Question:  Dear Greg,

            I seem to be getting the message that Plain Truth now endorses homosexuality and evolution, and associates those who don’t with unhealthy “fundamentalists” who take “the stories told between 1000 and 700 BC” too literally and seriously.

            Max

Answer:  Dear Max,

            The PT is a magazine that does not serve as a bully pulpit for one narrow point of view, for one denominational perspective.  PTM, who publishes the PT, accepts the main and plain teachings of the historic and orthodox Christian faith.  We specifically serve to point out the shortcomings and pitfalls of narrow sectarian views that polarize humans, promote individuals and corporations, but do little to further the cause of the gospel.

            PTM believes the biblical record, both old and new Testaments, is clear about practicing homosexuality.  Acts of homosexuality are specifically noted, for example, on New Testament sin lists.  Therefore, PTM believes that practicing homosexuality is a sin.  We do not believe that being homosexual is a sin, but the Bible is clear—if, for whatever reason a Christian is a homosexual, he or she is called out of practicing that lifestyle.  We do not believe the practice of homosexuality to be the “worst” sin—but it is a sin.

            PTM does not believe in the young earth—the idea that the earth is only 6000 years old.  Why?

1.      The scientific records are irrefutable, having nothing to do with the theory of evolution, but having everything to do with facts.  Humans have been around longer than 6000 years.  At the very least, human life has been on earth for 10,000 years.  And, as far as the age of the earth itself?  Probably several billion years.

2.      The fact that human interpreters of the Bible have tried, and continue to try, to “make the Bible fit” their interpretation (in this case, dispensationalism, which posits that the earth is 6000 years old), does not oblige God to fit their theories. 

3.      The dates that dispensationalists assigned to creation (archbishop Ussher being most noteworthy at 4004 BC, with others, who “backed that date up” [interesting scholarship?] to match their dates of the end of time, the return of Christ, etc.)—have gone down the tube, as we are now in 2002.  Six thousand years have come and gone!

            PTM most emphatically does not endorse evolution—but on the other hand we do not endorse what is generally known as creationism, a view that sees science and knowledge as against God.  Creationism is generally flawed, academically bankrupt, and forces Christians into a choice of God vs. established scientific fact.  We do not believe God asks for such a choice.  God is, after all, the creator of all fact, truth and knowledge.  Even well intentioned religious folks should not ask us to choose between God and what he has created.

            Hope this helps, and hope you will continue reading!

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht