some brief observations inspired from Michael
Robert's article in PSCF:
First, thanks Michael for forwarding the information and
the pointer to your PSCF article, (PCSF: June 2000 p 84).
I had completely missed it in all the clamoring stacks
of reading materials I have to deal with. Recently,
science journals seem to be following some version of
Moore's Law: they double in thickness every four years.
I think a major reason the YEC receives so much support
is because, like a Buddhist mantra, both Christian
and atheist writers keep repeating the same "Darwin
destroyed belief in a six-day creation". Moreover, it
is seen as a "rationalist against the inane and irrational
believer" issue. It's no wonder Christians typically hang
Darwin's picture like a "Goldstein" in a three minute hate
session (see Orwell's 1984). Whereas I strongly disagree
with YEC views, I would not call YEC thinking "irrational";
especially in light of these repeated misconceptions.
This is the first time I have encountered information that
disputes that view point. In fact, before both you and
Glenn Morton pointed out that almost nobody of credible
distinction consider the earth to be 6000 years old, in
the early 1800s, I was carrying around those misconception
as well.
I am a scientist and have read several general books
on geology and molecular evolution. Evolution has never
been an issue to my faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, for
years, I avoided Christianity and Christians because
I was under the impression that YEC was a doctrinal
requirement for Christianity. Considering that I have
at least _tried_ to educate myself, if I have been
carrying so many misconceptions about Darwin and the
young earth issue, I shudder to think how deeply this
nonsense has been inculcated into the minds of the
rest of the US population (where I come from and can
speak from experience).
by Grace alone we proceed,
Wayne
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