Drinking From The Wells Of Our Fathers

Further to my previous blog, I now add the concluding comments of Terry Mortenson in his book "The Great Turning Point".

"It is intriguing to see history repeat itself. By the time of the publication of Darwin's book in 1859, the scriptural geologists had almost become an 'extinct species' of the human race. Lyell's uniformitarianism had conquered geology. No one would have predicted that by the 1970s Lyell's dogma would be significantly challenge [sic] by 'neocatastrophism.' (see Derek Ager's The New Catastrophism, 1993, which lists other books). Still more shocking (and distressing for evolutionists) has been the development of 'young-earth creationism' in the last half of the 20th century. It will be obvious to anyone who is familiar with the literature of this contemporary movement that their interpretations of the geological and and biblical records regarding creation, the Flood, and the age of the earth are essentially identical on the main points (though much expanded in detail) with those of the scriptural geologists. This might seem surprising, since there is no historical, literary link between the modern creationists and the scriptural geologists. In fact, based on the writings of the young-earth creationists that I have read, the scriptural geologists were generally unknown before my research began to be published. But given their identical commitments to the inspiration, inerrancy and authority of Scripture, and their common view of Genesis as literal history, it is understandable that their interpretations of the fossils and the rocks would be in such close agreement.

Unlike the scriptural geologists, the young-earth creationist movement is growing stronger with the passage of time. It is now worldwide in extent with literally thousands of Ph.D. scientists involved [see Unnatural Selection' Debora Mackenzie, New Scientist no 2235 (April 22, 2000) and 'History of Modern Creationism' Henry Morris (Santee, CA, ICR, 1993).] The movement has published technical research journals and a popular magazine (with global distribution) for decades, as well as hundreds of books, tapes and videos [and DVDs] in many languages. With the growth of this movement, the 'intelligent design' movement, and the debate about evolution in many countries, it seems likely that the controversy that began at the time of the scriptural geologists will intensify in the years ahead."

Terry Mortenson provides a helpful insight into the state of things. God's hand is in this. To Sydney Anglicans I say your options are simple - either lead, follow or get out of the way!

Neil Moore