What origin theory do different denominations preach/accept

[Matthew79]

Do certain denominations preach strickly YEC? Do others preach old earth? Which denominations support which viewpoint? Does anyone go to a church where the majority of people there believe in an origins theory that doesn't correspond with your own belief?

 

[stumpjumper]

http://www.uwosh.edu/colleges/cols/clergy_project.htm

You can look at the Grantsburg letter in the link above and find clergy from all different denominations that signed on in support of teaching evolution in schools.

In regards to denomintions that fully support evolution I would say that such things are generally outside the realm of something that a religious organization should take a strong stand about.

I am an ELCA Lutheran and my Pastor accepts evolution as does many other Lutheran Pastors. You will find more focus on a literal Genesis and Adam and Eve in Churches that are Calvinist or follow reformed theology because it is part of their systematic theology.

 

[gluadys]

You will find more focus on a literal Genesis and Adam and Eve in Churches that are Calvinist or follow reformed theology because it is part of their systematic theology.

Not necessarily. I'm a member (and staff person) with The Presbyterian Church in Canada. We don't take a specific position on origins---so you will find a full range of opinion among the membership. But our statement of faith significantly sets science in general in the chapter on God as Creator and Ruler of the universe, and in the sub-section dealing with our vocation to care for the world.

"Our care for the world must reflect God's care.
We are not owners, but stewards of God's good earth.
Concerned with the well-being of all of life
we welcome the truths and insights
of all human skill and science
about the world and the universe."

As far as I know, no particular effort is made to teach evolution---that is seen as the responsibility of the education system. But I know many of the leaders in the denomination, including professors of systematic theology, who reject creationism (old and young earth versions, as well as the gap thesis) as ---well, just horribly bad theology.

I also believe that the PCUSA has recently published a statement in support of the teaching of evolution in US schools.

 

[stumpjumper]

Hi Gluadys

My sister and brother-in-law attend a PCA Church in Lancaster and they follow Reformed Theology and according to him (he's a deacon) their Catechism specifically states a literal Adam and fall from Eden.

I have not read the Reformed Catechism but I do know that his Church stresses YEC in their adult Bible studies. It has been a topic of debate at family gatherings considering my other brother in law used to teach High School Science

AFAIK, there is a big difference between PCA and PCUSA.

 

[gluadys]

Hi Gluadys

My sister and brother-in-law attend a PCA Church in Lancaster and they follow Reformed Theology and according to him (he's a deacon) their Catechism specifically states a literal Adam and fall from Eden.

I have not read the Reformed Catechism but I do know that his Church stresses YEC in their adult Bible studies. It has been a topic of debate at family gatherings considering my other brother in law used to teach High School Science

AFAIK, there is a big difference between PCA and PCUSA.

True. We do not have any equivalent of the PCA in Canada. There are a few "branch plant" congregations of the PCA here, but no Canadian denominational presence. The PCC is like the PCUSA.

The United Church of Canada is also a reformed church and is definitely not YEC. The other reformed church with a small but significant presence is the Canadian division of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA), and while it is more conservative, it is also respectful of science, and does not officially teach YEC, though it does not discourage local churches who use creationist materials either.

In Canada less than 8% of the overall population considers themselves evangelical (in the modern sense) ---and not all of them are wedded to creationism. That is a big difference from the States.

 

[fragmentsofdreams]

The Catholic Church is consolidating around the theistic evolution viewpoint.

 

[stumpjumper]

In Canada less than 8% of the overall population considers themselves evangelical (in the modern sense) ---and not all of them are wedded to creationism. That is a big difference from the States.

I'm wondering when I should start my move to Canada

We love the snow and my kids know how to ski. Can we move in with you or should we just ask for housing preferences?

 

[Battie]

I am an ELCA Lutheran and my Pastor accepts evolution as does many other Lutheran Pastors. You will find more focus on a literal Genesis and Adam and Eve in Churches that are Calvinist or follow reformed theology because it is part of their systematic theology.

I read on the LCMS website that their official stance is in a literal six day creation. I was surprised that they were so firm on it. Is the same true of the ELCA? I saw on Wikipedia that it does not hold any position, but I couldn't find anything official.

I know the personal beliefs of a congregation vary, but it's always interesting to see what the heads of the church say.

Interestingly, I also looked through Luther's Small Catechism and found some answers under the explanation to the first article of the creed. Six day creation is mentioned under question 97. Question 105 is even more blunt:

"What is the Christian's proper response to evolution regarding the beginning of the world?

"By faith Christians believe what the world of God teaches about the beginning of the world. Evolutionary theories are not scientifically verifiable."

No explanation as to how they know that. They even use the 1 Tim. 6:20-21 reference as support.

(And now I just said I disagreed with something in the catechism. I'm a bad Lutheran. )

 

[shernren]

For me, reporting from the little I know of the evangelical denomination: I don't think there is a very unanimous or firm stand on it, however most Christians here who are aware of the debate (those who've read dino books and actually wondered "Wait a minute, 65 million years ago is ... " it's possible to not wonder, somehow.) would either tend to be undecided ("reverently agnostic" about it, a friend put it) or YEC based very much on AiG material. I know a number of my friends though who have a loosely formed evolutionist viewpoint.

But I believe that in the end it has to be a more personal than denominational choice. People are inclined to or disinclined from science, not denominations.

 

[stumpjumper]

I read on the LCMS website that their official stance is in a literal six day creation. I was surprised that they were so firm on it. Is the same true of the ELCA? I saw on Wikipedia that it does not hold any position, but I couldn't find anything official.

Well I do know there is a big difference between Missouri Synod and ELCA. ELCA being by far the most theologically liberal of the three Lutheran synods.

You might find these articles on ELCA's website interesting: http://www.elca.org/lutheranpartners/handiwork/

http://www.elca.org/faithandscience/covalence/story/content/05-04-16-murphy.pdf

And you can also find some more info on their faith, science, and technology website: http://www.elca.org/faithandscience/library/faith/quotations/

I don't think there is an open endorsement by the synod one way or the other so you can't be a bad Lutheran. Actually, that's not true we are all sinners and God loved us even in our sin.

 

[Battie]

Well I do know there is a big difference between Missouri Synod and ELCA. ELCA being by far the most theologically liberal of the three Lutheran synods.

You might find these articles on ELCA's website interesting: http://www.elca.org/lutheranpartners/handiwork/

http://www.elca.org/faithandscience/covalence/story/content/05-04-16-murphy.pdf

And you can also find some more info on their faith, science, and technology website: http://www.elca.org/faithandscience/library/faith/quotations/

I don't think there is an open endorsement by the synod one way or the other so you can't be a bad Lutheran. Actually, that's not true we are all sinners and God loved us even in our sin.

Thanks for the articles. I haven't gotten through all of it yet, but so far it seems like they have a pretty fair view.

I've actually been attending an ELCA church while at school. I know that the two synods are very different, though the only difference I've noticed so far in worship itself is that one of the pastors is a woman (and I have no idea why the LCMS still won't change their minds about that).

I was kidding about the bad Lutheran part, anyway.