The Crossway Podcast Is the Age of the Earth a Hill to Die On? (Gavin Ortlund)
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Jul 15, 2024 
Gavin Ortlund discusses theological triage and the age of the earth in Christian theology. He emphasizes unity in faith, understanding theological importance, and exploring creation perspectives. Topics include interpretation of Scripture, historical views on creation, and navigating cultural challenges through the gospel promotion.
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Prioritize Unity When Debating Nonessential Doctrines
- Pursue unity where possible and avoid breaking fellowship over third-rank issues to honor New Testament calls for unity.
- Argue these topics with Berean humility, trembling before Scripture while holding gospel unity as a priority.
Literal Reading Versus Authorial Intent
- Distinguish reading the Bible literally from reading it as fully truthful; genre and author intent determine meaning.
- No text is read literally 100%—poetry, apocalyptic, and songs require nonliteral interpretation to submit to Scripture's own communicative forms.
Why Age Of Earth Is Not A Boundary Issue
- Gavin places the age of the earth as a third-rank issue and rejects using genealogies as an exhaustive timeline.
- He cites historic figures like J. Gresham Machen and Charles Spurgeon as examples of orthodox old-earth readings.