The teachings of Philip G. Roets & Lois Roets
Unpublished Letter to the Editor
Philip G. Roets STL, SSL
Quite frequently, the notions of creation in the Bible and the facts of evolution in science are presented as diametrically opposed. Parents and school boards get into a great tizzy because the children are being taught ideas against their religion in the science and history classes at school. In response, someone attempts to show how these two ideas can be reconciled or made to harmonize.
I find this approach fruitless, empty and often ridiculous. It makes as much sense to me as taking the word "ark" in the account of the flood and comparing this vessel to a modern ocean liner. Then we would try to answer all the problems that would arise from such a comparison.
The creation discussions start with the idea that the writers in the Bible were trying to defend the power of Yahweh against some enemies. There was never any doubt in the mind of the Biblical writers that all things had their origin in God. They did not have the slightest idea how God carried on this work of creation. They were interested not in the "HOW" but in the "WHY." They didn't care in the least whether Yahweh took some preexisting matter and formed new things, or whether he created from nothing. This point does not become an issue until the very last centuries before the Christian era. It resulted from the attempt to make the thoughts of the Biblical writers harmonize with the ideas of the Greek philosophers.
Then the Biblical writers made a simple clear statement (Wis. 11:17). All things were made by God in the beginning from "HYLE AMORPHE" — "FORMLESS MATTER." There were no theories as to how such a thing was possible. They just stated their ideas as a fact and went on to the question "WHY."
To answer this question "WHY" we have to take the word that is used for producing the whole of creation in the beginning. The word is "BARA." It is a verb that shows the influence of Aramaic. The root is "BAR," the Aramaic word for "SON." To this word is attached an "ALEPH" to turn it into a verb. Thus "BARA" means to "BEGET A SON."
"BARA" points to God as the Father of the whole universe. All things were made to manifest the FATHERHOOD of God in the BROTHERHOOD of mankind or in the FAMILY OF MAN. This is the "WHY" of all creation as seen in the opening account of Genesis. The verb is used three times in that opening account: 1:1, 1:21, 1:27.
The Biblical writers are not the least bit concerned at this time whether this work came about by a long process of evolution or whether it was an instantaneous action. These writers wanted to make sure that everyone understood "WHY" God had acted. God wanted to point out that all things are to be a manifestation of his FATHERHOOD and establish the FAMILY of MANKIND on the earth.
So, what should be the point of a discussion on creation or the origin of the universe in any group or classroom today? The point or purpose should be to learn whether we are achieving the purpose of creation: i.e. do the actions of people in society, today, reflect the growing reality of the family of mankind? Are we growing closer to each other with more understanding and love of each other? Do we see any open injustice or violation of personal rights in our society today? Are there any crimes committed in our world today? If injustice, crime, unhappiness and hatred are seen, then we are failing to accomplish the basic purpose of the universe. It is not a question of where we came from so much as it should be a question of WHERE WE ARE HEADED.
Is there any friction between the Bible and Science? Is there a danger if children are asked to study both? The answer is an obvious "NO." All the writings of the Old Testament period talk about this Fatherhood of Yahweh, and how this concept or reality should bring all mankind to a real community. The New Testament starts off with the stories of two very strong-willed men trying to teach and put these ideas into practice. One is called JOHN, THE BAPTIST. The other is JESUS.
These two men are cousins and their mothers are very close friends. So we can be sure they spent a lot of time together as children and young adults. When John is 30, he steps out on his own and emphasizes how everyone should have a complete "CHANGE OF HEART" if they wish to share in the Kingdom of the Father.
Six months later when Jesus is 30, he goes to see John in his public work and begins his own mission of teaching and preaching. His message is primarily how this Fatherhood of Yahweh is to be established in the Brotherhood of Mankind. He performs a lot of spectacular signs to get the attention of the people. Then he stresses the greatest and most powerful sign to others will be the harmony, love and sharing that will be seen in his followers.
How does science fit into this picture? Science is the study of the world around us and how all parts and elements can work together. Many of the findings of science that we take for granted, today, would have been considered impossible gibberish at the turn of the century. Yet, today, they are realities because the scientists discovered the harmony that was sown into the universe from the beginning. The more science discovers and learns, the more we understand the wisdom of the Father who put these elements in the universe from the beginning.
Instead of talking about a false antagonism between science and the Bible, show how each advance in science is a deeper understanding of the plan that has been there from the beginning. Instead of being afraid of friction between the knowledge of science and the knowledge of the Bible, read both as they are and don't read any false or twisted ideas into either.