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Does Genesis 1 Teach Modern Science?

In my last blog post we saw that the main message of Genesis 1 is that God is the creator of all. Not only is this a central theme of Genesis 1, but it is also a central theme of the Bible which is reiterated over and over again throughout the Old and New Testaments. In contrast the question of the timing and mechanism of creation events are secondary issues. Nevertheless because of the controversy surrounding these questions we will be talking about them in more detail in the next few blogs. But before we do that there’s one other question we need to address.

When we read Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 we are tempted to view and try to interpret the text using modern, 21st century eyes. But Genesis was written to an ancient, prescientific people, the Hebrews. Before we can understand what Genesis 1 is teaching us today, we must understand what it meant to its original audience. In this context, we must ask the question: Is Genesis 1 meant to convey modern scientific account of creation? [Read more…] about Does Genesis 1 Teach Modern Science?

The Message of Genesis 1

A new day . . .

As I discussed in the previous post of the Christianity and Science series, much of the controversy surrounding Genesis 1 revolves around two issues: the timing of the events of creation and the mechanism of creation. Did God create over a period of 6 literal days or did creation occur over a much longer period of time? Did God create through a series of miraculous acts or through a natural process which he created? While these are interesting issues, the focus on this controversy can cause us to miss the main message of Genesis 1 which revolves around four great themes:

  1. God and God alone created all things,
  2. God is sovereign over his creation,
  3. God created with wisdom and order,
  4. God created man as the pinnacle of his creation.

Genesis 1 gives an overview of what God has created. We see God creating living thing (plants, animals and man) as well as non-living things (heaven and earth, the sun, moon and stars to give light and mark the passage of time as well as the sky, dry land and seas as dwelling places for living things). [Read more…] about The Message of Genesis 1

Time to discuss faith, psychology and neuroscience?

Minds, Brains, Souls and Gods: A Conversation on Faith, Psychology and Neuroscience by Malcolm Jeeves. InterVarsity Press, 2013.

Preface

Robert Boyle, illustrious scientist and Fellow of the Royal Society, described how, while in Geneva on a continental holiday, he underwent a conversion from nominal, unthinking Christianity to committed Christianity. As a result of his experiences, he stressed the need for Christians to have what he called an “examined faith.” [1]

John Stott, discussing Paul’s letter to the Christians in Philippi, drew attention to the importance for all Christians to heed the apostle’s exhortation to “contend for the faith of the Gospel.” He continues, “This describes a combination of evangelism and apologetics, not only proclaiming the gospel, but also defending it and arguing for its truth.”[2]

Echoing the views of Robert Boyle and John Stott, Mark Noll says, “If what we claim about Jesus Christ is true, then evangelicals should be among the most active, most serious, and most open-minded advocates of general human learning.” [Read more…] about Time to discuss faith, psychology and neuroscience?