Creation War

About a year ago, Old Testament scholar Dr. Bruce Waltke resigned from Reformed Theological Seminary over comments he made about creation and evolution. Unfortunately for Dr. Waltke, the video statements were lifted out of context, and placed on the internet for everyone to see. He appeared to be supporting evolution. He later released a video defending his more conservative views on Genesis. RTS still let Waltke leave as many of their donors holding very literal interpretations of Genesis 1-2 were upset. For detail on the incident and other links, see http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2010/june/1.14.html.
In a bit of a twist this year, Answers in Genesis (AiG) founder, Ken Ham (young earth, literal 24hr. day), was disinvited from the Great Homeschool Convention for remarks made about the convention and other speakers at the convention who do not hold his view. Brennan Dean, organizer of the Great Homeschool Convention, said Ham’s remarks were “unnecessary, ungodly and mean-spirited,” in addition to being “divisive at best and defamatory at worst.” One can only imagine the name-calling as Ham’s exact words are not known. For this story and other links (including a defense from AiG) see, http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/marchweb-only/kenhamhomeschool.html.
With some losing jobs over their views on creation and others being “disinvited” for name-calling, it seems the “creation war” is on. Much of what Ken Ham has to say (http://www.answersingenesis.org/) is directed toward The BioLogos Forum (http://www.biologos.org/) and in particular, Dr. Peter Enns. They are at opposite ends of the creation spectrum. There are, of course, a number of interpretations of Genesis 1-2 held by the best minds in evangelicalism. In addition to the “young earth/24 hr day” view, we have the “framework,” “day=age,” “day followed by an age,” “analogical,” “functional,” and “theistic-evolution” interpretations. There are, no doubt, other interpretations as well. We must understand that all these views are held by men and women who are born again, hold a high view of inspiration and affirm the Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy, etc.
If there is a “creation war,” most of the shooting (the loudest voice anyway) comes from Ken Ham and his “intolerant” followers. The AiG blog states, “The position of Answers in Genesis is that when it comes to biblical truth, there is only one truth, and we are called to be intolerant of all other opposing claims to truth. AiG is therefore, at least willing to admit our ‘intolerance’ in this area.” For Mr. Ham, if you are not a “young earth/24 hr. day” interpreter, then you are a “compromiser.” That is, you compromise the authority and truth of Scripture in favor of modern scientific views. The same was probably said to Copernicus and Galileo.
We understand following scientific "fact" is dangerous as scientific fact may change through further testing and discovery.  However, science can be a Christian endeavor and checking our interpretations against discoveries in the arena of general revelation is not evil.
Mr. Ham is well within the scope of evangelicalism with his view, but so are the other interpreters, and calling them “compromisers” (or worse) of God’s Word, insisting AiG alone has the truth is truly intolerant. And, because this intolerance may also seem unreasonable, arrogant and unchristian, it will get you “disinvited.”
Although we can admire one’s passion for truth, a more civil approach is in order. For example, in his systematic theology (p. 308), Wayne Grudem closes his chapter on creation with, “Progress will certainly be made if . . . Christians will be more willing to talk to each other without hostility, ad hominem attacks, or highly emotional accusations . . . and without a spirit of condescension or academic pride, . . . for these attitudes are not becoming to the body of Christ.”
If there is a place for tolerance, patience and understanding, it is here. There is much to learn from one another as we dialogue on the Word, treating our brothers and sisters in Christ with the respect they deserve. Don’t let this attitude of intolerance over the doctrine of creation infect your church. This is not a reason for division in the family.