| An Affirmation of Creation |
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The International Faith & Science Conferences 2002-2004 report of the
Organizing Committee to the General Conference Executive Committee through
the office of the General Conference President, September 10, 2004.
Introduction
The very first words of the Bible provide the foundation for all that follows. “In
the beginning God created the heavens and the earth…” Gen 1:1. Throughout
Scripture the Creation is celebrated as coming from the hand of God who is
praised and adored as Maker and Sustainer of all that is. “The
heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”—Ps
19:1 NIV
From this view of the world flows a series of interlocking doctrines that
lie at the core of the Seventh-day Adventist message to the world: a
perfect world without sin and death created not long ago; the Sabbath; the
fall of our first parents; the spread of sin, decay and death to the whole
creation; the coming of Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, to live among us and
rescue us from sin by His death and resurrection; the Second Coming of Jesus,
our Creator and Redeemer; and the ultimate restoration of all that was lost
by the Fall.
As Christians who take the Bible seriously and seek to live by its precepts
Seventh-day Adventists have a high view of nature. We believe that even
in its present fallen state nature reveals the eternal power of God (Rom 1:20),
that “‘God is love’ is written upon every opening bud, upon
every spire of springing grass.”—Ellen G White, Steps to Christ,
p 10
For us, all Scripture is inspired and tests all the other ways, including
nature, through which God reveals Himself. We have great respect for
science, and applaud the prominence of science departments in our institutions
of higher learning and healthcare. We also value the work of Seventh-day
Adventist scientists and researchers not employed by the church. We train
students at our colleges and universities how to employ the scientific method
rigorously. At the same time, we refuse to restrict our quest for truth
to the constraints imposed by the scientific method alone.
The Question of Origins
For centuries, at least in the Christian world, the Bible story of creation
was the standard explanation for questions about origins. During the
18th and 19th centuries the methodologies of science resulted in a growing
understanding of how things worked. Today no one can deny that science
has made a remarkable impact on our lives through advances in the areas of
agriculture, communication, ecology, engineering, genetics, health, and space
exploration.
In many areas of life, knowledge derived from nature and knowledge from divine
revelation in Scripture appear to be in harmony. Advances in scientific
knowledge often confirm and validate the views of faith. However, in
regard to the origin of the universe, of the earth, and of life and its history,
we encounter contradictory worldviews. Assertions based on a study of
Scripture often stand in stark contrast to those arising from the scientific
assumptions and methodologies used in the study of nature. This tension
has a direct impact on the life of the church, its message and witness.
We celebrate the life of faith. We advocate a life of learning. Both
in the study of Scripture and in the orderly processes of nature we see indicators
of the Creator’s marvelous mind. Since its earliest days the Seventh-day
Adventist Church has encouraged the development of mind and understanding through
the disciplines of worship, education, and observation.
In earlier decades the discussion of theories on origins primarily occurred
in academic settings. However, philosophical naturalism (wholly natural,
random and undirected processes over the course of time) has gained wide acceptance
in education and forms the basic assumption for much that is taught in the
natural and social sciences. Seventh-day Adventist members and students
encounter this view and its implications in many areas of daily life.
In its statement of fundamental beliefs the Seventh-day Adventist Church affirms
a divine creation as described in the biblical narrative of Genesis 1. “God
is Creator of all things, and has revealed in Scripture the authentic account
of His creative activity. In six days the Lord made ‘the heaven
and the earth’ and all living things upon the earth, and rested on the
seventh day of that first week. Thus He established the Sabbath as a perpetual
memorial of His completed creative work. The first man and woman were made
in the image of God as the crowning work of Creation, given dominion over the
world, and charged with responsibility to care for it. When the world was finished
it was ‘very good,’ declaring the glory of God.”—Gen
1; 2; Ex 20:8-11; Ps 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Heb 11:3
Reasons for the Faith and Science Conferences
Because of the pervasive and growing influence of the theory of evolution,
the General Conference Executive Committee (2001 Annual Council) authorized
a three-year series of Faith and Science conferences. These conferences
were not called to modify the Church’s long-held position on creation
but to review the contributions and limitations that both faith and science
bring to our understanding of origins.
The principal reasons that led to the convening of these conferences involved:
- Philosophical questions: An ever-present challenge exists in
defining the relationship between theology and science, between that of faith
and reason. Are these two streams of knowledge in partnership or in conflict? Should
they be viewed as interactive or are they independent, non-overlapping spheres
of knowledge? The dominant worldview in most modern societies interprets
life, physical reality, and behavior in ways that are markedly different from
the Christian worldview. How should a Christian relate to these things?
- Theological questions: How is the Bible to be interpreted? What
does a plain reading of the text require of a believer? To what extent
should knowledge from science inform or shape our understanding of Scripture
and vice-versa?
- Scientific questions: The same data from nature are available
to all observers. What do the data say or mean? How shall we arrive
at correct interpretations and conclusions? Is science a tool or a philosophy? How
do we differentiate between good and bad science?
