That One Time at the Ligonier Conference
I've already talked about the impact of reading Robert Godfrey's God's Pattern for Creation. At that same conference however another mind blowing event occurred while I was in the bookstore. I was waiting with my father in line to get an autograph from the senior Sproul. My ears perked up when I heard a question about the age of the universe. I tapped my dad on the shoulder and we listened attentively (the question starts at the 42:30 mark of the video). The immensely intelligent Stephen Meyer had given a great lecture on Intelligent Design. What transpires is worth the attention of all ears. The senior Sproul's deference says a lot. Horton's response is typical. The junior Sproul's response is interesting and I wish he had been given more time.
I will only add that Del Tackett's explanation of the Second Law of Thermodynamics is exaggerated beyond reasonable. Rivers flow from higher ground to lower ground because of this law. They erode land banks. These are presents within the garden of Eden. Similarly, this would make the entire digestive system of every living creature useless pre-fall. This introduces so many different questions. Tisk tisk on Tackett. As Sproul Sr. says Theism is the battle.
Tackett's argumentation about the fall is a helpful example though. Tackett's turn is both against an Old-earth and against animal death before the fall (both things I affirm). Despite disagreeing with him immensely I'm glad he articulates himself very clearly. For many these are gospel issues and we need to get to the root of these issues if we are going to have good discussion.
Editor's Note: This post is a part of the larger Torrey Gazette's "Creation Week."