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DallasMike, If you will read my
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/religion/2172630/posts?page=393#393
I believe you will find that we share similar viewpoints (I'm a Christian -- and a physical chemist).
I, too am appalled that the self-imposed ignorance (shamming as "clinging to the Word") flaunted by the likes of GGG damages the witness of Christians like us who are trying to bear credible witness to fellow scientists.
If you have not yet "met" our "sisters", Alamo-Girl and Betty Boop, here on FR, I suggest you take the effort to become acquainted with them. They know my frustration with the above subject, and I find their fellowship and witness to be the uplifting highlights of my FR experience.
No blushing, now, ladies; that's no flattery -- just fact! ;-)
Nice "meeting" you, Mike! May our fellowship grow in His grace!
The difference between Betty Boop and Alamo-Girl is that they allow for different viewpoints amongst Christians, rather than damning those who disagree over interpretational issues. I have interacted with both many, many times, and I have never once been treated by either like I’m the enemy. You and DallasMike are a whole different breed of “Christian.” And until you tone down your condemnatory rhetoric, you can bet I will be ready to great you with ALL the respect you deserve.
Whenever we Christians find ourselves in disputes - whether about theology, science, philosophy, history or whatever - I am reminded that John was not like Peter who was not like Paul who was not like doubting Thomas and so on. But Christ chose every single individual one of them.
In the end, we must declare the Truth as we have received it and trust Him to work everything together for the good according to His own will.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose. - Romans 8:28
Horton writes from a conservative Reformed perspective but non-Calvinists will find much to agree with. Horton describes how Gnosticism has crept in (almost taken over, really) much of evangelicalism (including Fundamentalism). Whether you call yourself a Bible-believing fundamentalist, a conservative evangelical, high-church, a liberal or a skeptic you will get much out of this book if you have an open mind (Roman Catholics and Orthodox will probably read this book and say, with some justification, "I told you so").
Much of what Horton says is relevant to the culture wars (including the war over science, although that isn't really a theme of the book). This is one of the most important books I have read in five years. I think sometimes we talk past each other because nowadays things are so confused.
Amen! Likewise with you.
So are you telling me that being a physical chemist has not shaken your belief in God? After all, you're exposed to "atheist science" everyday and may even "worship at the Temple of the Cult of Darwin" according to many of these commenters.
God's creation is wonderful. Every day I am amazed at his power and his works.