Archaeoastronomy has
just won serious bonus points... for making this distinction right in the middle of his argument against creationism/ fundamentalism, rather than as a footnote or disclaimer.
Even the pretence of a debate plays into the Creationists’ hands. This allows them to frame the argument as Science against Christianity. Yet if you look at the arguments it’s clear that this isn’t about Science. It’s about power. It won’t be power over scientists - they’re constrained by reality. It’s power over Christians that’s the issue. Answers in Genesis is quite open about this. Creation matters because it’s about evangelism.
That has to be a problem, because it’s not evangelism to generic Christianity. There are no generic Christians. There are Orthodox Christians, Catholics and various minor sects. In the case of AiG it’s evangelism for a very specific fundamentalist form of Christianity...
There’s a lot said about the inerrancy of the Bible. Sadly there’s nothing about the fallibility of those who read it. Now you may be infallible and know the mind of God. Congratulations if this is the case, but it makes you part of a minority. A few minutes conversation will reveal that most other people don’t have the clarity of understanding that you do.
Indeed, a lot of Christians accept they don’t have all the answers. Most of the committed Christians I’ve met are as honest, decent and charitable as anyone else. Their reaction to the universe is one of awe and humility rather than certainty. I think they make a mistake naming that awe ‘God’, but they seem to consider the mind of God unknowable. When Creationists take the label ‘Christians’ for themselves they presume to speak on behalf of these people. That reveals amazing arrogance, but they have it in good supply.
Thanks.
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