Question:
Greg,
I
think your Q&A section is very helpful, but I don’t think you know what
you’re talking about when it comes to young earth, creation, etc.
You really should research the subject before you steer people the wrong
way. I agree that it is something we
should not divide over, but that is not an excuse to spout beliefs that really
are not well thought out! Obviously,
I believe in a young earth— as did most Christians before the Theory of
Evolution was popularized. There is
so much scientific evidence for a young earth that it would make your head spin!
Hope
my tone isn’t too harsh, but this subject really gets me going.
If you had just answered with “I don’t know” that would be one
thing, but saying there is “irrefutable scientific evidence” is quite
another. I think it is a disservice
to the Christian community.
Dominic
Answer: Dear Dominic,
The
issue of the young vs. old earth, as you know, is one of those topics that can
divide Christians, and can result in us “biting and devouring one another”
(Galatians 5:15). I have many
friends who are creationists, and I am content that their relationship with God
is not impeded by their perspective on what happened and how it happened any
more than my relationship with God is not impaired by the same thing.
However,
there are those who believe that this molehill needs to become a mountain.
I see no warrant or precedent in the history of authentic Christian faith
for taking such an entrenched position. The
Christian church has never viewed one specific perspective about how God created
the universe, and exactly when and how he accomplished it as a test of faith.
Therefore, I cannot accept those who suggest that it become a core
teaching of the faith. It does not
seem that you are suggesting such a thing, but some do, as you may know.
I
must take exception to your comment that I have not done my homework.
Indeed, I have done much study and am prepared to discuss this topic, as
the questions and answers under categories like “Genesis” and “Creation
and Evolution” demonstrate. I
would not presume to post questions and answers on the worldwide Internet unless
I had done my homework— on this and many other topics to which we respond as a
part of our ministry. I do not
condemn others who have “done their homework” and have decided upon another
view, but if they are Christians I expect them to accord me the same generosity.
The Bible insists upon that in many places— Romans 14 being a good
starting place.
I
appreciate that this subject can “really get you going”, and please know I
do not take offense to your comments. Also,
please know that if I do not know an answer, if I do not have solid biblical
evidence, and if I cannot provide a Christ-centered and grace-based perspective,
then I do my best to avoid a dogmatic answer to any topic.
Perhaps there are some of my answers we have posted on this topic that
are strident, and if that is the case, please accept my apology.
Please know that this subject also “gets me going” because there are
some— as I allude to above— who march under the flag of creationism, who
implicitly or explicitly claim that those who do not agree with them are either
lackluster and weak Christians or not even Christians at all.
Let me disclaim by saying that I do know that all creationists do not
take such a position.
Such
legalistic exclusivism and religionism is not Christian at all, regardless of
the issue under discussion. One of
the main and plain teachings of Christianity, a historic core teaching of the
body of Christ, is that the body of Christ is universal.
The body includes many that have views that do not necessarily agree with
our own (or at least that’s how each one of us sees it!).
But, in fact, Jesus accepts them, along with their views that are not in
lock step with our own.
I
hope this provides some background for you Dominic.
I respect your views and your passion to believe in the God of the Bible,
as I do. I pray that God will bless
you.
In
Christ,
Greg
Albrecht