Posted: Mon Jun 04, 2007 10:27 am
It is not necessary to say that correct Biblical exegesis demands YEC, rather correct exegesis denies a progressive creation. The work of creation was completed.Canuckster1127 wrote:I think we are reasonably close and agreed in general, although it appears we are of different opinions in terms of the conclusions of this approach, as I am an Old Earth Creationist and it appears to me (and please correct me if I am not reflecting your position accurately) that you believe correct Biblical exegesis demands a Young Earth position.
Correct - except remember, the human authorship was 'inspired'.First, I don't necessarily believe science is an appropriate means to exegete scripture. The scientific method itself is de facto materialistic and I don't believe that only that which is physical and subject to that method is the sum of all truth. In fact, I believe a great deal of the age of the earth debate is the result of lifting scripture out of the context of its original human authorship, the understanding of its original audience, and in fact seeks to force some elements of Genesis into a context it was never intended to reside.
I disagree. The intent of all scripture is to reveal God, not the nation of Israel. The first part of Genesis has the purpose of establishing God's omnipotence. God is established as the "first cause". After the creation we are brought to the knowledge of sin and receive the first prophecy of salvation. All the while the focus is on God, His works and His purpose.The context of Genesis when I look at it is not to give a scientific discourse. I believe the overriding context and message of Genesis is found in the original author (Moses under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) is addressing the Nation of Israel in the early stages of the Exodus to reintroduce them to the history and their nation and covenant relationship with God. Genesis 1 - 11 provides a the backdrop and preparation for chapter 12 - 50 which focus on Abraham, Isaac and Joseph.
I disagree. If in fact Hebrew was the original language, Hebrew did not contain words such as 'evolution' or 'uniformatarianism' but is more than adequate for expressing the full power of God and describing what he made. Early languages were not primitive and inadequate. Look at the work the egyptians accomplished using early language.I believe there are scientific claims present that are relevant to examine but their are important things to be aware and important to any Christian whether young earth or old earth or some other variant.
1. Hebrew at that time was not a language designed or specialized to give technical precision to the degree read in (in my opinion) by those seeking to find scientific specificity.
The Genesis Rabbah written in the fifth century espouses the uniqueness of the hebrew people who were looking forward to salvation. Christians have the benefit of hindsight and can now see that Gods true purpose in scripture was to set aside a people for himself (not just hebrew) with Him at the head and the whole of creation was for this cause.2. The Hebrew culture would not have asked the question in these passages as to the time periods covered. The primary point they were deriving from this narrative was along the lines of "We are God's people, created for a purpose by God which ties into His plan which was present from the very beginning of this world."
This is true when examining the whole of scripture. And yet with respect to Genesis, this is exactly what many post-modern christians are doing when they squeeze unintnended meanings from the text to support their world-view.3. That said it is reasonable to believe that God's purpose and inspiration may have extended beyond the context of the immediate time, language and culture and therefore included us. It is dangerous however, to push that to a degree that overrides or goes beyond the original text and context and when moving in that realm, dogmatic interpretation is going to run a large risk of overstating positions.
So how is scripture served by linking it to fickle human knowledge?Modern scientific understanding is by its very nature fickle and subject to change as more data is accumulated and more theories devised to explain it. It certainly is an unreliable means to attempt to meld Scripture to for the reasons cited.
Ok neither can I.That said, when we attempt to utilize Scripture to predict scientific conclusions there are some things that bear some analysis.
God is the author of Scripture as well as the creator of the universe. Therefore where truth lies in both areas, addressing a common element, the two should be in perfect accord. Where it is not, there are only a few options to consider.
1. Scripture may be incorrect. As a Christian who believes in inspiration, I cannot entertain this option and I do not.
When this happens we call it heresy. It is common practice in the kingdom of the cults. But what about when we elevate our cosmology or scientific understanding to the level of scripture. It is equally dangerous, arrogant, and prideful. And some would say, heretical.2. Our interpretation or exegesis may be incorrect. This is not the same as option 1. Unfortunately, some Christians fail to make that distinction and in so doing they actually elevate their theology to the level of Scripture itself which is dangerous and wrong and in a subtle way equates to a form of arrogance and spiritual pride.
When science disagrees with scripture, it is not the job of the christian to justify the error, it is the job of the scientist to correct his error. Even St. Augustine, whom you love to quote in your signature said this:3. Science may be incorrect. This is always possible and history demonstrates it in many instances. That said however, it is a cop-out to simply argue it must be wrong when there is a disagreement with Scripture or more likely, the applicable theology or exogesis, (eisogesis maybe even ) in question.
But when they produce from any of their books a theory contrary to Scripture, and therefore contrary to the Catholic faith, either we shall have some ability to demonstrate that it is absolutely false, or at least we ourselves will hold it so without any shadow of a doubt. And we will so cling to our Mediator, "in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge,"
Error begets error and lies lead to more lies. This is not saying that all of science is error or lies, but we must not assume that as precept builds upon precepts it is attaining more truth.The greater the preponderace of data and work done in science that confirms something, the more basis there is to consider that it may be reflecting a truth found in nature which also finds its source in God as creator and the process sorted out.
This approach places the theory as a superior knowledge and makes it master over our interpretation of scripture.It's an uncomfortable process but a profitable one if it is worked through by the Christian without compromise to the inspiration and inerrency of Scripture but also extreme care to not try and apply that standard to our interpretation of the text which may need to be adjusted.
Then why not accept it for what it says rather than try to stuff so much more meaning and intention into it?In terms of scientific age of the creation, as I believe that is a very minor part of the whole purpose and context of the Genesis account anyway, I think we've overall (myself included) really strained at some gnats and perhaps have swallowed some camels and missed the main point.
Based on your own statements, we know that science is materialistic, and focused entirely on the physical. Science can not prove the existence of God and therefore can not attribute any causation to God. Therefore when one attempts to explain how God did something by using a methodology that can not accept God it is oxymoronic.So I think we have a lot in common here, but I think maybe these are the areas where there is some difference of approach.
What do you think?