The Creationism of Hugh Ross and Reasons To Believe - Overview
Explanations of observations in this world and their relationship to Scripture result in a wide variety of conclusions and assertions, both theological and scientific. It is important for those who have an interest in creationism to understand not only ”what” is said, but especially ”why” it is said. This is true whether one is reviewing material from old earth 1 creationist sources, young earth 2 creationist sources, or, for that matter, naturalistic (atheistic) evolutionary 3 literature. For it is only then that the creationist is able to properly assess whether or not Scripture speaks about the issue.
This paper is the first in a series of articles on the creationism of Hugh Ross and Reasons to Believe (hereafter, referred to as RTB). 4 This paper is meant to give the reader a broad overview of some of the more significant claims of Hugh Ross and RTB. 5 As we proceed, the reader should understand that, due to space limitations of this paper, many details will be omitted. The “hows” and “whys” will be left to future papers where we have room to deal with the particulars of some of his arguments more thoroughly.
The method of approach that I intend to follow for this series of papers has been outlined in my previous paper. 6 It is my intent to offer a distinctly confessional Lutheran assessment whenever applicable, as I believe that a distinctly confessional Lutheran approach is sorely lacking in the contemporary creationist movement. It is also my intent to strive, wherever possible, to keep Hugh Ross’ purely scientific assertions separate from his theological assertions, or, in the very least, to make this distinction obvious to the reader. I realize that his theological position can and does influence many of his scientific conclusions. However, in order to make appropriate Scriptural application, the creationist need always be aware of what has its foundation in Scripture and what does not. Those assertions which do not have foundation in Scripture may, therefore, be open to the application of Christian freedom. In such situations, individuals may in good conscience hold differing scientific opinions. Finally, it is my hope to portray Hugh Ross’ and RTB’s position accurately and in the proper context.
1 Generally, old earth creationism holds that God created the universe “over six long periods of time – ages or epochs that encompass thousands or millions of years” and is an attempt to harmonize assertions that the earth is scientifically measurably old with the creation account in Genesis. Hugh Ross, A Matter of Days: Resolving A Creation Controversy (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2004), 11.
2 Generally, young earth creationism holds that God created the universe some thousands of years ago. Many, therefore, conclude that the earth will be scientifically measurably young. It also requires the six days of creation to be 24 hour periods.
3 Generally, that the universe, earth and all life came to be by unguided, non-supernatural means over a long period of time.
4 http://www.reasons.org/ (last accessed April 7, 2011). Reasons To Believe was founded by Hugh Ross in 1986.
5 High Ross gives a more complete presentation of RTB’s position in the book, More Than A Theory: Revealing A Testable Model for Creation (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2009).
6 Patrick Winkler, Essential Tools of a Creationist. (last accessed April 3, 2011).
Posts
