(1) Is the age of the earth a test of orthodoxy? (2) Is the age of the earth a fundamental of the Faith? (3) Is it a test of Christian fellowship? (4) If so, why has it not been recognized as such by any of the great creeds of the Christian Faith? (5) Why is it that even the modern founders of Fundamentalism and the inerrancy movements did not hold this connection? (6) Does not insisting that the Young Earth view is “required” tend to undermine the faith of young believers who may not be convinced that the age of the earth is necessary to orthodoxy?
(1) Is the age of the earth a test of orthodoxy? (2) Is the age of the earth a fundamental of the Faith? (3) Is it a test of Christian fellowship? (4) If so, why has it not been recognized as such by any of the great creeds of the Christian Faith? (5) Why is it that even the modern founders of Fundamentalism and the inerrancy movements did not hold this connection? (6) Does not insisting that the Young Earth view is “required” tend to undermine the faith of young believers who may not be convinced that the age of the earth is necessary to orthodoxy?
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Agree? Disagree?
Agree and Disagree. Is it a test of orthodoxy. Maybe not, but it depends on the broader view of the individual who may believe in an old earth. Most people who move toward an old earth move there because they must reconcile the Bible with science. It is very hard to find anyone who takes a view of an old earth solely on Scriptural exegesis. With that said, if the individual is trying to accommodate science, are they also trying to accommodate evolution…. This is where it becomes a test of orthdoxy,since it directly drives issues into original sin and a host of other doctrines. this is where most YEC’s have concerns. The fact that some people hold to OEC in my opinion doesn’t make it right. Dr. Jones Jr. held to the gap theory. He also held to segregation in dating as being scriptural. A view of YEC is not a relatively new idea. Calvin and Luther held to a young earth, the Jews in B.C. understood the earth to be relatively young. Are there some great Christians who believe otherwise? Sure, but I am not sure that makes it the right position. I would also say that we should not capitulate on our views if they are theologically strong, just because we have concerns of someone’s faith. I think you go down a very worrisome road if you must change your theology to accommodate a young person’s faith.
Discussion
NewIs it time for some counterpoint?:
From Norman Geisler, who poses some questions toward the end:
http://normangeisler.net/articles/Bible/Inspiration-Inerrancy/Response%20to%20Ken%20Ham%20and%20AIG.pdf
His questions:
(1) Is the age of the earth a test of orthodoxy? (2) Is the age of the earth a fundamental of the Faith? (3) Is it a test of Christian fellowship? (4) If so, why has it not been recognized as such by any of the great creeds of the Christian Faith? (5) Why is it that even the modern founders of Fundamentalism and the inerrancy movements did not hold this connection? (6) Does not insisting that the Young Earth view is “required” tend to undermine the faith of young believers who may not be convinced that the age of the earth is necessary to orthodoxy?
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Agree? Disagree?
NewLarry Nelson wrote:
Agree and Disagree. Is it a test of orthodoxy. Maybe not, but it depends on the broader view of the individual who may believe in an old earth. Most people who move toward an old earth move there because they must reconcile the Bible with science. It is very hard to find anyone who takes a view of an old earth solely on Scriptural exegesis. With that said, if the individual is trying to accommodate science, are they also trying to accommodate evolution…. This is where it becomes a test of orthdoxy,since it directly drives issues into original sin and a host of other doctrines. this is where most YEC’s have concerns. The fact that some people hold to OEC in my opinion doesn’t make it right. Dr. Jones Jr. held to the gap theory. He also held to segregation in dating as being scriptural. A view of YEC is not a relatively new idea. Calvin and Luther held to a young earth, the Jews in B.C. understood the earth to be relatively young. Are there some great Christians who believe otherwise? Sure, but I am not sure that makes it the right position. I would also say that we should not capitulate on our views if they are theologically strong, just because we have concerns of someone’s faith. I think you go down a very worrisome road if you must change your theology to accommodate a young person’s faith.