to Christians in this forum...

Due to the emotion of your statement, I do not deem it viable to discuss this with you. However, I wanted to know if there is a thread somewhere where people can discuss young earth creationism, gap theory, progressive creationism, theistic evolution and the like?I regret that you are so opposed, but I understand that that is your position.

The core factor that leaves God outside of guiding evolution is the principle of salvation.If evolution occurred, then your salvation is moot.Let me explain.Christ came to reverse the 'disobedience' of Adam which in turn caused death to enter the world. Death being both physical and spiritual. Disobedience caused the immediate spiritual death which severed the connection between God and man. Simultaneously, the physical clock on man started ticking.If evolution is the process by which God brought about the world and life, you have an incongruent mess, because evolution is based on death. Moreover, that death takes place before the disobedience of Man. If death takes place before disobedience, the death of Christ is in vain. That is in essence why a Christian cannot afford the 'luxury' of having it both ways.Personally, I am more than satisfied in a literal interpretation of the Bible (much to the chagrin of willowtree, I'm sure). But I imagine that is a debate for another page since that has little to do with the debate between evolution and creationism.

What are you talking about? The word emotion doesn't even appear in my post.I have no fear in this matter. I never have and I never will.But apparently, I am so frightened of science that I allow myself to work in the field just so I can get myself on fear factor. Don't go making rash and un-educated statements about someone you don't even know. The only reason I put you in my post is because I had read how much you took issue with young earth creationists.If you consider a literal interpretation of Genesis dogma, then by all means, knock yourself out. I have no problem with viewing the Bible as the literal and inerrant Word of God. If you do, then that's your issue that has nothing to do with me. However, should a person view it literal (such as myself), then I have to look at the linear relationship of time and determine the fact that evolution runs counter to the doctrine of salvation.

I apologize for forgetting about my post in 14.I understand that we are on the 'same' side regarding creation and evolution. However, I disagree with the interpretation therein.Formless and void is just as much a reputable exegesis of the text. Therefore, there is no factual basis to your claim of the best scholarship.In regards to 1:28. There word plenish would have no place in this manner and is not subject to the re- part. Besides, the definition of replenish (from Webster's) is as follows: to fill with persons or animals: stock. to supply fully. to fill with inspiration or power: nourish. The situation that you are trying to use in this situation is similar to the argument between regardless and irregardless. They mean the same thing and are not exclusive.I have no idea where you get your idea that young earth creationism is a reactionary method to fear. State your case using some sort of fact and let's dialogue about it. But I find it very frustrating that you are trying to make an emotional situation out of this. I have not come to you stating anything as derogatory as you have brought up regarding people who hold this belief. Doctrinally, young earth creationism is very strong. Scientifically, depending on what mechanism you want to evaluate, is also very strong.I have no idea what your past has taken you through, but having to 'pay penance' for a belief is nonsense. I have differing views from those in the Body and those out, but to allow myself to deal with those people and consider it penance because of something is far from my mindset. I could give a rip if someone has a differing point of view. I shall not be belittled because of it. As a Christian, I find anything other than YEC difficult to swallow, because of the implications to salvation. However, if that is what you feel is correct; then as I said before, knock yourself out. But, please, do not degrade me or my intellect because I do not agree and feel supported in that belief.

I wish I could give you a better answer that what I am about to give you, but it just can't come.My degree is in polymers and coatings. I have a b.s. My understanding is better placed in the mechanisms of chain combination and such. However, most of these have to do with inorganic matters, such as the contemporary term of paints, plastics...Therefore, my work does not incorporate base-line procedures such as you describe. However I can answer you this one thing. I run into occasions, as all people do, when something happens that just can't be explained. I will ponder it and look. I will pray, to my God, for insight into how this certain thing came about. I, then, will receive revelation from God about this. Revelation through reading, seeing, evaluating, anything and everything that could be a device for learning. And, yes, sometimes it comes as though from nowhere, but nonetheless, the answer is from God. God, to me, is the Author of all Laws. He is the Absolute. Things are not in chaos, because He exists. Therefore, I don't see a problem in reconciling the two.

The most disappointing thing about this whole website are statements such as these.I hope your conceited frame of mind serves you well throughout life.