“Death Before the Fall: Biblical Literalism and the Problem of Animal Suffering” – Ronald Osborn; Robert Johnston; James Hayward
Date: November 14, 2015
Speakers: Dr. Ronald Osborn; Dr. Robert Johnston; Dr. James Hayward
Positions: Mellen Postdoctoral Fellow at Wellesley College; Emeritus Professor of New Testament at SDA Theological Seminary; Research Professor Emeritus of Biology at Andrews University
Topic: “Death Before the Fall: Biblical Literalism and the Problem of Animal Suffering”
Venue: Chan Shun Hall
Attendance: 65
Presentation: 3 men discussed Ron’s book on literalism & animal suffering in light of Gen. 1:31. How could death enter a creation that was “good”? God’s concept of “good” may not mean “perfect,” but allow for “wildness” & the need for Christ’s redemption. I Cor. 15 calls death an enemy, yet reproduction & death are basic to life, even in the womb (cells between fingers & toes die to produce digits). Nearly 90% of body cells are bacteria that die all the time. A deathless creation is a static creation (stasis) without reproduction, but God created a world with endless possibilities. What we believe has no impact on what actually happened, so we should humbly examine new evidence.
Michiana Adventist Forum 