Ted Davis wrote:
> [snip]
>
> I will add a comment I've often made: this particular issue is IMO the
> central theological issue for YECs. Death of any kind prior to human sin
> (and only humans can sin) is such a black mark against the character of God,
> that it is simply unthinkable. Hitchcock shows however that we must think
> about it, and does so mainly on biblical grounds alone. Indeed anyone who
> (like Hitchcock) takes the earth's antiquity for a fact, must accept animal
> death before human sin.
I agree. Death before the fall and the perceived theological implications for
the atonement is the make or break issue for many YECs. Perhaps even more
important than Biblical literalism. All the over issues are peripheral to
these. if we are going to make any progress in talking with YECs (and they with
us) these central theological issues need to be addressed.
However, as with any classification, there are a few who will slip through the
net. I am currently corresponding with someone who belives in the antiquity of
the earth and universe, but only in a recent creation of life. As I recall
Numbers' books discusses a number of such variants.
Regards
Jon
>
>
> Ted Davis
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