentaries
There are three common views concerning the dinosaur question -- two of which hinge on how one answers the question of whether the “six days of creation” represents a literal six days or six eras of time. It is truly an enigma that there is not one overt mention of the existence of dinosaurs in the scriptures. Apparently, the dinosaur question is not fall into an area of priority in the eternal scope of God. With that in mind, the following are the common views.
1. Under the Literal Six Days Understanding
A. Dinosaurs Never Existed. There is too much archeological evidence which contradicts this view to support it. While we may not agree with how scientists interpret this evidence, we cannot ignore with integrity the intact sets of fossilized bones which have been discovered.
B. Greenhouse View - This view interprets the “firmament above” (mentioned in Genesis) as a reference to a layer of atmospheric water which formed a protective covering for the earth. Because the particular rays of the sun which are known to accelerate the aging process were blocked by this shield, both people and animals lived much longer lives. Because reptiles are known to keep growing until they die, its conceivable to conclude that “the longer they live, the bigger they will grow.” This was the state of world before the Great Flood according to this view. The rains of the Great Flood came from underwater springs and the emptying of the atmospheric protective firmament. The flood killed the living dinosaurs, and because the aging rate of living creatures was significantly increased with the absence of the protective layer, the dinosaurs remained extinct.
2. Under the Six Eras Understanding
A. The dinosaurs lived and became extinct before the creation of humankind.
B. The Greenhouse View as stated above.
If I was forced to make a choice between the above, I would favor the greenhouse view. But since I am not forced, I will chose -- at least at this point --to leave the question in the realm of mystery, since the Scriptures themselves make no effort whatsoever to answer this question.