My pastor recently asked me why I thought it so important to insist (as indeed I do) on creation through[1] the Big Bang (BB). That query moved me first to reflect, and then to self-clarify, that my focus is really less on the BB per se than it is on the authority of scientific judgments in general.[2] His challenge (which I welcomed) suggested he does not share my position. Indeed, as we continued he told me that some of “our” congregational members hold to young-earth-creationist (YEC) views, and consequently, he expressed disapproval of anyone seeking to dissuade them. Now, it is important to clarify to readers that my pastor and I revere each other and are also cordial friends; a posture that in fact reflects the actual tone of this respectful interchange. Since I had already suspected his views, I was actually glad we forestalled our having to dance around the table about this matter. In fact, I assured him that in our congregation, I only desire to witness to my view; not challenge others.
There is
no doubt in my mind that, by commending the BB as an apologetic tool for affirming
the existence of God, my very presence, to a degree, impedes peace (insofar
as peace exists) in any Christian circle; much like a pebble caught underfoot in
one’s sandal, for the reason that I am effectively calling YEC into
question. I take no joy in unsettling
the faith of YECs (although it should be duly noted that YEC adherents do the same
thing with respect to the BB). So, that
tension really goes both ways (at least it should). Yet since I
hold that creation began through the BB, the question logically follows, “Does
the Bible authorize dismissing established
scientific facts insofar as they seem to conflict with a biblical text?”
[1] The Big Bang did not cause the universe. It was the effect from God calling the
cosmos into existence in a manner consistent with Genesis 1:1.
[2] If science conclusively indicated the earth was
created before the sun less than 10,000 years ago, I would embrace young-earth-creationism.
[3] Langdon Gilkey. Maker of Heaven and Earth.
(Doubleday, 1959), pp. 48-54.
[4] Phenomenon, a (pl) is the material stuff
of reality that can, in principle, be perceived and measured by our senses or
instruments.
[5] Not “heaven” the “abode” of the saints and the angels,
but the starry heavens. The word, “heaven,”
in the Bible has three definitions.
[6] A nebulous term that can mean all of existence below
the highest heavens, including every aspect of nature.
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