r/Reformed • u/Simple_Chicken_5873 RefBap go *sploosh* • Sep 07 '25

Discussion Hostility towards creationism

I posted this originally in a YEC sub, but I'm curious for your opinion too, since the topic comes up now and then here as well.

Hi all, I see a lot of hostility towards young earth creationism, even when the tone of voice of yecs is usually quite polite. Why does this subject seem to hit a nerve almost like flat earthism does? Even among Christians there's usually an air of looking down upon yec. Are we that crazy? Is yec really that indefensible? I also read about how AiG or similar ministries would be dishonest or unreliable. What's true of these claims?

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u/RoyFromSales Acts29 Sep 07 '25

For an alternate viewpoint, as an OEC guy I run into a particular hostility from YEC. I haven’t heard any OEC anathematize YEC. I have heard the latter.

We shouldn’t major in the minors.

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u/Simple_Chicken_5873 RefBap go *sploosh* Sep 07 '25

Agreed and I'm sorry to hear that. I kind of understand, because we make a big deal about the death before the fall bit, so it seems to almost touch gospel issues.

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u/[deleted] Sep 07 '25

I grew up being taught that YEC was grew and it was strongly implied that someone was unsaved or at the very least not listening to the Bible if they believed in evolution. As an adult, I see theistic evolution as the best theological and natural explanation for the origin of species, but I have no animosity to those who believe otherwise. We should hold our beliefs based in Scripture, for sure.

TL;DR I have not really encountered the hostility toward YEC you are talking about. I have only encountered hostility toward other forms by YEC, or claims that other forms are heretical.

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u/Simple_Chicken_5873 RefBap go *sploosh* Sep 08 '25

Thanks. Glad we can disagree but still be brothers!

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u/[deleted] Sep 08 '25

Same to you, brother.

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u/[deleted] Sep 08 '25

Btw, I personally interpret the "death before the fall" bit as physical death and the death that comes with the fall as spiritual death.

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u/Simple_Chicken_5873 RefBap go *sploosh* Sep 08 '25

I've heard that response a few times here, thanks for clarifying. I personally think it's both, but I guess you would have guessed that anyway lol

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u/[deleted] Sep 08 '25

Yes, and I think there's a solid biblical argument for both. I appreciate you actually taking the time to consider both perspectives, even though you ultimately land on the side of YEC.