Continuing our discussion of simplicity, it seems fruitful first to develop a theology of creation. This will give a better context to understand the nature of the simple Christian life.
I think evangelicals’ greatest misunderstanding of the Bible comes because they have never understood Genesis 1 and 2. When we open to Genesis 1 and 2, immediately we start thinking about: Is the earth created in a literal 24-hour period or was it created in 6 long periods of time? Are these questions important? Of course they are. But is this what the text screams when you read Genesis for the first time? For some of us it is because we have been trained to think in Greek terms and not like the Hebrews. They weren’t thinking: Wow, I wonder if evolutionary theory had a place in the development of early species.
The Hebrews read Genesis through the eyes of redeemed people, not through scientific eyes. They were not interested in the age of the universe; they were interested in how they were to live, now that they have been redeemed.
Let me offer you what they found when they read Genesis. This is just a synopsis. If you are interested in something more thorough I can give you something I wrote a few years ago on this topic.
1) The Hebrews read Genesis and noted that creation was an act of God. It was created ex nihilo-out of nothing. This means that the pagan gods had nothing to do with it. Remember the Ancient Near Eastern context they lived. They battled constantly with false gods.
2) They noticed that throughout the progression of Genesis 1 God unfolded His plan for creation. In Gen. 1 they were to find a model for how they were to live and what God required of them.
3) They saw that God took His time in preparing creation for His creatures. He could have simply breathed in one second and everything would have been in place. But he chose to separate day and night so they could serve as signs and seasons for the Israelites when they traveled through the desert.
4) Then they remembered that God was going to give them the stewardship of the garden.
5) When all was finished, the Hebrews noticed that God creates man and woman and says: HERE! I spent a lot of time preparing this and now it’s yours to care for and to have dominion over. Continue reading “A Theology of Simplicity, Part 2”