Creation is a wonderful thing. The world we live in is something to behold, as are the galaxies beyond it. The language of human expression acknowledges creation even when we attempt to devise ways to deny the creator. The phrase ‘our planet’ or ‘our home’ concerning the earth indicates ownership, which must trace its origin to a creator at some point.
Understanding our origins plays an important role in assessing our present condition and the potential of our future as a people. Science is instrumental in this, as it dedicates the brightest minds together with cutting edge technology and resources into discovering how we came into existence and when, what it means today and where we will go in the future. A vision like this, in my observation, is entirely consistent with the Christian objective and progressive understanding.
Yet Christians and Scientists seem to have a history of trying to disprove and undermine each other, like two opposing football teams vying for victory, only they share the same goal. A foolish battle, which can only end when someone wakes up and realises that sharing the same goal means you are on the same team.
Thankfully, there seems to be more constructive dialogue coming into the spotlight through Christian scientists and theologians participating in groups not afraid to discuss evolution and creation through both biblical reference and scientific discovery. Certain groups like Bio logos discuss interesting views concerning our genesis. Though I do not agree with or endorse many of the views of those involved, I like the fact that someone wants to reconcile Christianity and science from needless fighting.
Whatever progress has been made in interpreting creation and assessing our future, I believe both scientific and theological understanding have been limited greatly by fear. Fear always comes with fetters, and fetters need to be broken to move with freedom. Scientists are afraid of venturing beyond scientific method to interpret origins and Christians are afraid of venturing beyond what is written in the bible (or their understanding of what’s written).
This sort of limitation is reactionary, and stems from a desire to preserve a culture due to fear of the oppression of another. Humans will even perpetuate bad culture, as long as it disassociates them from the culture of a traditional oppressor.
I believe in the authority of scripture but the phrase ‘sola scripture’ is often used as an excuse to hide under unadventurous, miraculous and rigid fundamentalism. Scientists are prone to do the same, limiting themselves to scientific method only, and failing to embrace other elements of human perception and knowledge. Many ‘sola scripture’ evangelicals claim God cannot speak or operate outside of the bible canon, whilst many scientists claim that God simply cannot be.
Creation is something else
Creation is something God has marked so evidently that it leaves no man with an excuse to deny his creator, yet it is so multi-faceted and deep that it stretches the entirety of our being in it’s unceasing discovery. This brings me to my point; understanding creation takes the entirety of our faculties to be optimised.
As John the apostle said so beautifully: ‘That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the word of life’ (1 John 1:1) John touched, heard, saw and smelt His Genesis, walking with Him in real time. The beginning of life was manifested in his dimension, unfettered by the limitations of the day’s scientific knowledge or theological understanding.
John embraced revelation, that knowing by recognition that resonates in the part of you that was in Him before you put on your present body. A resonance so strong that He would write His own Genesis, one that did not discredit that which was already written, but enhanced it through the understanding of a new dimension opened.
We live in a multi-dimensional world, which means our understanding of it cannot remain one-dimensional. John did not fear writing down what his spirit knew, nor was Paul scared to borrow quotes from pagan philosophers and poets when it came to describe creator and creation, knowing that eternity had been placed in the hearts of all men.
If one doesn’t access their creative potential when observing creation or worshipping the Creator they will gain little from God’s artwork. God has abstract works that require our creative impulse to unlock. Worship through music can transcend dimensions and enlarge understanding, giving access to mysteries beyond scientific method.
Why must I fight with a scientist over the age of earth, when the first three days of creation involved no sun or moon? What defines the length of those days without a solar or lunar calendar?
When God said ‘Let there be Light!’ could it be possible it came with a mighty big bang! These are just two instances of verses that if read correctly would allow us to venture together towards a better understanding of how everything came to be.
Joshua Robbie is currently serving the Lord under Pastors Ronnie and Shirley Naidoo of KZN Celebration Centre in Tongaat South Africa. He and His wife Rene’ moved from Australia to South Africa in April 2016. Their desire is to help in whatever way they can so that the church can become all that God has purposed her to be. Josh also enjoys sports such as surfing, basketball and boxing.
Josh Robbie previous articles may be viewed