Tim Keller and Days of Creation

Tim Keller recently stumbled a Christian on the PB which actually caused me to write so harshly. One of his parishioners was very upset at the way I criticized his elder. Really, though, who wouldn't? I know that if someone started to attack my beloved pastor, despite his views, I would do the same thing, to defend him. I may have been a little unreasonable in the way I responded, but I still think that his reasoning was a little muddled with emotion. Despite all my efforts, I still think that I had some reasonableness in responding the way I did. Other possible reading that you, the reader, might want to consider is the PCA's 28^th General Assembly. The committee put together a report on the issue of creation days and its non-stance policy on the 6/24 Creation debate. There is a lot of credible scholarship in that article and I put a lot of stock in some of the theologians' writings—and yes, some of them did hold to an old earth interpretation of Genesis 1-3, e.g., B.B. Warfield and Charles Hodge. I hope you enjoy my response. Thank you.

Julio Martinez Jr.

 

Wow! Amazing how a simple disagreement could cause so much "hurt." So what if I disagree? Yea, I think Keller is way off, and no I don't think I know his motives. However I can know or have certain knowledge indirectly about his intent. (Was it in a spirit of persuasion or was he merely stating a biographical fact?) As I have seen within my own confession (WCF IV.1), I can say that Dr. Keller is not being faithful to his confession. On another note, I don't see the OPC or the PCA making a standard for orthodoxy on the views of creation. It is a hotly debated issue and I recognize that. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Peters It's not as clear as you think. And I don't think it serves you to be so dismissive of Mason's position. The OPC and the PCA disagree with you. That should give you pause.

See now here I think you're wrong. There is no statement that either the OPC or the PCA which states that there position is old earth. This is the what the PCA's committee (28th GA) said by way of preface:

Quote:

Originally Posted by 28th GA of the PCA The Committee has been unable to come to unanimity over the nature and duration of the creation days. Nevertheless, our goal has been to enhance the unity, integrity, faithfulness and proclamation of the Church. Therefore we are presenting a unanimous report with the understanding that the members hold to different exegetical viewpoints. As to the rest we are at one. It is our hope and prayer that the Church at large can join us in a principled, Biblical recognition of both the unity and diversity we have regarding this doctrine, and that all are seeking properly to understand biblical revelation. It is our earnest desire not to see our beloved church divide over this issue.

You don't believe me, here's the link. Read it yourself. It isn't that they disagree with me--I can only speak for my denomination since I read the report--but the PCA is more concerned with maintaining unity than to divide the church on this issue. I have maintained that though I disagree with Dr. Keller, I still think that he is not being honest to his confessional standards; and I would further say the same thing to those who argued similarly at the 28th GA. That's not to say that I think he is sinning. (I never said he was living in sin for it.) It is my belief that the Westminster Standards take a literal 6/24 Days Creation. I know this doesn't sit well with some, even among folks in my denomination--yes, even my own congregation!--, but I'd much rather go with my conscience and intellect than the witness of a majority.

A further note:
I never intended this to get personal. I was not personal, I don't think, but if I did come off that way then I apologize. This is an academic matter for which I think I am convinced in my own mind.