Brian Harper:
>This goal is highly commendable. I decided to do exactly the same thing
>about a year and a half ago. I have two interests really in the evolution
>creation debate. The first is purely academic, i.e. I find the various
>topics immensely interesting. The second is a concern for the impact
>that this controversy has on the Church (a) internally and (b) externally,
>i.e. in the perceptions of non-believers. One way to diffuse a lot of the
>internal tension is to argue that theistic evolution is a viable theological
>view. That it can be and actually is for some the preferential theological
>view and not a second-choice compromise. I think it is very admirable if
>someone is willing to argue this in spite of what their own position happens
>to be.
I am, like you, concerned about the effects of rejecting all forms of
evolution are having on the Church. Currently I don't reside in the land of
theistic evolution, but this is based more on personal preference rather
than any compelling evidence. :-) I am interested in exploring all of the
theologically viable lands to live in just in case I am ever forced to move.
I'm not too thrilled about burning bridges that I may need to cross someday.
Since I pretty much hold to a doctrine of inerrancy, I don't think I'd be
happy living in every theistic evolutionist's home. However, I think many
people may have thrown the baby out with the bathwater when they rejected
all forms of evolution.
__________________________________________________________
"Looking back, there's a thread of love and grace
Connecting each line and space I've known" -David Meece
==========================================================
Eddie Gene Olmstead, Jr. Chemistry Department
Asst. Professor of Chemistry Gordon College
Email: olmstead@gordonc.edu 255 Grapevine Road
Phone: (508) 927-2300 Ext. 4393 Wenham, MA 01984