Genesis, Theology & Evolution

 In the theological language of the ancient Middle East, the Genesis narrative conveys profound truths about the fall of man, the need for a savior, and the endowment of the likeness of God in a symbolic and allegorical manner. These truths can align with the knowledge of evolution when we interpret the biblical account in light of scientific understanding.

 

1. The Fall of Man:

In the Genesis narrative, the fall of man is depicted through the story of Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. They partake of the forbidden fruit, symbolizing the moment when humanity chose to go against God's divine will and introduced sin into the world. This act of disobedience brought about the separation between humanity and God.

 

In the context of evolution, we can understand the fall as a theological concept rather than a historical event. As humans evolved, our capacity for moral choice emerged, giving rise to the potential for disobedience and the consequences of sin. This interpretation allows us to appreciate the theological significance of the fall without dismissing the scientific understanding of human evolution.

 

2. The Need for a Savior:

The Genesis narrative hints at the need for a savior to redeem humanity from the consequences of sin. In Genesis 3:15, God speaks of the "seed of the woman" who will crush the serpent's head. This foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ as the ultimate Savior who would offer salvation to humanity.

In light of evolution, the need for a savior remains relevant. As humans evolved, the inherent brokenness and sinfulness became evident. The theological truth of the need for redemption and the transformative power of Christ's sacrifice aligns with the understanding that evolution does not erase the reality of sin and its consequences.

 

3. Endowment of the Likeness of God:

The Genesis narrative highlights that humanity is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This concept emphasizes our unique relationship with the divine, endowing us with moral responsibility, rationality, and the capacity for relationship with God and others.

 

In the context of evolution, this theological truth remains significant. As humans evolved and developed higher cognitive abilities, we can understand the image of God as representing our unique qualities and spiritual nature, setting us apart from other creatures. This concept can align with the knowledge of evolution, recognizing the special place of humanity in God's creation.

By approaching the Genesis narrative as conveying theological truths through symbolic language, we can appreciate how the fall of man, the need for a savior, and the endowment of the likeness of God can be reconciled with the knowledge of evolution. This harmonious perspective invites us to embrace both the profound insights of faith and the discoveries of science, leading us to a deeper understanding of our place in God's grand design.

Theological points to reconcile to accept Evolution as a Christian

When the topic of evolution is broached in most evangelical circles, most congregants either get uncomfortable or antagonistic. Below are a few theological topics that need to be addressed by anyone attempting to reconcile evolution with their faith. If you are seeking for ways to do this for your own edification, I welcome you to consider this framework of theistic evolution. If, on the other hand you are looking to fight with someone intellectually over the topic, you will find sharper theological and scientific minds spread across the internet willing to spar with you (Including the previous Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams). I also recommend the book The Evolution of Adam by Peter Enns. 

1. Non-literal Interpretation of Genesis:

In this framework, we recognize that the creation accounts in Genesis carry profound theological truths rather than being strictly historical narratives. Genesis 1:27 affirms, "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." Here, we see the emphasis on humanity's special status as created in the image of God, highlighting our inherent dignity and purpose.

 

2. God's Ongoing Creative Process:

God's continuous creative activity is evident throughout the Bible. Psalm 104:30 declares, "When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground." This passage reminds us that God's Spirit is ever-present, renewing and sustaining creation, including the evolutionary processes that unfold over time.

 

3. Emergence of Consciousness and Morality:

The emergence of human consciousness and moral discernment finds echoes in various biblical passages. Proverbs 20:27 states, "The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one's inmost being." This verse speaks to the profound depths of human consciousness, illuminated by the divine presence.

 

4. Original Blessing:

The idea of original blessing is woven into the biblical narrative, emphasizing the goodness of God's creation. Psalm 139:14 proclaims, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." This verse reflects the awe and gratitude for God's handiwork in forming each human being.

 

5. The Fall as Moral Turning Point:

While the fall of man is not depicted as a historical event in this framework, its theological significance is profound. Romans 3:23 reminds us, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This verse underscores the universal reality of human sinfulness, regardless of its evolutionary origins.

 

6. The Universality of Sin:

The universality of sin is addressed throughout Scripture. Ecclesiastes 7:20 states, "Indeed, there is no one on earth who is righteous, no one who does what is right and never sins." This passage emphasizes the inherent fallenness of humanity and the need for redemption.

 

7. Jesus Christ and Redemption:

The central message of the Bible is the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3:18 proclaims, "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ offers reconciliation and restoration for all humanity.

 

8. Spiritual Evolution:

This point may seem not to be needed, but God's work must be refelcted in the work of salvation. This is seen with many metaphores, but if God used evolution as a method to spawn his beings of relationship, this must be explored. Spiritual growth and transformation are integral to the Christian journey. 2 Corinthians 3:18 states, "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." This verse reflects the process of spiritual evolution as believers are conformed to the likeness of Christ.

 

9. Theological Mystery:

In embracing this framework, we humbly acknowledge that certain theological aspects remain mysterious and beyond our full comprehension. Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever." Embracing the mystery of faith while holding fast to the revealed truths allows us to grow in awe and wonder before the divine mystery.

 

May this framework inspire us to read the Bible with fresh eyes, embracing the richness of both scientific understanding and theological insights. Let us approach Scripture with humility, seeking to discern God's timeless truths, and living out our faith in harmony with God's ongoing creative work in the world.

