The debate continues among Christians, does Genesis 1:1-31 mean a literal 6-day Creation (YEC) or does the text allow for a longer Creation process (OEC)? 
I think most reasonable Christians would agree that the Body of Christ was united in doctrine and faith during the early centuries following the Resurrection of Christ. The Church Fathers of this period guided by the Holy Spirit, selected the books to be included as Canon. We believe and trust that these men were directed by the Holy Spirit in doing so. We know these Spirit filled men defended the faith against early heresies and refined our collective understanding of such things as the Divinity of Jesus and the Triune Nature of God. We trust their efforts and work because we believe the Holy Spirit was at work through them.
I believe all Christians can agree on this point. Can we also agree that the Holy Spirit would likewise protect the writings and teachings of these men? In other words, would the Holy Spirit protect their hearts from committing errors in their exegesis. As the Bible states, “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace……” 1 Corinthians 14:33.
In a book titled, “I Have Spoken to You from Heaven”, the author Hugh Owens provides a list (attached) of thirty Church Fathers who held the view that Creation occurred in 6-literal days. The list includes a reference to the document wherein their position was documented.
It seems inconceivable to me that the Holy Spirit would allow these men to write and teach in error and contrary to what He Himself had Moses write in Genesis. Are we to believe that the Holy Spirit chose not to correct them of their error? Or are we to believe that the Holy Spirit inspired them to write and teach a young Creation? I have seen some heated debates between YEC’s and OEC’s that were anything but peaceful. Since God is not the author of confusion but of peace, I think the Church needs to consider who is behind this confusion. “Has God indeed said….” Genesis 3:1. I have a candidate in mind.
Stated another way, the Holy Spirit allowed these men to believe and teach that God created everything in 6-literal days. Of course the Holy Spirit would know full well that man, using “human reasoning”, would one day “discover” that a 6-day creation was not “scientifically” feasible. That man’s science and wisdom would outstrip God’s Word and Wisdom. Yet the Holy Spirit decided not to correct the Church Fathers on this point? He allowed the early teaching on Creation thereby making the Church vulnerable to ridicule as “man’s knowledge” increased. This stands in sharp contrast to what we are told in 1 Corinthians 14:33. I believe that the Holy Spirit guided the Church Fathers in selecting the Canon, defending against heresy and teaching on Creation as well as other matters of faith.
I encourage every Christian to open his or her mind and heart to the idea that the Earth is young. And then take a fresh look at the evidence that supports that conclusion.
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