Having become a TE recently, and really enjoying the debate, I often bring up the subject with Christian friends of mine. One of my friends wrote me an email one day with an intereting POV in it. I'll quote what he said.
I've tried explaining that Genesis could be taken as literal or as allegory (or myth or whatever you prefer). But we need to take evidence into account to find out which is true. I explained i believe, based on the evidence that Genesis is myth, but it is still 100% true that God made everything, just not literally how it happened. I tried using other passages such as when Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the earth from a high point, which implies a flat earth and obviously can't be true. But my friend pointed out that those passaged contain the phrases "in an instant" and "and all their splendor" which implies a visionary experience. In the case of Ex. 20:1-11, there is no room left for allegory because it so strongly says "And God spoke all these words... 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth..." This is the first thing I need some help with. Does anyone who is better educated on theology have any input into this passage?
The second thing is and interesting point as well. I said that all the evidence of the earth points to an old earth and evolution, and that YECs always turn to theological arguments. I explained inductive reasoning and said "Lets say there is a certain type of rock in a layer found only at the top of a mountain, and there is a boulder at the bottom of the mountain of the same type of rock. In the layer of rock there is a hole the rock would fit into quite well (minus a little erosion). It's logical to conclude the rock fell from that hole and that's how it got to the bottom of the mountain. "
His response was quite interesting. He said, "okay lets assume that's all true, but what if God told you in an audible voice that He created the rock there, and that it never fell from the mountain, what would you think then?"
For this i don't have a specific question, just looking for comments.
I've talked with him a lot since this email so i'll try to fill you in on what we've discussed.
I've tried explaining that Genesis could be taken as literal or as allegory (or myth or whatever you prefer). But we need to take evidence into account to find out which is true. I explained i believe, based on the evidence that Genesis is myth, but it is still 100% true that God made everything, just not literally how it happened. I tried using other passages such as when Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the earth from a high point, which implies a flat earth and obviously can't be true. But my friend pointed out that those passaged contain the phrases "in an instant" and "and all their splendor" which implies a visionary experience. In the case of Ex. 20:1-11, there is no room left for allegory because it so strongly says "And God spoke all these words... 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth..." This is the first thing I need some help with. Does anyone who is better educated on theology have any input into this passage?
The second thing is and interesting point as well. I said that all the evidence of the earth points to an old earth and evolution, and that YECs always turn to theological arguments. I explained inductive reasoning and said "Lets say there is a certain type of rock in a layer found only at the top of a mountain, and there is a boulder at the bottom of the mountain of the same type of rock. In the layer of rock there is a hole the rock would fit into quite well (minus a little erosion). It's logical to conclude the rock fell from that hole and that's how it got to the bottom of the mountain. "
His response was quite interesting. He said, "okay lets assume that's all true, but what if God told you in an audible voice that He created the rock there, and that it never fell from the mountain, what would you think then?"
For this i don't have a specific question, just looking for comments.
) and the other is an adult trying to explain evolution / the Big Bang theory. Remember that the Israelites, at the time they were told the Creation story, did not have much scientific knowledge - not to the level of electricity etc. Even during the time of Saul they had to go to the Philistines for metalwork, implying that they themselves couldn't work metal.
