Interpreting the opposite poles in theology is discussed
The Rev. Alexander Jalso Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25. Text: “since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – HIS ETERNAL POWER AND DIVINE NATURE – HAVE BEEN CLEARLY SEEN, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:19-20. And: “Cast all your anxiety on (God) because HE CARES FOR YOU.” 1 Peter 5:7.
We can approach almost every issue from various directions. The viewpoint we use has bearings on our conclusion. (Think about politics.) This time I wish to place next to each other COSMOLOGY, as the scientists interpret it, and the DIVINE PROVIDENCE, as the individuals experience it. Cosmology is, according to the dictionary: “the scientific study of the form, content, organization, and evolution of the universe.” Also: “dealing with the origin and structure of the universe.” Webster New World College Dictionary.
KNOWLEDGE VERSUS FAITH, LOGIC VERSUS EXPERIENCE, THINKING VERSES FEELING.
WHERE RESEARCH, EXPERIMENT, SCIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, AND LOGIC MAY LEAD US.
Scientists, especially astrophysicists and biologists, as a result of their research and investigations, presume an INTELLIGENT DESIGNER, a PRIME MOVER, an ABSOLUTE POWER being behind the BIG BANG, the beginning of the universe. The academia is divided into two groups, one that presupposes that an intelligent power has to be behind the origin of our planetary system, and the other one professes evolution based on random mutation, following Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection.
I am reading a book – and I highly recommend it for you to read – that influenced me: “Lee Strobel: The Case for a Creator. A journalist investigates scientific evidence that points toward God.” Zondervan publication. Copyright 2004.
A quotation from the book: “Whichever way I looked, the inference of design seemed inescapable. If ours is the only universe in existence, which is a logical conclusion based on the evidence, then its highly sophisticated fine-tuning cries out for a designer.” Page 150. Will you agree with the author of this book or not, is your privilege. You are entitled to have your own views and convictions. It is sure that science has mad tremendous progress and discoveries during the last few decades. Apostle Paul had already predicted that the created world could lead us to recognize God. Please see the first part of our text, Romans 1:19-20.
THE SAD, DISAPPOINTING AND HEARTBREAKING EXPERIENCES OF THE UNFORTUNATES.
After the disastrous and catastrophic aftermath of hurricane Katrina we can feel the validity of this question: HOW COULD GOD PERMIT IT? The second part of our text says: “Cast all your anxiety on (God) because he cares for you.”
Theology has a special expression for God’s care, namely: DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
How should we understand, interpret and explain divine providence? A very simple example will be a great help. When a father, as a wage earner, provides for his family, does it mean he does everything alone for his beloved ones? Cooks the meal, cleans the house, finishes the homework of his children and goes to the doctor when his wife has the appointment? Would and should God totally take over our affairs?
We would be happy to interpret the divine providence in this way seeing our own interest; when God cares for us it should mean 100 percent guarantee, miraculous escape, emergency exit, insurance policy with full value replacement, total protection, spiritual healing, inexhaustible financial assistance, warning in due time, always gentle and effective, always forgiving and never hurt, always dependable and generous as well. What should the divine providence mean in your case? All of the above?
On the other hand, our obligation would be minimal, worship Him whenever we have time (the churches are not attractive), be his witness (people do not like to hear religious stuff), spread the gospel (it is the clergy’s responsibility), be forgiving (not after that insult), be helpful (my own problems are enough) and live according to his commandments (we do not live in the Middle Ages anymore).
Our first corrective step is: “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.