- The issue of nurture and education for church members: How
is a church member to deal with the variety of interpretations of the Genesis
record? What does the church have to say to those who find in their educational
curriculum ideas that conflict with their faith? Maintaining silence
concerning such issues sends mixed signals; it creates uncertainty and provides
fertile ground for unwarranted and dogmatic views.
- Development of living faith: Clarification and reaffirmation
of a Bible-based theology of origins will equip members with a framework for
dealing with challenges on this topic. The Faith and Science Conferences
were not convened simply for the intellectual stimulation of attendees, but
as an opportunity to provide orientation and practical guidance for church
members. The church cannot pretend to keep its beliefs in a safe place,
secure from all challenge. In doing so they will soon become relics. Church
teachings must engage and connect with the issues of the day so that they
remain a living faith; otherwise they will amount to nothing more than dead
dogma.
The Faith and Science Conferences
Two International Faith and Science Conferences were held—in Ogden,
Utah 2002, and in Denver, Colorado 2004—with widespread international
representation from theologians, scientists, and Church administrators. In
addition seven1 of the church’s thirteen divisions conducted division-wide
or regional conferences dealing with the interaction of faith and science in
explanations about origins. The Organizing Committee expresses appreciation
to the participants at these conferences for their contributions to this report.
The Ogden conference agenda was designed to acquaint attendees with the
range of ways in which both theology and science offer explanations for the
origin of the earth and life. The agendas for conferences in divisions
were determined by the various organizers, although most included several
of the topics dealt with in Ogden. The recent conference in Denver
was the concluding conference of the three-year series. Its agenda
began with summaries of the issues in theology and science, then moved on
to several questions regarding faith-science issues in church life. These
questions included:
- The on-going place of scholarship in the church. How
does the church maintain the confessional nature of its teachings while
being open to further development in its understanding of truth?
- Educational models for dealing with controversial subjects and the ethical
issues involved for teachers and church leaders. How shall we
teach science courses in our schools in a way that enriches, rather
than erodes, faith?
- What ethical considerations come into focus when
private conviction differs from denominational teaching? How
does personal freedom of belief interface with one’s public role
as a leader in the church? In
other words, what are the principles of personal accountability and
the ethics of dissent?
- What are the administrative responsibilities
and processes in dealing with variations in, or re-expressions of,
doctrinal views?
Scholarly papers by theologians, scientists, and educators were presented
and discussed in all the conferences. (The Geoscience Research Institute
maintains a file of all papers presented at the conferences.) The Ogden
and Denver conferences involved at least some representation from every division
of the world field. Well over 200 persons participated in the conferences
during the three-year period. More than 130 attended the Denver meeting,
most of whom had attended at least one other of the Faith and Science Conferences.
General Observations
- We applaud the seriousness and dignity that characterized the
conferences.
- We noted the strong sense of dedication and loyalty to the church
that prevailed.
- We experienced that even though tensions surfaced at times, cordial
relations were maintained among the attendees, with fellowship transcending
differences in viewpoint.
- We witnessed in these conferences a high level of concurrence
on basic understandings, especially the normative role of Scripture, buttressed
by the writings of Ellen G White, and the belief by all in God as beneficent
Creator.
- We found no support for, or advocacy of, philosophical naturalism,
the idea that the universe came into existence without the action of a
Creator.
- We acknowledge that the conflict between the biblical and contemporary
worldviews impacts both scientists and theologians.
- We recognize that tension between faith and understanding is
an element of life with which the believer must learn to live.
- We observe that rejecting contemporary scientific interpretations
of origins in conflict with the biblical account does not imply depreciation
of either science or the scientist.
- While we found widespread affirmation of the church’s understanding
of life on earth, we recognize that some among us interpret the biblical
record in ways that lead to sharply different conclusions.
- We accept that both theology and science contribute to our understanding
of reality.
Findings
- The degree to which tension exists regarding our understanding of
origins varies around the world. In those areas where science has made
its greatest progress in society the questions among church members are more
widespread. With the advance of science across all societies and educational
systems there will be a corresponding increase in members wondering how to
reconcile church teaching with natural theories of origin. Large numbers
of Seventh-day Adventist students attend public schools where evolution is
taught and promoted in the classroom without corresponding materials and
arguments in favor of the biblical account of origins.
- Reaffirmation of the church’s Fundamental Belief regarding
creation is strongly supported. Seventh-day Adventist belief in a literal
and historical six-day creation is theologically sound and consistent with
the teaching of the whole Bible.
- Creation is a foundational pillar in the entire system of Seventh-day
Adventist doctrine—it bears direct relationship to many if not all
other fundamental beliefs. Any alternative interpretation of the creation
story needs to be examined in light of its impact on all other beliefs. Several
of the Faith and Science Conferences reviewed alternative interpretations
of Genesis 1, including the idea of theistic evolution. These other interpretations
lack theological coherence with the whole of Scripture and reveal areas of
inconsistency with the rest of Seventh-day Adventist doctrine. They
are therefore unacceptable substitutes for the biblical doctrine of creation
held by the church.
