Here’s the Abstract for an article in Theology and Science,
Theological Implications of Young Earth Creationism and Intelligent Design: Emerging Tendencies of Scientism and Agnosticism
Creationism is a worldview that does not accept the undirected formation and development of life but requires intelligent (supernatural) intervention. We analyzed texts representing Young Earth creationism (YEC) and intelligent design (ID) for their theological content and implications by assessing their position in central issues of systematic theology. YEC proponents emphasize the young age of the Earth and the necessity of literal interpretation of Genesis as prerequisites for the Fall and redemption. ID accepts the geological age of the planet, but requires intervention during evolution. YEC maintained the traditional characteristics of the Christian God (omnipotence, omniscience, benevolence), while some ID authors refused to speculate on the nature of the alleged designer. YEC authors utilized reinterpretation of scientific data as evidence for creation and to legitimize their belief in the historicity of Genesis. This could be regarded a form of scientism. YEC theodicy concentrated on the Fall as the cause of evil and the eschatological resolution of suffering. In contrast, ID proponents attempted to solve theodicy by compensated benefits of, e.g., pain. ID did not take a clear stand regarding salvation and ecclesiology, but YEC authors considered the acceptance of evolutionary theory and Christian faith to be mostly inconsistent. YEC doctrine differed from major Christian denominations by accepting scientific evidence as a proof for the historicity of Genesis and showed signs of exclusivity regarding evolutionary proponents. In ID, no satisfactory theodicy could be observed and some ID theorists could be classified as agnostics because of doubting the identity of the designer and by limiting God’s omnipotence and benevolence. Both YEC and ID demonized evolutionary theory and its proponents. Creationism seems to be on its way to becoming a new kind of denomination or an emerging novel religion. (paywall)
This is fascinating, because it is nonsense. Consider the following excerpt:
In ID, no satisfactory theodicy could be observed and some ID theorists could be classified as agnostics because of doubting the identity of the designer and by limiting God’s omnipotence and benevolence. Both YEC and ID demonized evolutionary theory and its proponents. Creationism seems to be on its way to becoming a new kind of denomination or an emerging novel religion.
“In ID, no satisfactory theodicy could be observed” Satisfactory to whom? In a world where most people are not naturalist atheists, and do not “accept the undirected formation and development of life”, the theodicy must appear satisfactory enough. In any event, ID theorists are attempting to understand nature, not God.
“some ID theorists could be classified as agnostics” Probably. Some prominent Darwin doubters are agnostics. ID is a broad tent but the Darwin doubters’ event tent is bigger still.
“Creationism seems to be on its way to becoming a new kind of denomination or an emerging novel religion.” It’s hard to understand this one. Some denominations espouse or encourage young Earth creationism. There would be no point in YECs founding an “emerging novel religion” when they can get it at home for free.
Theology and Science should mainly publish articles by ID theorists on ID theory for a while, instead of getting all their information from oppo research. But don’t expect them to realize that any time soon.
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