Paula

Cheryl, it might be of interest to know that at least one person (ex-atheist.com) sees any alleged incongruities in the scriptures as paradox. But personally, I believe the gospels for example are simply four perspectives on one reality and that they do not contradict each other; instead, we must consider errors in our thinking or presumptions. The same goes for how I view Genesis; they are different perspectives on one reality. Just as the gospel writers each had a different goal in mind (not different facts but different choices in which facts to present and when), so also each treatment of creation week has a different purpose but all the same fact or reality.

I have also observed that for some people, saying exactly what they believe is not easy. But whenever I’ve had any such uncertainty, I just say “I don’t know” or “I haven’t decided yet”. However, in this case I think the question is “what is possible”: is it even possible to allow that the days of creation are anything but normal solar days from our experience and perspective? This same question could be asked on any controversy, such as Calvinism or Eternal Security.

My view is that I should be able to state my conviction on these issues without being accused of calling my opponent unfaithful to scripture. Too often this happens in debating male supremacists, as we all know. We simply disagree on what meanings are possible. So when I say I believe it is impossible for the days to be other than normal solar days, I’m not saying all who disagree are stupid or unfaithful to scripture; I’m just stating what I believe.

But in this particular case, Don is stating his personal conviction that the days are long ages yet without explaining what interpretive method allows it and can be tested on other parts of scripture, and this is frustrating to us. Another example is when I cite Rom. 5:18 and ask Calvinists what allows them to change the meanings of “all” and “many” within one sentence; whatever answer they choose cannot be applied consistently to other scriptures. Yet they stand by their interpretation, and they think I am unfaithful to the “plain reading” of scripture.

Just some observations. “-)