- Concern has been expressed regarding what some see as ambiguity
in the phrase “In six days” found in the church’s statement
of belief on creation. It is felt that the intended meaning (that the
six-day creation described in Genesis was accomplished in a literal and historical
week) is unmentioned. This situation allows for uncertainty about what
the church actually believes. Further, it provides room for other explanations
of creation to be accommodated in the text. There is a desire for the
voice of the church to be heard in bringing added clarity to what is really
meant in Fundamental Belief #6.
- Although some data from science can be interpreted in ways consistent
with the biblical concept of creation, we also reviewed data interpreted
in ways that challenge the church’s belief in a recent creation. The
strength of these interpretations cannot be dismissed lightly. We respect
the claims of science, study them, and hope for a resolution. This
does not preclude a re-examination of Scripture to make sure it is being
properly understood. However, when an interpretation harmonious with
the findings of science is not possible, we do not allow science a privileged
position in which it automatically determines the outcome. Rather,
we recognize that it is not justifiable to hold clear teachings of Scripture
hostage to current scientific interpretations of data.
- We recognize that there are different theological interpretations
among us regarding Genesis 1-11. In view of the various interpretations
we sensed a high degree of concern that those involved in the Seventh-day
Adventist teaching ministry conduct their work ethically and with integrity—by
standards of their profession, the teachings of Scripture, and the basic
understanding held by the body of believers. Since Seventh-day Adventists
recognize their comprehension of truth is a growing experience, there is
an ever-present need to continue the study of Scripture, theology, and science
in order that the truths we hold constitute a living faith able to address
the theories and philosophies of the day.
- We appreciate and endorse the significant value of ongoing international
and interdisciplinary dialog among Seventh-day Adventist theologians, scientists,
educators, and administrators.
Affirmations
As a result of the two international conferences and the seven division conferences,
the Organizing Committee reports the following affirmations:
- We affirm the primacy of Scripture in the Seventh-day Adventist
understanding of origins.
- We affirm the historic Seventh-day Adventist understanding of
Genesis 1 that life on earth was created in six literal days and is of recent
origin.
- We affirm the biblical account of the Fall resulting in death
and evil.
- We affirm the biblical account of a catastrophic Flood, an act of
God’s judgment that affected the whole planet, as an important key
to understanding earth history.
- We affirm that our limited understanding of origins calls for
humility and that further exploration into these questions brings us closer
to deep and wonderful mysteries.
- We affirm the interlocking nature of the doctrine of creation
with other Seventh-day Adventist doctrines.
- We affirm that in spite of its fallenness nature is a witness
to the Creator.
- We affirm Seventh-day Adventist scientists in their endeavors to
understand the Creator’s handiwork through the methodologies of their
disciplines.
- We affirm Seventh-day Adventist theologians in their efforts to
explore and articulate the content of revelation.
- We affirm Seventh-day Adventist educators in their pivotal ministry
to the children and youth of the church.
- We affirm that the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church
identified in Revelation 14:6, 7 includes a call to worship God as Creator
of all.
Recommendations
The Organizing Committee for the International Faith and Science Conferences
recommends that:
- In order to address what some interpret as a lack of clarity in
Fundamental Belief #6 the historic Seventh-day Adventist understanding of
the Genesis narrative be affirmed more explicitly.
- Church leaders at all levels be encouraged to assess and monitor
the effectiveness with which denominational systems and programs succeed
in preparing young people, including those attending non-Adventist schools,
with a biblical understanding of origins and an awareness of the challenges
they may face in respect to this understanding.
- Increased opportunity be provided for interdisciplinary dialog
and research, in a safe environment, among Seventh-day Adventist scholars
from around the world.
Conclusion
The Bible opens with the story of creation; the Bible closes with the story
of re-creation. All that was lost by the Fall of our first parents is
restored. The One who made all things by the Word of His mouth at the
beginning brings the long struggle with sin, evil, and death to a triumphant
and glorious conclusion. He is the One who dwelt among us and died in
our stead on Calvary. As the heavenly beings sang for joy at the first
creation, so the redeemed from earth proclaim: “You are worthy, O Lord,
to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your
will they exist and were created.…Worthy is the Lamb who was slain…”—Rev
4:11; 5:12 NKJV
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1East-Central Africa Division, Euro-Africa Division, North American Division,
South Pacific Division, Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division, Southern Asia
Division, West-Central Africa Division.
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This document, prepared by the Organizing Committee of the International
Faith & Science
Conferences 2002-2004 was presented to and received by the General Conference
Executive Committee at the Annual Council in Silver Spring, Maryland, October
11, 2004.
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