SATURDAY CONTROVERSIES - HOW OLD IS THIS EARTH? (PART 6)

Creation Museum, Petersburg, KY

The age of the earth is a controversy among believers. Are the non-theistic scientists correct in their calculations on when the universe began? Or do we take God's Word to mean what it says?

Let me start by identifying the four main views (there are others, but they are close to one of the four):

1. THEISTIC EVOLUTION. God started the evolutionary process.
2. PROGRESSIVE CREATION. This view rejects Darwinian evolution, but agree with the earth being billions of years old. Christian geologists and astronomers often hold this view. The professor who taught biology while I was at Bible College held to this view.
3. RECENT CREATION. This view goes to the Bible, and interprets "six days" to mean "six days." The omnipotent God created everything in 144 hours, as it says in Scripture. 
4. GAP THEORY. No connection to the clothing store. Believes that there's a gap between the first two verses in Genesis, with the creation account starting in verse 3 referring to a re-creation. I learned this view with it seeing Satan's fall occurring during this view; some see that as being when the dinosaurs showed up. The above mentioned teacher described the view in these two sentences: "There is no scientific proof to this theory. There is no Biblical proof to this theory."

Did I let my bias show? Well, if I didn't, I will now. I definitely am a recent creationist. I'm not a scientist, but there are Biblical and theological reasons I hold to this view. 

• Romans 5:12 states that by one man sin entered the world, and death through sin. The only view where death is seen as a result of sin as opposed to a natural occurrence is Recent Creationism. 
• Hebrews 11:6 says without faith it is impossible to please God. Recent Creationism believes God is able to create this universe in six days - this reflects faith in God being able to do anything (a truth reflected repeatedly in Scripture). Sorry, but my impression of Theistic Evolution and Progressive Creation has faith in the interpretations of scientists, some unbelievers and some antagonistically so.
• In the Pentateuch, "day" usually means a 24 hour period of time. Did the flood last 40 million years? Uh, no. In Exodus 20:8-11, God compared His command for Israel to work 6 days and rest the 7th with His creating the heavens and the earth in 6 days and resting on the 7th. Are we to work 6 million years and then rest a million? I don't think so. Now some appeal to 2 Peter 3:8, with a day with God being a thousand years and vice versa, but in context, 2 Peter 3:8 has nothing to do with creation, and is not giving us liberty to reinterpret Biblical numbers.

No, this isn't a salvation issue. However, I did hear one late Christian leader speak of recent creationism with disgust. What? Why should a Christian get upset when another Christian believes the Bible means what it says? 

IF I WAS RICH ENOUGH TO START A SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, WHAT WOULD IT BE FOR?

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary/Boyce College, Louisville, KY

As the title indicates, no, I don't have enough money to start a scholarship program. But if I did, what would I make it for? Well, I have a clear-cut answer for that! Not a list of possibities: my mind's made up!

My scholarship will be specifically for singers/songwriters to get a degree in Bible. No, not a minor in Bible with a major in music. The major should be for a Bible, theology, pastoral studies, or apologetics degree. 

The scholarship would also be only for certain Bible colleges/seminaries. Of course, it would be one that believes the Bible is inspired, infallible, inerrant. It would not only teach that Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6), but that they are training students to go into the world and evangelize. 

Is that controversial enough? Let me go further. That school will also be teaching recent creationism and dispensationalism! Essentials for salvation? No. But both of these views are based on the Bible meaning what it says. A school that doesn't agree with this does not deserve a penny of my money.

What is the purpose of this scholarship? I believe there is a place for musicians in Christian ministry. I also believe there's a need for musicians releasing Biblically based music. For that reason, I'd put most emphasis on a Bible major; the theology would depend on the school. I would see how homiletics training may be of value (which is why I included Pastoral) and I would be excited to see Scripture defended via songwriting.

Any thoughts on this?

 
 

 

 

 

SUNDAY PSALMS PART 3 OF 48 - PSALM 11

Not positive what kind of bird this is. It's in the South American section of Cincinnati Zoo's Wings of the World exhibit. Looking it up, my closest guess is a Guam Rail, but that guess might land in fowl territory.

1   In the Lord I put my trust;
    How can you say to my soul, "Flee as a bird to your mountain"?
2   For look! The wicked bend their bow,
    They make ready their arrow on the string,
    That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart.
3   If the foundations are destroyed,
    What can the righteous do?

4   The Lord is in His holy temple,
    The Lord's throne is in heaven;
    His eyes behold,
    His eyelids test the sons of men.
5   The Lord tests the righteous,
    But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates.
6   Upon the wicked He will rain coals;
    Fire and brimstone and a burning wind
    Shall be the portion of their cup.

7   For the Lord is righteous,
    He loves righteousness;
    His countenance beholds the upright.

Psalm 11:1-7, NKJV

Doesn't the first three verses of this Psalm sound like the society we live in? Actually, it fits in the world we live in. In many countries Christians are kicked out of their jobs, houses, families, and villages. In our country, we're supposed to be tolerant of 1) those who disagree with us including what is right and wrong and 2) the refusal of those who disagree with us to show us the same tolerance. Maybe not many are picking up bows and arrows to shoot at us, but they're picking up pen and Facebook post and discrimination lawsuits and the like.

I remember a cartoon Ken Ham shows. It shows two castles: The one on the left is labeled Humanism and is on the foundation of Evolution, with balloons floating with names like "abortion," and "homosexuality." The other castle is labeled Christianity and is on the foundation of Creationism. The Humanists have their cannon aimed at the foundation of Creationism and are shooting at it. The Christians are shooting their cannon at Humanism's balloons (as well as each other). Which strategy sounds better? And can you see why Psalm 11:3 makes me think of this picture?

However, if the first three verses of this Psalm reflect the current times, much more so the final four verses. God is in control. He tests (or allows to be tested) all men, including the righteous, But did you notice what the last line of verse 5 says about the wicked and those who love violence? Does it say that God hates them? Doesn't that contradict what we hear in John 3:16 and 2 Peter 3:9? One thing I learned in Old Testament survey: 

1. God loves and blesses the righteous and those who love Him.
2. God hates and punishes the wicked and those who despise Him.
3. God loves to forgive and be merciful to all who turn from sin to Him.

That first point is in agreement with the last verse of this Psalm.

 

 

BOOK REVIEW - THE GRAND CANYON: A DIFFERENT VIEW BY TOM VAIL

Are there facts that don't quite fit the typical view that the Colorado River has been carving out the grand canyon for millions of years? Is there an alternative view that should at least be considered and not  dismissed because it doesn't agree with naturalism?

The Grand Canyon: A Different View is narrated by Tom Vail, who is a boat guide at the Canyon, and also includes comments by various creationists. The book starts with an overview and then looks at various issues such as the rocks, the water, fossils, and the plants and animals. The book is also filled with photographs.

The book is 100 pages, and, as stated above, plenty of pictures. If I taught a class, I might include this as one textbook, but not the sole one. For me, this is perfect to put on the coffee table to spark conversations.

I would be interested in seeing what my progressive (old earth) creationist biology teacher would have thought of this book. That teacher was a geologist, and was not convinced of the flood being the cause for much of this earth's geology. This book does bring out good points, such as how the rocks are formed in the canyon.

I learned of this book seeing it on the book shelf of a friend, pulled out and easy to see. I'm glad I saw it, and highly recommend it.