In Chapter 2, Plantinga introduces us to the first leg of the CFR model of reformed doctrine: creation. In this chapter, he provides us with many interesting points about creation, including how it shows us as images of God and the implications of creation. I personally enjoyed this reading, because often I tend to focus more on the fall and redemption end of things instead of the creation. I sometimes have the attitude of "creation is not as important because it is in the past. The arguments even between Christians over the topic are not worth our time, because I long as believe created everything and as long as I remember that He is my creator, that is all that matters." But this section really reminded me of how wrong that thinking is. Creation is still revelant and crucial in our understanding of God and our relationship with Him.
First, creation shows us the ways in which we are made in the image of God. One way is through our responsible dominion over the earth. This dominion is not in the sense of conquering, but instead "in the sense of stewardship....dominion is never 'lording over'; it's more like'lording under' by way of support." Additionally, we are to "live in loving communion with each other." God demonstrates this Himself through the dynamics of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Finally, we image God because we share in suffering and death as Jesus did. And just like Jesus, we will one day be raised to new life.
Second, Plantinga provides eight implications of creation. These implications that include original goodness that deserves to be redeemed, that God created out of "goodness, power, and love," that God affirms the goodness of work and marriage, and that we need to maintain balance between our “individual and corporate identities,” just to name a few. I think these implications will serve as a good reminder that creation is still important today even though it happened a long time ago and that they ultimately serve as a testimony to the greatness of our God, who is both our Creator and Sustainer.
Cath,I think we would all agree that we focus more on the fall and redemption of creation. We understand and accept the fact that God created the universe, not some coincidental big bang, but we fail to understand what this truly means. Plantinga did a nice job at explaining this and you do a nice job of expanding on those ideas.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with your blog and the comment that we focus on the fall and redemption more. You did a good job of explaining what Plantinga was saying about how the creation is still important in our faith today. Good post.
ReplyDeleteI too was surprised to read all of the implications that creation has on the way we see things now. If we have a true understanding of creation, it changes the lens that we see everything out of now. I liked your remarks about the eight implications, they do indeed remind us about the modern importance of creation.
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