First, let's define Young Earth Creationists. They are those who believe that the earth is literally roughly 7,000 years old, defining years in our human time frame, from the perspective of time as it passes on the surface of the Earth.
Second, most YECs also define Adam and Eve as two physical human beings, such as the same way that one's grandparents or parents were physical human beings. (Hold on a second, don't jump to conclusions).
Third, YECs have a tendency to attack other followers of Christ, believing that if other FoCs do not believe in Young Earth Creationism, then they are not saved, and will be cast into Hell instead of spending eternity with God in Heaven.
If this describes you, then this open letter is for you. If these three points do not describe you, then this letter is not directed to you.
Let's begin:
First, the problem with YEC is that it relegates God to the constraints of our time-line. God is outside of time and is not constrained by it. 2 Peter 3:8, Psalm 90:4. Therefore, to say that the earth is 7,000 literal "our" years is simply incorrect. One day could have been millennia.
Second, what God allows us to know:
Matthew 11:25 God hides things from the learned.
Deuteronomy 29:29 Secret thing belong to God.
Isaiah 55:8-9 His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
Matthew 13 - Mysteries are cloaked in parables.
1 Corinthians 2: 7 We speak of the things of God in mystery.
2 Timothy 3:16 16All Scripture is God-breathed and is usefulfor instruction, for conviction, for correction,and for training in righteousness,
In none of these passages, nor anywhere else, does the Bible say that one must believe that every single word is literally true or else you are going to Hell. Because here is the truth:
Proof. Therein lies the problem. Proof. One man's proof is another man's malarky. One reason why atheists refuse to acknowledge the existence of God is that they demand proof on their terms, according to their understanding. Thus they will never have the proof that they need because nothing will live up to their standards.
The converse is also true: to demand that everyone believe in the literal interpretation lies on our limited human mental understanding of what "literal" is. It's arrogant, because it implies that you have something that others don't.
Now, you are wondering what I believe: Creationism or Evolution. I believe in both, and in neither. Just like Jesus Christ is fully 100% God and fully 100% human, I believe both theories are simultaneously true. I believe that God created us and is still creating us. I also believe that both theories are creations of the human consciousness and thus are fundamentally flawed.
That paragraph will most likely infuriate both atheists and YECs alike, but that's all right, because Jesus Christ called us to love Him with our whole mind, and to spend all our lives thinking about Him and His mysteries. I believe that He planted these mysteries not to confuse us or send us down rabbit holes, but to focus our attention on Him, constantly, daily.
Lastly, on a personal note, the main problem with Young Earth Creationism is that it does not demonstrate humility, meekness, or charity. You do not show love. You attack atheists and other Christians alike. You impune other people's belief systems without truly engaging in honest debate. This technique demonstrates a rigidity which only belies a true weakness of faith. Also, most importantly, it does nothing to further the message of salvation through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
So, I understand any YEC who is still reading this letter is probably saying, "Verble's going to Hell!" but just know that you are not the arbiter of my faith, Jesus Christ is and Him alone. Yes, He will either say to me "Well done good and faithful servant" or He will say "Depart from Me I never knew you" but that is not for you to judge.
Romans 14:10
James 4:11
Matthew 7:1
and a host of others.
A follower of Christ dedicates his life to furthering the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Salvation does not come from arguing constantly about every scrap of scripture. It comes from an honest, true, humble, meek and intimate relation with the Creator of Everything.
I know I will not have changed your hearts, but I do hope that I have said something good about my Lord and Savior.
Thank you for reading,
Verble Gherulous
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