The Case Against Young-Earth Creationism

Roger Morris recently posted this case against Young-Earth Creationism (YEC) at the Faith Interface.  He makes some great points and I would like to summarize them here.

First, YEC holds that the first chapter of Genesis must be read as a historical narrative detailing the events of Creation.  While the complete contrast to established scientific knowledge leads me away from YEC, Morris provides a more nuanced rebuttal based on several ideas I too have thought about.  This one sentence summarizes his (and my) feelings on this topic:

YEC is a fine example of the worst kind of isolationist intellectual disengagement to come out of Christian fundamentalism since the Roman Catholic church determined to stubbornly hold to Ptolemaic geocentrism in the face of clear evidence to the contrary from the likes of Copernicus, Kepler and Galileo. And, like YEC, all because of an erroneus and rigid interpretation of scripture.

Here is Morris's list of reasons YEC is wrong:

• YEC is based on a faulty biblical hermaneutic.

Biblical literalism developed during the 1920's specifically in response to scientific and enlightment advances.  Most biblical scholars recognize many forms of writing in the Bible and importantly view Genesis 1 as "ancient Hebrew poetry, filled with metaphor and allegory."  YEC demand that Genesis must be read as a literal, historical account of creation.  The Bible is full of metaphors and allegories.  Jesus taught the people through parables to share a message.  Likewise, we can find meaning in Genesis 1 without requiring a literal interpretation.

• YEC is based on inaccurate biblical exegesis.

Another problem stems from a literal interpretation of Genesis 1.  Ancient Hebrew leaves multiple translations of seemingly simple words.  Genesis 1 uses the word yawm, which we typically translate as "day" in English.  But that word can also mean "can also mean 'a division of time', 'a period of time', “an era', 'a lifetime' and even 'time' in general."  With so many possible meanings, why do YECs illogically require a literal, 24-hour day during the creation story?

• YEC is anti-science.

YEC not only produces theological trouble, but it also must reject sound scientific evidence.  As new facts continue to emerge detailing the 14 billion history of the universe and showing the power of evolution over 4 billion years, YECs can only "run in the opposite direction from modern science, with hands covering eyes and fingers in ears."  They blatantly ignore the methods of science and create absurd conspiracy theories with no basis in fact. 

• YEC sets up false dichotomies.

Sadly, YEC sets up the false dichotomy of science vs. religion.  In their view, the two ideas are incompatible as all of modern science speaks to the antiquity of Earth and confirms the theory of evolution.  Ironically, they agree with the New Atheists on that point.  Such views ignore the complex range of position on science and evolution.  Yes there are YECs and material atheists, but we also have theistic evolution and many more.  

• YEC fuels false caricatures of Christians and Christian faith.

YEC have become the dominant stereotype for all Christians, despite the diversity of theological leanings.  When New Atheists criticize religion they always point to the YEC perspective.  But for many Christians, science and faith can coexist.  We can agree on the science, but may disagree on the implications on religions.  

• YEC sets up Christians, especially young Christians, for a crisis of faith.

I fear that YEC does more harm to Christianity than good.  With the amazing evidence for evolution and science, the constant denial puts many Christians in a tough position.  Some choose to reject science, some choose to reject religion, while other seek to incorporate both.  YECs push for the rejection of science even in our technologically, science-based society.  Science literacy is important for the success of our society, economically and politically.

Overall, I like Morris's criticism of YEC.  I had thought about some of these things before but he does a much better job, especially with the translation of the word yawm.  Our churches would better serve their congregations by embracing evolution and incorporating the ideas into their theology.