Does it really matter? No, it isn't a salvation issue, but it is an understanding God matter and it does tie in with growing as a Christian.
From where I stand - far more as you describe yourself further down the thread than the YEC belief - it looks to me like the YEC faction seems to think YECreationism is in fact a salvation issue; no one who fails to believe it really believes in the Bible at all. I do not agree.
I engage at times arguing for a larger view of God. I do believe God wants me involved in this to challenge mostly undecided people to look at the larger picture and grow as God intends. I know God encourages all His followers to be the most discerning and thinking (not always coinciding with 'educated') people as possible.
That is my reason for continuing to argue and 'convert' some to my view. I will not speculate on the motives of the YEC side, other than to say after discussing and arguing the issue (both logically and with screaming and waving of arms) for over fifty years now, I am convinced of their motivations. And the motivations are less than charitable to express. Something along the line of Matthew 23:15.
I think that is sometimes the case, indeed.
But we're supposed to test everything though, aren't we?
The explanatory power of a creating God is simply much stronger than ascribing it to dead unconscious processes.
Isn't that obvious?
Or do you have no knowledge of the universe and living nature in particular?
It a whole lot more complex, efficient and purposeful than anything mankind can create using their intelligence, skills, plans, materials and will.
We're speaking potentially perfect nano-technology here, a language that is implemented (DNA) and super efficient data storage, forming systems that form systems that are a part of bigger systems in a solar system.
Why would a Christian subscribe to Godless models for its explanation (concerning its origins)?
I think only when you can't believe God can do such a thing.
But then choose for dead unconscious processes, because popular science and their belief-system would have you believe so?
But wait...
I tend to forget that i was once an evolution believer too.
And it has taken me a couple of years to get de-programmed from the near mandatory beliefs about our reality.
And the most difficult part to acknowledge is that the world is selling us lies under the guise of science.
It's not even the evidence for creation and against evolution that is the problem.
it's the realisation that most of the western world believes the biggest lie ever sold.
And that's peer pressure basically...
