Our Origins
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:1 NEW LIVING TRANSLATION
When one speaks of creation, one cannot ignore the theory of evolution. I have been wondering if scientists are not attempting to prove evolution, but are actually trying to prove that God does not exist. Likewise, I wonder if what has become the young earth theory is one attempt at defaming the secular scientists. My opinion now is that “young earth” and the theory of evolution are exactly that, theory and conjecture. No one really knows when the world was created, how old the universe is and for Christians, how long it took God to create the universe. When we look at Genesis, we see the word “day” used for several creation periods. The Hebrew word for day is yôma. It means “a long period.” Yôma does not tell us an exact time, nor does it mention the actual process. Faith answers the who and science answers some of the how’s. But maybe, the flaw is that we keep asking where, how and when instead of why?
Maybe I am full of conjecture and theory myself, but I think God really did create everything including you and me. I think some plant and animal life did evolve, but the Bible also states that man was created from dust AND God’s breath (Gen 2:7). For me, that completely rules out any form of human evolution from another earthly or alien life form. I think the “question of why” is answered in the cross. God wants us to know him for who he really is. He expects us to recognize his handy work when we see and experience his creation. His creation is like a sign post that tells us that HE created it all. Even when mankind fell into sin, he loved us enough to die for us. He expects our gratitude. He expects us to know where we came from.
I’m reading a book called Beyond the Firmament by Gordon J. Glover. It says that the beginning of Genesis was not intended as a science book, but to tell the Israelites that there was only one true God. God’s message was given in the “cosmological” understanding of the people of those days. What good would it have done the Israelites to explain modern cosmology back then? Would they have understood it or just become confused?
ReplyDeleteThere is more to the book than that. It also goes into evolution. I think it is a very good read.
Mike
That was a great interpretation big E. Thanx for sharing. Keeep sharing. Keith Felix
ReplyDeleteEric - I really enjoyed this - I have no doubt about the Creator being 'responsible' for every last thing - but I liked the perspective of purpose -- just what would the 'purpose' of evolution be??? Creation points to a Creator who is worthy of our attention - AND on top of his magnificent wisdom and creativity - HE wants a relationship with us!! AMAZING!!!
ReplyDeleteRuth