Day 5 - Creation

The Creation. A story of the creation of the universe. Or so it seems. Plantinga points out a peculiar characteristic of the text in Genesis: the constant mentioning of Jesus Christ and the ties that exist between the creation and Him. So questions of these ties and the significance of the Creation would arise.

In attempt to answer the first question, I would quote Plantinga, who said:

"Nothing internal or external to God compelled him to create."

But if this creation wasn't necessary, then it would logically follow that it wasn't accidental, because the intricate world composed of constant activities ranging from a micro level to a macro level would not have been created by some "doodling". So this shows that there is indeed a close relationship between God and his creation. Such unfathomable, magnificent creation would have to in some way reflect the infinite God. We humans learning many things about the world every day, despite the high-tech tools and machines we have developed. (Interesting fact: did you know that over 98% of the ocean is not yet explored? The deepest diving U.S submarine can only reach around 63% of the ocean floor)

The second question, the significance of the creation, can be explained a bit easier. Look around you. The colors, furniture, food, clothes, sound, artificial lights, and temperature were all somehow created through nature. It is truly amazing to fathom the fact that all things humans use, no matter how complex, was once a part of nature. This striking diversity of products derived from a seemingly simplistic environment reveals how things are discovered, learned, and understood from the work of God's creation.

Before going on further, it is important to note that our image and understanding of God cannot be seen directly in nature. Bits of God's hidden glory are concealed within everything: our neighbors, the trees, grass, animals, oceans, lakes, and so on. By looking deeply into one another and our surroundings, we can catch small glimpses of divine glory.

But a bigger question arises: what role do humans play in God's creation? Humans seem very different from everything else in the world. Nature itself seems to be fine without the existence of humanity, yet humanity is in desperate need for the existence of nature. Animals go about their business, foraging for food, hunting, mating, and sleeping. The ecosystems seem to have delicate structures: life ending and starting again, natural disasters coming and going, and the environment always changing from place to place. Everything seems perfectly in place - yet for the humans, we need more than simply basic necessities of food, housing, and clothing. We need entertainment, stories, music, feelings, and art to flourish and prosper. Because we humans also possess moral values, it makes it all the more different from the rest of creation.

This striking gift of free will has unfortunately brought out a great sorrow: sin. As humans throughout history struggled with corruption, God's creation suffered silently. As image-bearers of God, we must take up the great responsibility of care for the world; not just nature, but our brothers and sisters as well. Stewardship of the earth can only become a progressive force once we heal the wounded ties between ourselves. Whether visible or invisible, we can be assured that God works in ways which we cannot see, so it is our duty to do our part and become stewards of God's loving creation.