> Between 1857 and today, the popularity of YEC views has varied quite a
>bit; occasionally it has been advocated by many people, but at other times,
>fewer.
> How about some speculative history: How prevalent do you think YEC would
>be now, if there had been no "Genesis Flood" and no Henry Morris to be a
>vigorous advocate?
I think Henry has done a remarkable job of marketing his ideas. However, he
also was telling people what they wanted to hear, that the Bible is correct
and evolution is wrong. That makes it a bit easier.
How much of the current YEC popularity is due to the
>"human nature" (lack of understanding and appreciation for science, wanting
>simple theological answers,...) issues being discussed, and how much to
>historical contingency?
This is the part of the people hearing what they want to hear and then agree
with it.
glenn
Adam, Apes, and Anthropology: Finding the Soul of Fossil Man
and
Foundation, Fall and Flood
http://www.isource.net/~grmorton/dmd.htm