The Story We Find Ourselves In (Part 1). . .

. . . and that story is not just our story, perhaps even more, it is God's story.  In this first week in the series, Pastor Chris reflects with us on God's choices, God's work, God's way of doing things, and the creation that emerged out of all of this as God's story continues to unfold.  Whatever else we may find in the book of Genesis, it is primarily story . . . which makes the reading of it both interesting and challenging, for the language of science to which we are so accustomed is not quite the same as the language of Biblical story. 

(To refresh your recollection, you can listen to the sermon again by going to www.calimesasda.com and selecting the sermon / media library option on the left side of the web page).

(You might even want to read through Genesis 1 & 2 again and reflect on the creation story you find there)

Older Traditional Creation Stories

It is interesting to notice how the Biblical Creation story compares and contrasts with other traditional creation stories.  Click here on Other Creation Stories if you would like to explore some of the other stories of creation that have been told.

• What features or elements in these stories are similar or parallel to the Biblical creation story?

• What about the Biblical creation story is unique and thus stands out when contrasted with the other creation stories?

• As you reflect on the two questions above, be sure to consider not only the parts and players in the stories, but also the themes and what seems to motivate the characters as they they interact.

Newer Scientific Ways of Story Telling

    In his book (co-authored with Gerald Wheeler) The Book of Beginnings:  Creation and the Promise of Redemption, Ben Clausen reminds us about how science and scripture may tell their stories using a different kind of language and in different ways.  For example, in contrast to scientific observation, literary works (stories)may use language that:

• Uses metaphor and simile

• Describes natural phenomena in terms of what they resemble

• Is not intended to be "scientific" but is for the average person

• Is not intended to correct or change all cultural perceptions or mis-perceptions of the time in which the story was told or written

• (you can read more about all this in the book)

Yet, this does not mean that the Bible and science are incompatable.  In fact, science emerged out of a Christian culture which placed value on the idea of a God who opperated according to laws that could be understood, making the whole idea of natural law and a world that was worthy of study reasonable.  Being a Christian scientist, conflicts and complexities not withstanding, is not an oxymorn!