The Creation

Where did we come from? Why are we here?  I am a stay-at-home mother, and I know the answers to these questions that have boggled the minds of some of the greatest scientists on earth. I find myself extraordinarily grateful to know the answers to these profound questions, especially since we live in this "advanced modern age" where science and technology are coming head-to-head with faith and religion. 

Knowing who we are, and where we come from, is of eternal importance. I cannot imagine trying to wade through this world without the knowledge of who I am -- a Child of God. 

The Great Debate

Last night I watched the debate on Creation vs. Evolution, with Ken Ham and Bill Nye. It was fascinating to watch and listen to their arguments. It was interesting for me to view the contrast between having faith and having facts. They both had good arguments on the subject, and presented much to think about. They were both well spoken, eloquent, and convincing. 

Each debater had some pieces of truth. I just wish that instead of a debate, they could have had a discussion about the compatibility between science and faith, rather than pitting them against each other -- there is room for both! I just found myself so tremendously grateful to have the fullness of the gospel, and the ability to decipher truth, through the power of discernment. I found myself smiling at the screen saying, "There is an answer for both of you!" (For answers go to: www.lds.org or www.mormon.org. Or read The Book of Mormon, and learn about the fullness of the gospel that exists within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.) 

The discussion was very interesting for me, since I am teaching the Old Testament in our Gospel Doctrine class at church. I just taught a lesson on the Creation, and so it is very fresh in my mind. I love learning about the beauty and majesty of the Creation. I feel it takes life down to the very basics of our existence, and at the same time allows the mind and spirit to grasp eternal and glorious concepts, like who we are, and how we got here. 

If you don't know, or understand, or care about these concepts -- then what is it that you live for? I don't know. 

Here are some of the questions from the debate, and my thoughts. 

How was the Earth Created? 

We have the account of the Creation in Genesis, which is further explained in the Book of Moses and Abraham. (Read them!) We know that God is all-powerful and the Supreme Creator. We know who was involved in the Creation, and in what order the Creation took place. 

But the reality is, we do not know exactly how, in great detail, that God created the Earth -- there are, indeed, mysteries. (Very, very, exciting mysteries!) But one day, we will know all things, upon the Savior's return.  And the important thing is not knowing how God created the Earth, the important thing is that we know He did create the earth. I certainly have questions about how all things were created, I love asking questions, and gathering knowledge, I am looking forward to finding out how. But these questions do not get in the way of my faith. There are answers, and one day, I will have them. 

We also do not know the length of time required for the Creation. The term day in the scriptural account of the Creation does not represent a 24-hour time period. The Hebrew word yom can be translated as "day," "time," or "period." The Apostle Peter said that "one day is with the Lord as a thousand years." (Gospel Doctrine manual, page 11).  

I may not know all the "how" details, regarding the Creation, but I do know with absolute certainty that God the Father is our Supreme Creator. And we are created in His image and His likeness. I have seen too much to ever deny it. 

How can I know these things? How can I prove these things? Well, I went directly to my Heavenly Father and asked Him -- The Source of all wisdom, light, and truth -- and you can too! He will answer you, if you sincerely want to know. 

Was the Earth Created out of Nothing? 

The Gospel Doctrine manual states: "The word create came from the Hebrew word baurau which does not mean to create out of nothing it means to organize; the same as a man would organize materials and build a ship. Hence, we infer that God had materials to organize the world out of chaos -- chaotic matter." 

The world was organized out of materials -- not created out of nothing! 

I cannot tell you how much this reality from the Book of Abraham (Abraham 3:24; 4:1)  makes sense to me, and gives me great peace. If you are to create, or build something, you need materials to work with. 

For example, last night I asked Daniel to sit on the empty floor and build me a Lego castle without using any Legos. Obviously, he could not. But what if I dumped a bunch of Legos in front of him, could he organize, build, and create them into a Castle? Sure! No problem! 

Our Heavenly Father is a God of wisdom and order. 

Who are we, and why are we here?

For the answer go: HERE 

The Plan of Salvation, that is the answer. (See link above for full information.) Mortal birth was not the beginning, and mortal death is not the end! Believing that I am anything but an eternal being with ultimate and eternal potential, would be very degrading to who I really am. And I do know who I am. I am a daughter of God. And you can know who you are too! Heavenly Father is there, waiting for you to turn to Him, and ask! 

What would change your mind about your beliefs? (This question was asked to both debaters.) 

Ken Ham (in favor of creation) basically said nothing would change his beliefs, and if you want to know for yourself if God is our Creator, then ask Him and He will tell you. Bill Nye (in favor of evolution) said, show me some evidence, PROVE to me there is a God, show me anything to PROVE He created the earth, and I will believe. 

I was trying to think where I had heard that before, and then I remembered... Read: HERE. (The Book of Alma, Chapter 30.) We read Chapter 30 for scripture study last night as a family, and discussed both the beauty of science and the Creation. And how all things denote there is a God. Yes, even scientific discoveries! We also discussed how we should not challenge God to show us a sign of His power and existence -- you might just get what you ask for! 

Here is a bit of that passage in The Book of Mormon that struck me very deeply after listening to the debate… the similarities between the debate and Alma 30 were pretty interesting! 

43 And now Korihor said unto Alma: If thou wilt show me a ^asign, that I may be convinced that there is a God, yea, show unto me that he hath power, and then will I be convinced of the truth of thy words.

44 But Alma said unto him: Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of ^aall these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the ^bearth, and ^call things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its ^dmotion, yea, and also all the^eplanets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.

I encourage you to watch the debate, and read Alma 30. 

I love The Book of Mormon.

I love the Bible, and all the Scriptures, and Modern Revelation through the Prophet, and the clarity that is available through study and faith. How grateful I am to know who I am, and what I am doing here on this earth. There is much that I do not know about the Cosmos, but I do know that there are answers -- some answers we can find now, and some we will have to wait for. 

I do know that I am not lost, I am not random, or descended from animals. I was created in the similitude of my Heavenly Father. I am His daughter. He loves me.

I want you to know that I know God lives, and that He is the Supreme Creator. I marvel at all things He has made for us to cherish and enjoy. There is living proof of His existence all around us, take the time to look and see all that He has done for us. There is room for both science and religion when it comes to understanding where we come from, and how the Earth was created. But when it comes down to it, all things require faith. When it comes down to it, you have to ask yourself if you believe. 

 "Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important." - C.S. Lewis 

For more on the Creation go: HERE