What Other Doctrines Do You Ignore?

What Other Doctrines Do You Ignore?
by John Morris, Ph.D.

Abstract
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth" (Genesis 1:1).

Recently I was talking with an evangelical pastor about his view on creation. Please understand. Creation is not the only Biblical teaching I care about. There's more to Christianity than creation. But often it signifies one's attitude toward the Bible in general.

Unfortunately, the pastor's attitude toward creation is typical of many evangelicals today. "Oh, I don't get into that. It's too controversial. Besides, science has proven millions of years. It doesn't matter what one thinks about creation and the age of the earth. There are other parts of Scripture which are more needed today. Let's just talk about Jesus." This may sound spiritual, but creation doctrine is foundational to the rest. It really can't be ignored without damage to the others. The next question asked could be: "What other doctrines will you ignore, too?"

Creation is the "worldview" concept which places God as the sovereign Controller over all. His role as Creator gives Him the authority to set the guidelines for life and the penalty for breaking His law. Just as the manufacturer has the right and responsibility to author the owner's handbook dictating how to properly operate and repair a manufactured device, so the Creator of mankind has authority over our lives and choices.

By the way, the Manufacturer's handbook identifies Jesus, Himself, as the Creator (see, for example, Colossians 1:16). One cannot "preach Jesus" while denying His role as Creator. As Creator He taught the doctrine of marriage as coming from creation, not from modern convenience. He spoke of the recent creation, of the worldwide Flood, of the separate kinds of animals, etc., creation teachings all. He also based His teachings about His Second Coming on the facts of creation and the Flood.

The thought that creation is not in favor among many scientists should not concern us, for the opinions of some scientists have often been at odds with true science, commonly reflecting an anti-God agenda. Science has shown that the virgin birth is impossible, as is the resurrection. Are we to erase them from our teaching as well?

Creation is the foundation for the worldview of Christianity. Without it we lose the logic of the doctrines of God, of sin, of man, of the penalty for sin, of salvation from sin based on the Creator's death on our behalf, of His coming Kingdom, and others. If we can so easily abandon the doctrine of creation, the basis for the others, which of the others are we prepared to ignore?

* Dr. John D. Morris is the President of the Institute for Creation Research.