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This, the third seminar in the series, followed the now traditional format of two speakers who introduced themes which were then opened up for questions and general discussion.
Steven J. Robinson presented a study of the Genesis Flood narrative, which sought to establish some of the important points made in the Scriptures yet often overlooked in the scientific arguments promoted by creationists. His talk divided into two sections. The first focused on four keywords: machah (‘blot out’), tehom (‘the deep’), mayan (‘fountain’ or ‘spring’) and mabbul (‘cataclysm’). The second outlined the structure according to which the narrative is organised.
The first part was vitally relevant to 'Flood Geology' and in particular the nature of the record we can or cannot expect this global event to have left in the rock record. Steven's analysis in the second part of his talk showed that the discrepancies which are often alleged as evidence for the ‘documentary hypothesis’ – the idea that the story was stitched together by an editor who had two versions of the story in front of him and, not knowing which to choose from, chose incompatible elements from both – are the illusory products of mis-paragraphing.
A full length version of Steven's notes are available by following the link
below.
The second seminar was lead by Peter Smith who is a member of the Leeds Creation Science Group. His theme was Creation Outreach - and his intention was to encourage those present to make the Biblical message known, especially amongst Christians. He is convinced that many Evangelicals have heard little of the evidence which supports the time-scale provided by the Scriptures.
Peter is head of Science in a Christian school. His seminar was initially centred on four principle introductory thoughts, expanded into considerations of methods and resources, and concluding with points of advice for starting and maintaining outreach activity. A look at further potential advances in Creation outreach was also included.
A head of Science at a Comprehensive School had recently updated Peter about responses from other staff at the former's school. The head of History was now reading her Bible through for the first time, the head of Geography was reading Creation Science literature, as is one of the schools examiners. The head of Chemistry is currently devouring Behe's book challenging the evolution theory from a micro-biological perspective and the Maths master is now rethinking his previous evolutionary position. By contrast the head of Religious Education is said to be bewildered by the schools Science department. This activist, who was initially afraid of being labelled a 'flat earther' began introducing his school and staff to Creation matters and literature two years ago, and has recently now been voted a top teacher by its students.
You do not need to be "a scientist" to communicate Creation Science to other people. The vast majority of persons in the UK don't even have a grade C in GSCE science, so the need is to address Creation issues at this level. Talks and resource materials, are often too scientific. Speakers assume, it seems, that there might be a PhD in the audience, and pitch their material at that level. What is important is to get Science and the Creation aspects across at a clear and appropriate level for the majority. With most audiences this is straightforward and non-technical.
Some Christian congregations take Creation questions and considerations at their appropriate, Biblical, face-value presentation and teach this accordingly. There are, however, two other main categories of Church-view when it comes to Creation concerns.
Many of these congregations simply do not say anything at all about the issues or Creation matters, even while they and others around about are being heavily "evolutionised" by the mass media, for example. A frequent excuse is that such concerns are 'controversial and divisive'. Yet, these are often Churches that would readily welcome talks and discussions by 'Buddhists Against Abortion', say, but not talks by Creationists. They are also, therefore, the Churches we must be persistent with in order to get a hearing.
These often say and do nothing also! The stance that "it is not necessary to discuss the issue since we all believe in Creation" is really quite inadequate. We all along with our children and the rest of society are being continuously subjected to evolutionary thinking. Christians also "know and believe" the Gospel, but that does not preclude the necessity to talk and witness to others about it.
The most commonly given 'reason' for not being an active Creationist, "I am too busy with Church activity", is simply not good enough when we consider the damage being done by the barrage of evolutionary propaganda, with its Godless implications.
Many have been so evolutionised that they have never even heard the Biblical position, yet alone given serious consideration to this as a viable alternative to the prevailing secular view. Culture shock is not uncommon for some making the mental, moral, emotional and spiritual switch from the blank and nihilistic evolutionary mind-set to the Biblical paradigm. The task also includes getting past the sinful human disposition to reject God. People need help to understand what evolutionary philosophy leads to; immorality, abortion and euthanasia for example.
By God's grace the vital facilitating and supporting factor in this transforming Christian effort is constancy of witness, and in this respect the work of the local Creation Activist Groups should be paramount.
Today there are many and frequently excellent resources - Creation magazines, circulars, videos, books and handbills. Many are well produced, informative and address both layman and specialist levels of enquiry. The quality and range of video productions is now also increasing in recent times. These resources are one of the first lines of presentation.
There has been recently an increase in local Creation Science groups as well
as the established national groups. Regular Conferences for talks, planning,
supplying of materials and fellowship are becoming more common. Creation
Activists Network (CAN) has recently been formed for those interested in
outreach.
A list of "Ten Top Evidences" for presentation to Churches, schools, and other groups could be a vital resource. Remember, with many issues such as 'Flood Geology', for example, we are usually well ahead of most people's understanding. And some issues are still unclear among Creationists. Keep themes simple and use similes and examples often. The Second Law of Thermodynamics is 'why your car is rusting' - for instance. Rehearse and study your themes well. Other titles might be "Missing Links - Still Missing" Mt. Saint Helens, Mutations, Morality or Death.
Possible future British resources and developments may include a CD-Rom of Creation Science Evidences and Apologetics; a Bible College, Creation Science Credit and a GCSE in Creation Science on the schools curriculum.
Though progress is being made steadily, so far 'Creation Science' is still a 'well kept secret' in the UK. By His grace, where it is surely His will, let us change that.
(Notes on Keith's seminar compiled by Karl Krysko, BA(Hons), BSc. North Wales Creation Group)
© Randall Hardy, 1999.
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This page last edited on 1 March 2000