It encourages me to hear this resonates with others here. The one thing that I get the most from here is reading the thoughts of those who take the Word of God seriously. What is discussed here is very important: scientific integrity does matter. Open discourse is an essential part of this process. The whats, whens and hows of creation is not the key issue, however, and that we remember this--especially approaching Easter--is good. We have been sent into the world to glorify Him in doing what He's called us to do (endeavors in science and science education for many here) SECOND-- we are to bear witness to Him FIRST. It encourages me greatly to see this in so many of you here.
Howard
----- Original Message -----
From: Jonathan Clarke
Cc: asa@calvin.edu
Sent: Sunday, April 08, 2001 6:23 PM
Subject: Re: Answersingenesis
Hi Howard
Something you wrote struck a strong chord with me.
In the movie "Chariots of Fire", Eric Little told his sister, "When I run, I feel His pleasure." Likewise, I feel that when we use the capabilities He has given us as scientists to do the things He's called us to do (including anthropology, paleontology, physics, geology, biology, etc.) and we do those things seeking the truth for His glory, we feel His pleasure and can experience the awe of grasping-- though just in thimbles-full -- the excellence of His knowledge and wisdom. I, as most who subscribe here, believe God gave me a mind to use for His glory. In saying this I thus admit that having used that mind, I see a totally inadequate epistemological basis for YEC. I
This has always been my favourite part of "Chariots of Fire". Perhaps participation in the historical sciences is as controversial for evangelical Christians in our day as participation in sport was in the 1920's.
Faith involves (or should involve) a transfer of focus from the "I" to "Thou". Much of what passes as science-faith discussion seems to focus on the "I" and the "It". However personally some of the times I have felt closest to God is when I have been not the rocks, contemplating the history of of a mountain range of a region. I have very much experienced a consciousness of "Thinking God's thoughts after Him" (is that Bacon's phrase?). Contemplation of creation should lead to awe and then to worship of the creator. This was the experience of the psalmists based on their limited knowledge, we, who know so much more, should be able respond similarly.
Respectfully
Jon
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