An Open Discussion

I am currently reading Phillip E. Johnson's Defeating Darwinism by Opening Minds. As a former science teacher, I have long sought to build a solid foundation from which to defend my belief that God made the world we live in and is actively involved in His creation. I love studying the natural world. I accept the claim of Scripture that creation (the physical universe) declares the glory of God. Psalm 19:1 The Creator reveals Himself in His creation. Exploring the hows and whys of our existence is a captivating pursuit.

God openly invites His creatures to dialog with Him concerning His work. "Come now, and let us reason together." Isaiah 1:18 The Creator is willing to dialog with His creation. Unfortunately, the dialog is not so open between the creatures themselves, especially between those who have differing views as to the origin of the universe. This is because many who enter into the debate--from either side--are not content to open with merely a discussion.

Many of those who find it impossible to envision a universe without a Creator (creationists), seem bent on entering the dialog with the preconception that their opponent is condemned to hell because of his views. Likewise, a large contingent of those who posit that they have never seen God, and would prefer to argue that the natural world is all that exists (naturalists), seem predisposed to grant their adversary all the intelligence of a bowl of jello. Consequently, neither enters the debate with a goal to discuss the issue. Rather, both camps often seem intent on proving that the opposition is either worthy of ridicule--or damnation.

To be fair, I should reveal that I also accept the claims of Scripture that God has created a literal Hell for those who reject Him. But I choose to heed Jesus' admonition not to judge, "lest ye be judged". And, I acknowledge that a debate can't progress very far if I enter it with a hidden (or not so hidden) agenda.

One goal of this blog is to host a forum where an open discussion can be undertaken. I want to emulate my Creator in offering the invitation, "Come, and let us reason together." I believe God created. What do you believe? More importantly, let us discuss WHY we believe what we do.

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http://www.amazon.com/Defeating-Darwinism-Opening-Phillip-Johnson/dp/0830813608/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198709558&sr=1-1