by Elisabeth Mcgrath

Created on: January 08, 2011

The guidelines for empirical evidence require information obtained by observation, experience or experiment. With no physical evidence of God’s existence, explanations rely on concepts and their possible realities. The subject of creation of the universe continues to be debated by theology and science. Aspects of providence, sustenance and the natural order remain important components of this topic.

Realities of concepts 

The existence of God can be argued through the outcomes of a belief in God. Psychological evidence includes mindsets of realization, enlightenment, inner peace and certainty. A concept of God can be energizing and motivating. God-ideology provides an in-control mechanism for frail humanity and moral guidance in the business of life. 

While not providing absolute certainty, a state of mind can validate the existence of a higher power with an attitude of contentment as well as cosmic consciousness. Optimism and hope come with a realization of confidence in a God figure. Knowledge, as a psychological state, offers direction and purpose that emanates from a sound foundation. In the absence of absolute certainty, high probability can be an accepted alternative for evidence. 

Creation of the universe 

The Biblical version of Genesis remains an instructional tool beyond comparison. With all the levels of meaning and understanding that Genesis contains, anyone of any age can learn the basics of the story of creation. As a student of religion matures, differences can be applied between factual presentations and personal interpretation. The serious scholar can grasp different and greater depths of meaning in the many gradings of the material. 

The creation account, if seen through the symbolic language of the times, can be justified when it is considered that measurements of time had to be described in ways the population could understand. There were no scientific challenges at the time of writing. These grew with the ongoing development of man and an increase in knowledge. A serious reader can now discern how the Book of Genesis had to be chronicled in a practical framework that humanity could understand at the time. Arguments against the literal six days of creation are now only pursued by those whose understanding remains at an elementary level. 

Providence and the natural order 

Scientific and technological advances can be credited with increasing and improving sustenance for an ever-growing population. What remains a matter of wonder is that the population continues to grow without a corresponding change in the size of the earth. The earth still produces enough food and water to sustain its inhabitants. That there is a massive inequality in the distribution of these necessities does not diminish the reality of continuous providence. 

It is true that climates and weather patterns have changed over the ages. New geographical features have come into being and older ones have disappeared. What remains constant, however, is the immutability of the natural order. Day still follows night, whatever the season may be.

Creation and the evolving growth of the universe are ongoing processes. These may be viewed as evolutionary and natural. Or they may be accepted as part and parcel of a creator’s original design. If the universe was complete at the time of its creation, explaining how it continues to grow without a master blueprint can be challenging.

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