Re: Comment on George's post - age of earth statement

There has been some discussion of this topic on the ACG list so I am cross-posting.

---- Carol or John Burgeson <burgytwo@juno.com> wrote:

=============
<snip>
Randy commented: "I'm not convinced that we need to take any stand on a
scientific result. Once we start, where does it end? Do we also need to
endorse quantum
mechanics? Newton's laws? plate tectonics? anything else that isn't
disputed in science but is disputed by some religious organization?"

Burgy responded:
I disagree, only because the young earth claim is so well established. I
see your argument here as that of a "slippery slope." Not everything that
could be said needs to be said.

Brent's twisted opinion:
I agree this is a slippery slope argument, but I think a valid one. Actually I think it's more of an "open the door" or "bad precedent" argument. Making a policy statement on a specific scientific issue opens the door for all sorts of policy statements on other specific issues. I see no objective line to be drawn anywhere on that slope between age of the earth, evolution, global warming, abortion, stem cell research etc. Now you could say that the age of the earth is well established and not a source of serious contention, and other issues are more contentious, and I agree. But that is a matter of opinion. How much more contentious do they need to be in order to be off limits for policy statements. You could say, as you did Burgy, that "Not everything that could be said needs to be said." But it's a matter of opinion what needs to be said. Some people think global warming is well enough decided, others don't. I think evolution is a much more important issue than the age of t!
he earth. In fact with YECs it's all about evolution. ASA is a Christian organization. Do we make statements on theological issues as well? I don't think there is a bigger issue for YECs than death before sin. Do we need to state our position on that? Probably as individuals, but I don't think as an orginization.

When ID advocates push for disclaimers in science textbooks stating that evolution is just a theory, I think it's a valid objection that there is no reason to single out evolutionary theory for a disclaimer, and not quantum mechanics, plate tectonics, etc. And I think it's valid here as well, to object that there is no reason to single out age of the earth for a policy statement.

Strong words for someone who's membership in ASA has lapsed! :)

Brent
Received on Tue May 23 12:47:18 2006