Most people regard biblical cosmology as a foolish conspiracy theory that does not even warrant investigation. Some Christians do not want to be associated with what Genesis and other parts of the Bible say about the shape of the heavens and earth because they believe that linking the gospel to such a controversial topic would put a stumbling block in front of seekers who might find such a position too big of a hurdle. Are we to water down God’s Word with regard to creation to make it easier for people to believe in something as “unbelievable” as the resurrection, ascension, and virgin birth?
I have been warned by well-intentioned friends that my reputation and standing in the body of Christ is being damaged by my public profession that I believe that the Genesis account of creation is literally true. Should I be concerned about my reputation in this regard? Would God’s honor be increased if I retract and say that I no longer believe that what Genesis says is true but only has an appearance of truth? That is what a phenomenological interpretation says. Would not such a profession be detrimental to God’s honor and reputation as a truth teller?
If God were worried about his reputation in regard to the shape of the earth, should not he have inspired Moses to write something different in Genesis that would agree with modern astrophysics?
If God put his honor and name on the line in Genesis by describing a six-day creation and an enclosed heaven-earth-Sheol system that includes a solid dome called the firmament, why should I be worried about telling others what he said? Whose reputation are we trying to protect anyway?
