Naturalism and Relativism

[intricatic]

The impact of naturalism on a reading of the Bible can be apparent, if one is to carefully examine how the idea might skew the lense of biblical interpretation when it is applied. Does this necessarily put science at odds with a sound reading of the Bible? A secular apologist Here, suggests that protestant apologetics have a natural affinity with relativism, in that they, at times, may swerve into a tactic which supposes evolution is only a cultural idea which is just as valid as creationism, and therefore should not be taught in schools.

Ideas such as the above should be a wakeup call for a more seasoned apologetics approach which does not presuppose that cultural norms are even significant in terms of the validity of Christianity. Relativism need not apply to faith, but it must apply to the sciences to some degree. Are the claims levied in the above argument correct? If so, how best can the Christian community respond to the challenge of naturalism in today's world, without sacrificing a firm grounding in reason?

This article also has the spice of existential theology - do we require a "leap of faith" to be Christians in today's world, or is faith something beyond meaningless distinctions such as that?

[Theofilus]

From the first paragraph of that link:

Creation-science is, it seems, an intellectual embarrassment...
when we oppose creationism... we start from a very strong position...
most people with a decent intellectual background do not take creationism seriously

So, we're stupid if we believe the Bible? I'm afraid I'll have to disagree with that. I didn't even bother to read the rest of the article. With a starting paragraph like that, I don't think it would be worth my time.

[intricatic]

Well, it's a general view that much of the world essentially stands apart with. I don't think it's meant to be a Christian apologetic, though, more a hypothetical appreciation of where Christian apologetics may in the future go, especially in terms of the political Intelligent Design debate.

[intricatic]

Basically what I'm aiming for here is this: How should the Christian community address issues dealing with naturalism? Is the scientific - apologetic wing of the community doing a good job so far?

On a related note, the article linked in the OP was written by a very vehement naturalist professor.

[Pete Martinez]

The fact of the matter is, has evolution been thoroughly tested? There are some scientists who have a hard time swallowing evolution, but they do, partly from the fact that it's the only thing they have to stand on something that doesn't rely on God creating something.