Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Taurus Mountains | mountains, Turkey | Britannica     "Just look out the window, and you'll see God."  I've heard this phrase, or variants of it, dozens of times.  For those with any familiarity with Christian theology, you know that this sentiments refers to the idea of general revelation, that is, communications from God comprehensible to anyone who cares to listen.  In this, the fact of the natural world speaks constantly to the presence of God.
     On the other hand, quite a bit of this idea's intelligibility hinges on the attitude, mindset, or worldview of those who are listening.  Not everyone who looks at the natural world will draw the conclusion that God exists.  The composer Joseph Haydn's stirring oratorio, based on Psalm 19, that, "The heavens are telling the glory of God," is the expression of one who already believes God is there.  However much they may rejoice in the beauty of the natural world, many will nonetheless not connect it to God.  Why would they?
     So we're left with this.  We all experience, to some degree, astonishment or wonder when we look at the natural world.  We therefore need to consider why we do.  What is it about us that causes us to marvel at such beauty?  Moreover, how did such beauty come to be?
     How we answer determines, and leverages, everything.  In every way.

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