Re: A Third Method of Apology

Dick,

By listing ten characteristics of each method, you define them in such
detail that you greatly reduce the number of Christians who precisely fit
any of these categories.

Gordon Brown
Department of Mathematics
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO 80309-0395

On Sun, 8 Aug 2004, Dick Fischer wrote:

> I would like to solicit your comments, online or off, on this proposal to
> launch a third method of apology I call a "moderate method" in
> contradistinction from the conservative method and liberal method
> currently in use. Of course, these are generalizations, and not intended
> to represent every shade of belief.
>
> Predominantly, Christians use one of two methods of apology, and
> Christians tend to be polarized between these opposite extremes.
>
> Characteristics of Conservative Method
>
> 1. Genesis 1-11 is interpreted as the factual history of the creation of
> all mankind.
>
> 2. A “literal” interpretation of Genesis 1-11 is advocated, but flawed
> by inconsistent exegesis.
>
> 3. The Bible alone is seen as sufficient for all understanding.
>
> 4. The Bible is seen as inerrant either as translated or in the original
> manuscripts.
>
> 5. KJV is given priority as the preferred English translation.
>
> 6. The “days” of creation are seen as 24-hour periods.
>
> 7. Adam is considered the progenitor of the human race who lived
> approximately 6,000 years ago.
>
> 8. The fossil record was distributed by a global flood.
>
> 9. All the world’s languages commenced at the tower of Babel.
>
> 10. History is ignored and science is subverted to align with flawed
> biblical interpretation.
>
> Characteristics of Liberal Method
>
> 1. Genesis 1-11 is interpreted as a theological presentation of human
> creation.
>
> 2. Adam represents the first human being who may have lived over 100,000
> years ago, or didn’t live at all.
>
> 3. Genesis 1-11 may be understood as allegory, poetry, mythology, or
> tradition.
>
> 4. Genesis 1-11 has theological value, but is considered to be factually
> flawed.
>
> 5. A relationship with Christ guides our understanding as the Holy
> Spirit reveals what is important.
>
> 6. Biblical interpretation is a matter of faith, though influenced by
> the revelations of science.
>
> 7. The Bible is considered to be authoritative and divinely inspired,
> though not inerrant.
>
> 8. NIV usually is the preferred English translation.
>
> 9. The “days” of creation in Genesis 1 are considered as “day-age” and
> realigned.
>
> 10. Modern science generally is taken at full face value, and Bible and
> science are reconciled by subordinating Scripture.
>
> Characteristics of Moderate Method
>
> 1. Genesis 1-11 is considered the factual history of the Semites, not
> the entire human race.
>
> 2. A literal interpretation of Genesis 1-11 is preferred using sound,
> consistent exegesis, and mindful of archaic Hebrew language.
>
> 3. Scripture is inerrant in the autographs, but suffers currently from
> errors in transmission, translation, and interpretation.
>
> 4. KJV is preferred, though needs revision in light of historical
> evidence.
>
> 5. The “days” of creation are seen as days of God’s time, not man’s
> time.
>
> 6. Adam is considered to be the federal head of the human race, the
> biological head of the Semitic race, and the first to receive God’s
> covenant.
>
> 7. Faith alone has proved insufficient for understanding.
>
> 8. Scripture can be clarified by Scripture, and Bible interpreters
> should consider revelations of modern science and ancient history.
>
> 9. Impartial, unbiased data and evidence should guide us in formulating
> theories of understanding, both theological and scientific.
>
> 10. Scientific theories are best left to credentialed scientists, and
> modern science poses no threat to Genesis 1-11, correctly interpreted.
>
> Again, what do you think? Please realize that I have compiled a wealth
> of historical data to support this method.
>
> Also, if your church group, seminary, university, or Christian
> organization would like to see a live and in person Power Point
> presentation on "Historical Genesis: From Adam to Abraham," let me know -
> offline, please. Bags packed, will travel.
>
> Dick Fischer - Genesis Proclaimed Association
> Finding Harmony in Bible, Science, and History
> www.genesisproclaimed.org
>
>
Received on Sun Aug 8 20:28:18 2004