One of the ideas that Parker throws out is the term the King James translates "bring forth" or the NIV translates "produce." It's there in verses 11, 20, 21, and 24. As in "Let the earth bring forth" -- vegetation, sea creatures, and land animals. Interesting that God speaks of the earth bringing these forms of life to creation. Even more interesting that the next time this word appears is in Genesis 3:16-18. Twice. Hm.
So -- at the risk of yanking some chains -- does this imply that God uses another device or method to create these things? No one here is disputing that God is creator, but by what method does he create? If God says, "Let the earth bring forth ..." does that imply that there is some earthly tool used to create these things? Like, perhaps, an evolutionary process overseen and guided by God as a creative tool?
I'm not arguing for a synthesis of science and religion, not in any way. But I think too often those who see themselves as the guardians of the Bible (as though it needed guarding!) are quick to say, "No! God created it just like this because THIS IS WHAT I BELIEVE!" The danger, of course, is that we look only at our beliefs and not at what the Bible actually says.
"Let the earth bring forth life." Why would God say it that way? Why would the writer(s) of Genesis write it down this way? I don't want to make a mountain out of a molehill (no matter how either one was created) but it's enough to make you think.
And maybe that's the point.
It matters not to me what methods/processes God used to create. Altimately, the answer to how the earth, space, time, life, and man were created becomes a matter of faith. One can elect to belief that God created OR one can elect to belief that randomness and billions of years created. There is really no middle ground.
ReplyDeleteCould God have used evolution as His vehicle? Possibly.