Hi David, When I was younger there were a few arguments that one used to determine where one stood on the evangelical spectrum. Ten to fifteen years ago it was evolution versus creation, the end-times, and the use of the 'sign' gifts. Nowadays the litmus tests seem to be either abortion or your favourite: homosexuality. (Since the Bible rarely refers to homosexuality [less than 10 references and none by Jesus] I have always wondered why you seem to mention homosexuality in almost every other post of yours? I have even wondered if you yourself struggle with homosexual tendencies. The saying is, "You doth protest too much.")
I used to be a literal 6 day young earth creationist. I read a lot on it. When I was at Bible school Ken Ham showed up for some talks. It was all very fascinating and certain. It wasn't until I got a bit older and began to follow up on some of 6 day young earth creationist's claims that I began to realize how much 'bad' science was involved. I then switched camps to the intelligent design camp. I am not sure where you would place me now. I will give a few comments on what I think is important when discussing creation. Some of my thoughts here are from Colin Gunton's 'The Christian Faith: An Introduction to Theology' (pg 3-10). I believe that the book of Genesis is meant to be interpreted theologically and not scientifically. I believe that very important theological concepts are set up in Genesis (God's sovereignty, rejections of deism, pantheism, panentheism, relations including marriage and the list goes on and on. I am sure you would agree with me that Genesis is a very rich book). I believe that it illustrates that a transcendent 'wholly other' God created a contingent cosmos. I believe that God was active in creating the cosmos while allowing the cosmos to contribute to the process. For example, look at Genesis 1:24 and 25. Verse 24 is God saying 'Let the earth bring forth living creatures. Juxtapose this with verse 25 which states that 'God made the beasts...'. Here we see that God, being sovereign, calls creation into being but at the same time allows for the earth to be part of the process. This is the beginning of a contingent world: one which finds its ground in God and is dependent upon Him. This is also the beginning of science: that which allows us to study and understand the basic structures and components of creation. And of course it is also the beginning of theological science: God giving us the tools and furniture to begin to turn our minds (repentance) towards Himself. Thankfully, God is patient in this regard. In the use of 7 days I believe that the author was illustrating God's patience in this cooperation between Him and the cosmos. I believe this patience continues to this day. Karl Barth writes, "God's patience [is] his will ... to allow one another ... space and time for the development of its own existence, thus conceding to its existence a reality side by side with His own ...." Much more could be said about Genesis 1-3. I am very conscious of a need to develop a doctrine of creation that is aligned with who God has revealed Himself to be. I note that my thought as it presently stands is deficient in this aspect (and yes, in many others too!). What needs to be worked out for me is the inclusion of the Spirit and Son in creation. There are many other scriptures that speak of creation that I need to be looking at. Until then I hope these basic thoughts suffice. Jonathan Jonathan wrote: > For the record there is nothing in Lance's post > that even comes close to suggesting evolutionary > theory. It was just a little reading between the lines, and Lance has acknowledged now that he is an evolutionist, I guess. He wasn't real clear about it, but I think it is perhaps safe to assume that he is. What about you, Jonathan? Do you believe in the Genesis creation account or are you an evolutionist? Peace be with you. David Miller. --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.818 / Virus Database: 556 - Release Date: 12/17/2004 ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
