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The Art of Creation

"It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. The repetition in Nature may not be a mere recurrence; it may be a theatrical encore."

G.K. Chesterton, Orthodoxy

I read a lot of science books, including writers from agnostic as well as Christian perspectives. Making that distinction seems odd because you would think that science is science from any perspective. But philosophy is often not far under the surface.

For instance, many writers imply that each scientific discovery, natural explanation, and uncovered cause erodes the need for a Creator. That somehow the things that we understand shorten the list of things for which we must give God credit. I think just the opposite is true. Knowledge does not cancel wonder, and wonder does not require ignorance.

Henry Drummond coined the concept of the "God of the Gaps," or, the lack of scientific explanation used as evidence for God. Lack of understanding is evidence only of my own weakness. I am much more interested in the "God of the Facts." The heavens (and everything under them) declare the glory of God, and every insight we gain into the inner workings of creation tells God's story in a way that's hard to find elsewhere.

As Drummond said, "Nature is God's handwriting. It can only tell the truth."

Why did God create stars that no human will ever see, and reaches of space that no human will ever perceive? This is so impractical and unnecessary. I have no idea why, but the facts reveal much about God's over-the-top love and abundant grace.

Sometimes you just have to gasp in wonder or even laugh out loud at God's awesome creation. I don't want to ask, "Should I be amazed, or is there a good scientific reason for this?" I am amazed and there is good scientific reason for this. Scientists my be among the world's best evangelists. Every fact that science uncovers makes man more humble and God more glorified.

Don't forget to stop and smell the daisies.

Read His, Read Hers
Read the Fallible take on this quote...

December 1, 2004 | Permalink

Comments

Very nice. You've outdone yourself.

Posted by: Rebecca on Dec 11, 2004 6:15:08 PM

loved your post.

Posted by: chad barker on Dec 11, 2004 6:16:55 PM

faith and science is so much more interesting when the mystery is part of it - i grew up in the 'stripped down' faith and science - just the facts ma'm - and i hated it. i love the unanswered questions, it adds beauty and depth - it makes a need for faith.

that chesterton quote is amazing, i love the picture of each individual flower bringing glory in it's similar uniqueness so much that he just keeps glorying in it's perfect wonder. gives me goosebumps!

thanks for commenting on my blog, i have read katy's blog for awhile, but just found your blog. beautiful template!

Posted by: bobbie on Dec 11, 2004 6:18:05 PM


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