What's the point?

[shernren]

If YECs will not allow themselves to be convinced by TEs, and TEs will not allow themselves to be convinced by YECs, then what on earth is the point of a forum allowing "dialogue"?

 

[Marshall Janzen]

I think dialogue happens (for instance, the threads about TE interpretation of Genesis 1 and YEC top three evidences). And, even in threads where nobody seems to understand the other side, it's possible that points are being raised that may help those less committed to either position. There's also a number of threads about either science or interpretational issues where dialog on one side stops, and I think that often makes a point all by itself.

 

[Jon_]

If YECs will not allow themselves to be convinced by TEs, and TEs will not allow themselves to be convinced by YECs, then what on earth is the point of a forum allowing "dialogue"?

What about the people still on the fence?

Soli Deo Gloria

Jon

 

[Robert the Pilegrim]

If YECs will not allow themselves to be convinced by TEs, and TEs will not allow themselves to be convinced by YECs, then what on earth is the point of a forum allowing "dialogue"?

Because there have been YECs who have become convinced.

 

[Dracil]

Because most evolutionists are actually open to changing their mind. On the other hand, it's been the few open-minded YECs here who've had to change their mind.

http://www.christianforums.com/t85721-would-you-change-your-opinion.html

 

[8TarHeel8]

If YECs will not allow themselves to be convinced by TEs, and TEs will not allow themselves to be convinced by YECs, then what on earth is the point of a forum allowing "dialogue"?

In any debate, there are always participants and there are always third party observers. Any debate between individuals who will not change their position ought to be approached with the third party (usually open minded and undecided) reader in mind.

 

[Robert the Pilegrim]

In any debate, there are always participants and there are always third party observers. Any debate between individuals who will not change their position ought to be approached with the third party (usually open minded and undecided) reader in mind.

 

[Edouard]

what does yec and te stand for???

 

[Marshall Janzen]

Young Earth Creationism and Theistic Evolution.

 

[Kripost]

If YECs will not allow themselves to be convinced by TEs, and TEs will not allow themselves to be convinced by YECs, then what on earth is the point of a forum allowing "dialogue"?

Sometimes, on rare occassions, there are those who will be convinced by either side. Most of the time, it is more for the opportunity to present points.

 

[HomeBound]

Because if wisdom and logic prevail, there will no longer be YEC's.

 

[shernren]

Because if wisdom and logic prevail, there will no longer be YEC's.

Now I think that was uncalled for.

Honestly - I don't see any fence-sitters voicing out.

 

[HomeBound]

You're right, I apologize to anyone I might have offended.

 

[Vance]

Oh, there are lots of fence-sitters. I occasionally get PM's from them. But yes, there have been a number of YEC's who have changed their views upon considering where the TE's are coming from theologically and in their interpretation (most already know the natural evidence). And think of a Christian radio debate between a TE and a YEC. Are those two debaters trying to convince the other to change their position? No, it is the audience who is important.

For me, it is more about preventing Christians from losing their faith over the issue than actually convincing them that TE is correct. If they can see from these debates that many, many Bible-believing, devout Christians see no conflict between Scripture and an old earth or evolution, and they see the reasons why, they will be less likely to abandon their faith if they become convinced that the earth IS old and that evolution DID happen.

 

[mythbuster]

It is good to bounce your ideas off other people who have different views. Many times I figured that an argument was solid when others could find find faults and they had good points to make.
I love all the YECs!

 

[shernren]

It is good to bounce your ideas off other people who have different views.

Hehe. Sometimes it feels more like people are bouncing ideas off me so they can knock me out.

 

[Singing Bush]

While people may not be changing sides in droves, some are still in fact changing sides. I myself am one of them. I know of at least two others. While my "conversion" was not a result of these forums as I have only discovered them within the last few months, I am forever thankful for the individuals who politely and generously took the time to share their knowledge with me. Thus I occasionally take the time to try and share this w/ others (though I usually need not say much as most discussions are immediately tackled by others.)

 

[Edouard]

So what do each one these groups believe???
and on what basis do they make their decisions?

Edouard
wanting to learn.. ?

 

[Vance]

So what do each one these groups believe???
and on what basis do they make their decisions?

Edouard
wanting to learn.. ?

ooh, that is a big question. [forgive me if you know the following] Most here fall into one of three camps, Young Earth Creationism (YEC), Old Earth Creationism (OEC) and Theistic Evolutionist (TE), although some in the latter category like the term "Evolutionary Creationist". YEC and TE are about evenly divided, with OEC being a smaller group here. These are more fully explained in the "Spectrum" article in the stickies.

As for why we believe what we believe, you will have to follow the threads for a while to get a good handle on it. For the TE position, which I hold, there happens to be a good article of what TE's believe in general here:

http://www.christianforums.com/t1133651-what-is-theistic-evolution-an-explanation.html

 

[shernren]

Eduoard you new around here? don't worry, you'll get the hang of it. most important thing is to have a thick skin, because people will be pelting you left right center whatever other direction there is. Including me, at times when I first came here every other sentence seemed to have an insult hidden in it. now i'm used to it. :shrug: