You basically say that you and Hamilton reject the old-earth view because you both want “to interpret science and archeology from the biblical text rather than re-interpreting the biblical text in light of science and archeology.”

One shouldn’t reject an old-earth view because “we can’t/shouldn’t let science tell us how to interpret the bible.” To do so is disingenuous given that we already let science tell us some of what Scripture can and can’t say. After all, we don’t believe the earth goes around the sun because Scripture tells us this. We believe it because science has proven this to be the case. What’s our motivation for taking some passages of scripture as “phenomenal” rather than literal? It seems to me that science helps us with this question.

So, one might reject an old-earth view because she thinks there is no science in support of it (which is, in my opinion, mistaken). However, accepting, without qualification, the principle that “science can’t/shouldn’t tell us how to interpret the bible” only lands one in a case of special pleading when that same person also accepts the idea that the earth goes around the sun. It puts one in the position of saying, “Science CAN tell us that the earth goes around the sun and that the language in Scripture which suggests otherwise is merely phenomenal language. But! we CAN’T let science tell us that the earth is old because…insert whatever excuse you like…” I’ve never understood why so many Christians oppose evolution.

Lastly, you seem to suggest that theologians only accept evolution as true (or likely true) because they’re trying to “save (I think you meant to say, “save”…?) face with the academy.” This seems presumptuous. Why can’t they accept it because they believe there is good evidence for it?

I would like to hear what you have to say about this.

Btw, if you’re looking for a good reads on this issue, I recommend these pieces:
1. http://intellectualcurrency.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/whos-intolerance-which-indoctrination/
2. http://intellectualcurrency.wordpress.com/2010/07/21/choosing-between-science-and-theology/
3. http://intellectualcurrency.wordpress.com/2010/07/29/science-and-faith-a-word-to-the-christian-community-part-2/

Best,
Michael