Creation Science Commentary

Old Earth and Young Earth Believers - How to Relate to Each Other

CSC #10 (April 2005)

I have been a Christian for over 25 years, and I have also been an old earth believer for over 25 years. During that time, I have learned how to relate to the "other side." I happen to hold a conservative stance on most issues, hence I believe in an inerrant Bible, and a literal interpretation of Genesis. Most of the time I have been a Christian, I've attended conservative churches, where the majority of the people were young earth creation science believers.

While I have not hidden by beliefs, I have not been vocal about them either. I've learned that you don't need to preach old earth creationism. After all, the young earth believer in my church is on the way to heaven already, through his relationship with Jesus Christ, so pointless discussions about creation science are really a side issue.

When I am around other believers, if I don't have an reason to mention my beliefs, I don't. Even though the preacher may be giving a sermon about the young earth, there is no need for me to respond, or contradict him. It would serve no purpose, because in all likelihood neither of us are going to change our position.

My rule of operating in a young earth environment is this...unless directly challenged on the issue, I remain quiet. I'll defend my position if challenged, but I don't have to crusade the cause of old earth creationism.

Does this mean I "tip-toe" around the issue sometimes? Yes, I am guilty of this, but it's not a bad thing. For instance, someone may come up to me after a young earth message and say "I don't see how anyone can believe in evolution." My typical response would be "The pastor sure made a case against evolution." Such a comeback does not agree with the person's statement, and at the same time does not deny my own beliefs.

This also depends on the person making the statement to you. Some people you know will be argumentative, and dead-set against you...usually you know who they are. These may be seeking to start a discussion about creation science. In their minds, they are seeking to convert you to the "truth." I meet these people head-on...not in an argumentative style, but with calmness and humility, yet not backing down.

Of course, the only way to learn this is by experience. Just remember, we are not ministers of the old earth, but ministers of the Gospel. When relating to young earth creationists, always remain calm, displaying self-control and love. We may not win them with words, but our attitudes will show that Christ is in us, just as much as He is in them.

If you are not a Christian, and you have been holding out on making a decision for Christ because the Church always preached a message that was contrary to what you saw in the scientific world, then rest assured that the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, and you can believe in Christ and receive salvation, while still believing in an old earth. Click here for more.

Are you a Christian who believes in young earth creationism? Now that we have shown the many difficulties of the young earth creation science model in this and many other articles, how does this impact your Christian life? If you are a young earth creationism believer, click here.

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To learn more about old earth creationism, see Old Earth Belief, or check out the article Can You Be A Christian and Believe in an Old Earth?

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