Does Creation "say" anything?
Does this world tell us something about a Creator? (For instance, does the beauty of a sunset or the complexity of the human brain reveal something about its Maker?)
There is perfection in the human brain and great beauty in a perfect sunset. Just like a strand of DNA that is perfect in itself, there has to be something that created such great perfect.
There must be a Creator (call it God) beacuse for life to have evolved on this planet there is a billion to one chance and I say yes there is a Creator. Many scientists see this too, for there to be life on any planet the conditions have to be exactly right and one wrong condition and life won't happen. Be it a single celled organism to a human being, for it to exist there has to be something out there somewhere that created it and us.
This post was edited on: 2011-02-27 at 06:28 PM by: Jacquie Curtis (Moderator)
6 Replies
This is an interesting question. I have heard some say that the beauty and complexity must undoubtedly point towards intelligent design behind our universe. On one hand, I have an issue with this argument, because it is greatly based on opinion. There are many people who don't think that the beauty and complexity of the universe points towards a creator. So is it that undeniable?
On the other hand, it seems as though the history of the human race has shown us that we have always had a great reverence for nature. The Romantic Period of literature in England (mid 1700's to mid 1800's) had an entire genre devoted to it, which they called "The Sublime". This described the indescribable feeling and heightened state of being that one was brought to while experiencing a particular aspect of nature (ie. mountains/stars) at a particular time (sunset/night). The Ancient Greeks attributed gods to all the aspects of nature as well, showing a reverence for the majesty and complexity of nature. I think that today, because we are coming to a greater understanding of nature, many think that there is less mystery, and this might be the cause of more individuals claiming a direct connection between science and atheism.
I personally believe that the beauty I have experienced seeing the low-laying winter sun illuminate the clouds and peaks of the Rocky Mountains in late December is the same beauty I have experienced in human relationships in which God was present, and it is the same beauty that I have experienced in my greatest times of spiritual need in which I approached God in prayer. The majesty of God is certainly present in nature and creation, but that exact same experience of His majesty can be present in both a relationship with Him, and relationships with others in which He is present. This to me, is not "proof", as it might not convince anyone but myself, but it is my fully justified reason to have faith.
I believe that it absolutely reveals something about a Creator. I believe He created a world that has the potential to continue to create beauty on its own and that the beauty found every day is not solely influenced by him directly. I still believe that God creates days and situations that are beautiful to a range of individuals but every situation that occurs today is not directly created by Him today. Furthermore, the beauty that is found in society is partially a product of God’s creation of the human mind but credit is also due to society. People are capable of creating beautiful acts of kindness that are touching and make the word a pleasant place. That being said society and individuals also have to potential to make the world seem less than desirable. God has presented us with an environment that will continue to display beauty on its own and since we are a part of God’s creation the onus is on us now to continue to make the world a beautiful place. Meanwhile He is still present to guide us in doing so.
I think I see what you're saying Alaina, but if I can, I'd like to politely disagree.
The Bible tells us that everything that is good comes from God, and nothing good is done or created apart from God. This is supported by Scripture:
1 John 4:7-8
"Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love."
Mark 10:18
"Jesus said to him, 'why do you call me good? No one is good but God alone.'"
I think this shows us that anything that is good or beautiful is directly influenced by God, because we wouldn't even know "beauty" or "goodness" apart from Him.
I have to agree with you guys. I think creation speaks loads about its Creator and his character. Who can resist feeling the smallness of humanity when faced with a ski overflowing with stars, or the raw power and might of an ocean storm. I cant help feel as though there is something greater when surrounded by the majesty of the mountains. Even upon a micro level we see very little is wasted space in a DNA strand, and the complexity of cells specializing and working together, both pointing towards some sense of intelligent design (although as mentioned this may be disputed).It seems as though creation acts as sign post, pointing towards something greater. Paul mentions this is Romans 1:19-20 “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made, so they are without excuse” (ESV) Part of the purpose of Creation or the Book of Nature is to point humanity towards the Creator. This has some cool implications. One of which is that through nature God is speaking to everyone (whether we accept it as him or not) and second it increases our responsibility as Christians to take care of nature, being good stewards of what God has given to us, pointing us towards him.
The Old Testament opens with the creation of the world.
Genesis 1:10 reads, And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
It continues on with description of what God places on the earth and the beautiful things that he supplies to man. A recurring line throughout these verses is "and God saw that it was good."
We are surrounded by things that are simple, and often go unnoticed, but that also supply the most beauty. The stillness of freshly fallen snow, or frosted trees. The lush, green grass after a rain. The rainbow and the scent left in the air from a rainfall. The tall mountains that stand majestically, and protectivey of the land. The change in colour of the leaves from summer into fall. All of these things are beautiful, and all of these things are reminders of God's love and existence. God wanted us to be happy and he wanted us to know that he was there. That is why he created the world the way that he did. The world is beautiful because of God, he made it with only the things that he saw to be good.
Crowley wrote:
This is an interesting question. I have heard some say that the beauty and complexity must undoubtedly point towards intelligent design behind our universe. On one hand, I have an issue with this argument, because it is greatly based on opinion. There are many people who don't think that the beauty and complexity of the universe points towards a creator. So is it that undeniable?
On the other hand, it seems as though the history of the human race has shown us that we have always had a great reverence for nature. The Romantic Period of literature in England (mid 1700's to mid 1800's) had an entire genre devoted to it, which they called "The Sublime". This described the indescribable feeling and heightened state of being that one was brought to while experiencing a particular aspect of nature (ie. mountains/stars) at a particular time (sunset/night). The Ancient Greeks attributed gods to all the aspects of nature as well, showing a reverence for the majesty and complexity of nature. I think that today, because we are coming to a greater understanding of nature, many think that there is less mystery, and this might be the cause of more individuals claiming a direct connection between science and atheism.
I personally believe that the beauty I have experienced seeing the low-laying winter sun illuminate the clouds and peaks of the Rocky Mountains in late December is the same beauty I have experienced in human relationships in which God was present, and it is the same beauty that I have experienced in my greatest times of spiritual need in which I approached God in prayer. The majesty of God is certainly present in nature and creation, but that exact same experience of His majesty can be present in both a relationship with Him, and relationships with others in which He is present. This to me, is not "proof", as it might not convince anyone but myself, but it is my fully justified reason to have faith.
Jesse,
Like what you say here overall.
I only disagree with the opinion, that some people you say hold, that thinks that there is less mystery today. I think the more we discover about the world, the more we realize there are many more things we do not know and I think the more knowledge that we acquire the further into the great mystery we can venture.
Overall, I agree with the idea of all creation reflecting the beauty of God.
Jesse Crowley
Feb 25, 2011 at 5:04 PM