It all started innocently enough. The Assemblies of God issued an updated paper on creation in August of this year. That didn’t sit too well with a man leading a ministry called “Answers in Genesis.”

The paper, in my view, was a decent one because it opened up the conversation so we have grace in the discussion on creation. However, a literal 6-day, 24-hour day creation view seems to have become a new orthodoxy. I heard today that the committee that wrote the position paper for the AOG has been called back together and is to review their work.

Even more disappointing to me is the people who called for this review lead the district where I am a pastor.

When did orthodoxy change? I need to get that memo. Ken Ham says, “Jump,” and we say, “How high?” Is that how it’s working these days? Did someone elect him pope? And when did the verse get inserted that “Thou must believe in a literal 24-hour, 6-day creation or thou shalt be banished to hell?” (Perhaps that is in 2 Hesitations or something.)

I had a conversation recently with a scholar who said something very bold. In effect, if the evidence for evolution were proven correct tomorrow it would do NOTHING to effect his faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, for those in Ken Ham’s camp, to believe in anything OTHER than a literal 24-hour, 6-day creation would seem to condemn you to hell.

NOTE: That says nothing to my view of creation. It simply means I know God created this world and if someone else believes that without holding to a literal 24-hour, 6-day creation, I have a little grace left in me to hear what that view may say.

Can I realize that my hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness? Dare I believe that? Anyone with me?