Evolution and the Christian Faith (A reflection)

Dear truth and wisdom seekers, As we embark on our journey to explore the relationship between faith, reason, and God's creation, we should approach the reading of the Bible with open hearts and minds. The Scriptures are a treasure trove of divine wisdom, containing valuable insights that can only be unlocked through the harmonious interweaving of different perspectives. We must approach the sacred texts with humility and reverence. The Bible is not just human literature; it is a divine revelation, inviting us to explore the depths of God's wisdom. The Genesis narratives should not be limited to rigid literalism. Instead, we should embrace the symbolic language and allegorical interpretations woven throughout the biblical stories. Doing so helps us uncover timeless truths that resonate with profound insights into God's ongoing creative work and the beauty of His handiwork within evolution. We should rejoice and marvel at the wonders of God's creation. Evolution is not a threat to our faith but an awe-inspiring reflection of God's continuous creative activity. Science provides evidence of God's fingerprints upon the natural world. The concept of the fall of man offers us a deeper understanding of the human condition. It becomes a metaphorical exploration of our moral struggles and the universal longing for reconciliation with God. Alongside this, the idea of original blessing, emphasizing the inherent goodness and divine image within humanity, reminds us of our inherent dignity and purpose. However, it is ultimately in the person of Jesus Christ that we encounter the ultimate source of redemption and hope. His life, death, and resurrection offer a path to reconciliation and restoration, bridging the gap between our brokenness and God's boundless love. As we seek understanding, we must embrace the dialogue between science and faith, recognizing that both are gifts from God. By delving into the mysteries of creation, we aim to uncover spiritual truths that illuminate our souls. Yet, we must remain humble, acknowledging that God's wisdom transcends our finite minds. There will always be aspects of faith and creation that elude our full comprehension, and that is where faith takes root. Reading the Bible in light of this conversation allows us to discover a richer tapestry of divine revelation. The Scriptures and the natural world complement one another, inviting us to embrace the unity of faith and reason. In this synthesis, we find a more profound understanding of God's truth, leading us to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one another as ourselves. May we read the Bible with awe and gratitude, ever seeking to draw closer to God. May the wisdom gained from this journey shape our lives in joyful service and worship.

In the next entry, I have outlined a few critical junctures in theology that at first may seem to be issues within this approach to embracing evolution in God's plan, but I believe they assist us in coming to a better understanding of God's purpose and plan. With love and blessings,

Johnny Savage

The "Thousand Brain" theory of consciousness & the Trinity

Jeff Hawkins explores the "Thousand Brain" theory of consciousness in his recent book and off-handedly identifies two aspects of the self: the narrating self and the experiencing self. These aspects do not arise solely from individual cortical columns but emerge collectively from various parts of the brain. The narrating self tells a person's story and shapes their future, while the experiencing self relates to immediate self-awareness.

I propose that consciousness also involves abstract thought, which encompasses ideals such as integrity and ontology. These concepts go beyond direct, tangible experience.

Interestingly, these three aspects of consciousness align with the theological description of the Trinity. The Trinity is made up of three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) as one entity (the Godhead), who work in harmony.

The Father, who represents authority, corresponds to the abstract mind, which determines right from wrong and sets the will based on grand concepts and ideals.

The narrating self corresponds to the Son, Christ, who is often referred to as the Logos - the embodiment of the word and narrative. The narrative of redemption and future prophecy can be found in Christ.

The Holy Spirit's role relates to the experiencing self. It serves as our connection to the Godhead, assisting us in times of need, helping us express our prayers, and guiding us through life's challenges.

As neuroscience advances, integrating these concepts into theology presents a challenge for Christianity. If we are not singular individuals, what theological principles or scriptures can guide us in developing a moral framework? The Trinity's theology demonstrates that multiple persons can work together towards a common goal through effective communication.

To become Christ-like, we must strive to unite the will of the three persons into one. Even if neuroscience reveals more than three aspects of consciousness, the omnipotent and omnipresent nature of the Father, along with the Holy Spirit's assistance to all Christians, diversifies this divine being. This means that no matter the number of individual neural activities in the human brain, to come to a consensus as a human and strive to align all activities to the "Prime Directive" of living according to the Father's format for a moral life. 

Reflecting on the concept of the Trinity can offer valuable insights into how we perceive and interact with the world. Just as the Trinity represents a harmonious interaction between three distinct persons, the various aspects of consciousness - the narrating self, the experiencing self, and abstract thought - must work seamlessly together to form a cohesive sense of self-awareness and understanding. The narrating self, similar to Christ as the Logos and the Word, provides a continuous narrative that shapes our understanding of our past, present, and future. This storytelling allows us to make sense of our experiences, establish personal identity, and envision possibilities for the future. The experiencing self, like the Holy Spirit as a helper, serves as a real-time guide to navigate through life's challenges and joys. It connects us to our immediate sensations, emotions, and responses to the world, grounding us in the present moment and fostering a deeper connection to our experiences. The abstract thought aspect of consciousness, like the Father's authority and grander concepts in the Trinity, enables us to ponder ideals, values, and philosophical questions. It allows us to contemplate morality, integrity, and other abstract principles that go beyond the boundaries of tangible reality. Through abstract thought, we can develop a moral compass and discern between right and wrong. As we advance in neuroscience, we may find opportunities to enrich our theological understanding and spiritual practices. Embracing the complexity and interconnectedness of the human brain and consciousness can lead to a more nuanced comprehension of the divine nature and the relationship between humanity and the divine. Moreover, the Trinity's model of effective communication and cooperation among distinct persons can offer valuable lessons in how individuals can better understand and relate to each other. Emphasizing the interconnectedness of these aspects of consciousness may encourage empathy, compassion, and respect for diverse perspectives, fostering a sense of unity among humanity. In conclusion, Jeff Hawkins' exploration of the "Thousand Brain" theory of consciousness and its connection to the theological concept of the Trinity provides a compelling perspective on the complexity of human cognition and spirituality. As we continue to delve into the mysteries of the brain, let us remain open to the potential intersections between science and faith, seeking a deeper understanding of both ourselves and the divine.