Who Formed the Earth, Part 1

Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya or “the smoke that thunders”), Zambian-Zimbabwian border, Source http://www.fourmilab.ch/images/eclipse_2001/africaimages.html, Author John Walker (PD by Permission)

There is a great deal of discussion these days about the environment.

Politicians argue over the extent of climatic and ecological damage, the degree to which human activities contribute, and what (if anything) should be done. Depending on their target constituency (and the PACs supporting them), they profess allegiance to evolution or creationism, at will.

A growing number of people actually view the globe as a living entity – not merely a complex set of interrelated ecosystems, but a god (Gaia).

As this battle of ideas and ideologies rages, Christians can look to the Bible for guidance.

Creation’s Origin in God

“For thus says the Lord, Who created the heavens, Who is God, Who formed the earth and made it, Who has established it, Who did not create it in vain, Who formed it to be inhabited: ‘I am the Lord, and there is no other…’ ” (Is. 45: 18).

Christians believe that all things ultimately originated with God. They regularly affirm this worldwide:

“I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible.”

– Excerpt, Nicene Creed

The Book of Genesis describes the process of creation. Some Christians believe this description to be literal. Others view Genesis as using poetic language to teach profound spiritual truths.

A belief in Gaia – no matter how culturally appealing – cannot be reconciled with either interpretation. We are to worship God, not His Creation.

God’s Glory in Creation

Creation reflects God’s glory, pointing us toward Him. The language used in the Bible for this is especially beautiful:

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What is man that You are mindful of him…” (Ps. 8: 3-4).

“Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders…The voice of the Lord is full of majesty” (Ps. 29: 2-4).

The phrase “The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders…” evokes the sight and sound of powerful waterfalls.

Yet God’s tenderness toward His Creation is repeatedly mentioned in Scripture:

“He [God] sends the springs into the valleys; They flow among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field; The wild donkeys quench their thirst. By them the birds of the heavens have their home; They sing among the branches. He waters the hills from His upper chambers; The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works” (Ps. 104: 10-13).

God’s Sovereignty Over Creation

Christians believe God to have authority over all His Creation, mankind included. This concept is again and again conveyed in Scripture.

An eloquent expression can be found in the Book of Job:

“ ‘Have you commanded the morning since your days began, And caused the dawn to know its place, That it might take hold of the ends of the earth, And the wicked be shaken out of it? It takes on form like clay under a seal…From the wicked their light is withheld, And the upraised arm is broken’ ” (Job 38: 12-13).

This statement of authority extends not only to order in the natural world, but justice in human dealings.

This series will conclude next week.

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