1. It is easier for folks to disagree gently whose career and livelihood
are not at stake over the outcome of the issues being debated.
Nevertheless:
2. Members of this list supposedly are guided by biblical principles
(whose?). Mine say that when we disagree on details we should disagree in
love and gentleness, not by questioning each other's integrity or
intentions. We should grant each other the same grace that God has
demonstrated to each of us, treasure what we have in common (which is
greater than about which we differ) and trust God to lead us into a fuller
comprehension of the issues about which we find controversial.
Pilippians 3:14-15 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which
God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature
should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think
differently, that too God will make clear to you.
But will the clarity necessarily come in our lifetime here?
3. ASA and this list exhibit an environment which is uncomfortable to the
Phil Johnson crowd (as well as Dean Ohlman). Words to categorize fairly the
'Brand X' views fail me here, as I don't wish to misconstrue the issues on
origins. I can understand why the YEC crowd does not hang out here in the
kingdom of TE, for there is no basis for a dialogue with their underlying
assumptions. But I've never understood (but can accept) why the
intermediate views, i.e., Johnson et al, never appear.
Is there an unstated but justifiable boundary that excludes those views,
other than:
a. Phil is a lawyer, not a scientist
b. If 'he' or 'they' are right than TE loses out in the struggle for
ascendancy of ideas.
I'm grateful that truth is not established by:
Tradition
Majority vote
Accumulating lists of arguments
Debates that put down one's opponents
Astounding proclamations to the media
Boundaries that favor only one's friends
A true seeker of truth should not be put off by contrary views, for that
provides a test of validity, even though in some instances it is difficult
to impossible to carry on a dialogue with those who are just looking for a
fight.
(Soap box mode now off.)
John
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John M. Miller, Geophysical Institute, Univ Alaska Fairbanks
903 Koyukuk Drive, PO Box 757320, Fairbanks AK 99775-7320
voice: 907-474-7363 fax: 907-474-7689, alt fax: 907-474-7290
Internet: jmiller@gi.alaska.edu
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