The Full Spectrum of Christian Belief on Origins - where are you?

Why?

I am a young earth creationist that believes in a literal interpretation of Genesis, though I'd like to know where it says that the Earth is actually flat.

I consider Genesis to be literal history and I acknowledge that to interpret it allegorically would be to upset the core meaning of the Bible - that is Jesus Christ is our Redeemer because we are in a fallen world that is in need of redemption. Figurative interpretation allows for the process of death and decay to be considered an integral part of reality, rather than a curse as a result of sin. This in turn can lead to a kind of dualistic theology - something that the original Church Fathers fought against. Furthermore, Jesus Christ Himself quoted from the book of Genesis a number of times in The NT as literal fact and history.

As far as evolution goes, I don't deny the existence of DNA or natural selection, though I seriously doubt that it is a natural loophole in the second law of thermodynamics. I would like to guess that if we could see changes in life on the Earth fastforwarded over thousands of years, we would see more of a de-evolutionary process from the slow decay of complex ecological systems. I believe that creatures were designed to adapt over time but reproduce after their own "kinds" as presented in Genesis.

I think it's interesting that modern naturalistic theories on the existence of dinosaurs suggest that a world-wide cataclysm brought about their extinction whereas Genesis teaches of just such a phenomenon. I also think it's interesting that many cultures around the world share similar stories and legends of this flood. Not only that but a world-wide flood of epic proportions could very well be the cause for the formation of the geological strata upon which evolutionary theory is grounded. It would make sense since in order for an animal to be fossilized it must be abrubtly buried in sediment. Though this isn't very scientific of me, it reminds me of those contraptions you can find in the local malls with two glass plates filled with water and sand: when you flip one over the sand sinks through the water and settles into striped formations on the bottom.

I guess that would put me into category #3.

But many of your statements indicate that you have some erroneous ideas about evolution, and about science generally.

though I'd like to know where it says that the Earth is actually flat.

This thread is more for self-identification than discussion

I am a young earth creationist that believes in a literal interpretation of Genesis

Does this mean that you believe that someone besides Elohim created the waters? Please note that nowhere in the entire Genesis account do we find that Elohim created water. Do you still believe in this literal interpretation?

I believe that Elohim created the waters as He created all things. If the waters which are referred to in Genesis are contained within the heavens, then Elohim created the waters since He created the heavens according to Genesis 1:1.

That puts you in some deep water because on the fourth day "He made the stars also." Would those stars not be a part or the heavens He made in Gen. 1:1? It becomes more and more obvious that Moses did not intend you to take the literalistic approach to Genesis. It appears he was more concerned with WHO created rather than with HOW it was created. It would be a misuse to use the text in a way in which it was not intended, no matter how lofty your ideals.