Today is the second Sunday in the liturgical season of creation.
|
|
- Roderick Palmer
- 5 years ago
- Views:
Transcription
1 Pitt Street Uniting Church, 13 September 2015 A Contemporary Reflection by Rev Dr Margaret Mayman Creation 2B Genesis ; Genesis 2.7-8, 15, 19; Mark Today is the second Sunday in the liturgical season of creation. Given the importance of creation in the life of Christians and the current ecological threats to human and non-human life on earth, many Christians believe it is time to provide a focus on this dimension of Christian life and to do so at the very centre of our life together, in worship. Often the messages that we human beings get about the environment are depressing, reminding us of the damage that we have done, and that we continue to do. And it is terribly depressing to see disregard of knowledge about human-influenced climate change by our elected leaders. This week we saw the appalling callousness with which a cabinet minister regards the life-threatening impact of rising sea levels on Pacific nations. We could legitimately despair. In the Season of Creation, we need to hear and know the harsh scientific and political realities, but if we are going to change how we live, we also need to recapture a spirituality of creation. I think it is awe and wonder, reverence and relationship, rather than admonitions and rage, which have the power to bring about change in the human heart. Celebrating Creation in the church s year invites us to fall in love again with planet earth. The heavens are telling the glory of God. Thank you to the Pitt St singers for lifting our hearts and our eyes to the heavens, inviting us to pay attention. It is this spirituality and love that will form the foundation of a Christian response to the ecological crisis. On the second Sunday in the season of creation, we earth creatures are the focus of the texts. It is humanity Sunday. But the focus on humanity is not for humanity s own sake. The focus is on humanity s relationship to earth. We have heard two Bible readings from Genesis telling of the creation of humanity and the relation of humanity to the earth. The dramatized conversation (see page 5) illuminates the tensions and differences between them. It is still important to say at the outset that neither Genesis reading is concerned with the creationism debate. It s not a science text. You can believe in evolution and still find truth here, but it s a different kind of truth. These texts were written thousands of years ago, and they are concerned with God s relationship with Earth. A Reflection by Rev Dr Margaret Mayman Page 1 of 5
2 The two Genesis stories were authored by different people, at different times, and they disagree with one another about how human beings should relate to Earth. The story in Genesis One is not the older story, even though the Bible has it come first. It comes from a much later period than Genesis Two, and it is the biblical text has probably caused the most damage to the earth. The Genesis One story tells us. God blessed humanity and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply, fill Earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon Earth. We are told that human beings, both male and female, are made in the image of God. This indicates that human beings are distinctive in some way. Over the centuries, this image of God in humans has been understood in many ways. Some have suggested it is our reason, our higher level of consciousness. Our ability to use language, though we now know that animals use forms of language too. Others have suggested it is our capacity to worship and to experience a spiritual dimension in our lives. But according to this text, human beings are to multiply so that they can rule over other living creatures and subdue Earth. In other words, humans may also express the image of God when they exercise their role as rulers over Earth. And that is a problem. Does the Bible give us the right to dominate and subdue creation, including indigenous people, who have often been regarded as closer to animal life than human life? As it stands, Genesis reflects the language of ruling and subjugation. This text wasn t an issue for interpreters in previous generations. They were mostly happy to see themselves as representing God and dominating creation. They read this text as a mandate to dominate. However, controversy about this text has intensified in recent years as we have become more aware of our intimate relationship with Earth and with all of life on Earth. I have heard preachers who see the environmental dangers of this text try to suggest that rule really means be stewards who take care of creation, and that subdue means something like bringing order out of chaos. This might be appealing interpretations, but they don t hold up under scrutiny. A close look at the Hebrew words for rule and subdue show that they are very strong and aggressive terms. In Psalm 72, for example, at the point where the king rules in verses 8-9, his foes bow down before him and his enemies lick the dust. To rule clearly means to dominate. And examination of the Hebrew word for subdue reveals a similar orientation. After Joshua conquers the Canaanites, the whole land lies subdued (Jos. 18.1). To subdue is to conquer. A Reflection by Rev Dr Margaret Mayman Page 2 of 5
3 In the second chapter of Genesis, the older story, we get an entirely different picture of the role of humans in relation to Earth. God makes Adam, the earth creature, who is initially neither male nor female. When God makes Adam, the first human, God places Adam in the garden to till it and keep it. A closer look at that text reveals that the Hebrew word for till normally means serve. The role of the first human then is to serve and pre-serve Earth. If we compare this text with Genesis One, they seem to be diametrically opposed. The first reading has rule and the second has serve. The first reading has subdue and the second has preserve. The verbs in the first reading imply royalty and domination, those in the second indicate service and preservation. One of the many ways in which humans have dominated life on this planet and shown little concern for living creatures, is through the destruction of entire species. It is not simply a question of hunting animals or fishing our rivers, lakes and seas. Humans have had an attitude of superiority that has led to numerous species becoming extinct and many more being endangered. We have removed the forest habitats of some species, polluted the water habitats of others and poisoned the soil habitats of still others. In the name of human progress, many living species have been considered disposable. And sadly, we have often done so as a right to dominate. It s like a reverse Genesis as we are undoing the creating that has been happening for millennia. We have regarded food, whether animal or vegetable, as a commodity for human use, rather than as a mark of our interconnectedness with earth. Food makes us and food is made of the same elements as we are. When I was a young adult I thought only pious people bothered saying grace before meals. Now I see saying grace as an opportunity for honouring the earth that sustains us, as we will sustain it when we return to it at the end of our lives. And as an opportunity to remember that the earth s resources are not shared fairly or equally. To remember those who have too little when we have more than enough. So in the midst of destruction of habitats and species, we are faced with a problem of interpretation. We have two biblical texts Gen and Gen which seem to present diametrically opposed positions about our role as humans in relationship to Earth. The first says dominate and the second says serve. Which of these perspectives shall we choose and why? One answer is to listen to the voice of the Earth which last week we heard as a character in the same Genesis One creation story that now presents us with the problem of domination. Which perspective invites compassion for Earth? A Reflection by Rev Dr Margaret Mayman Page 3 of 5
4 If Earth could speak, which of these positions would Earth support for the benefit of all creatures on Earth, including humans? The people who compiled the lectionary readings for the season of creation believe that interpretive guidance is found in the Gospel reading for this Sunday. Here Jesus explicitly compares the way of Gentile rulers and those who follow his Way. Roman rulers are tyrants who dominate their people (Mark 10.42). Among Jesus friends, however, ruling and dominating are not acceptable. Instead, Jesus people are to become servants who are willing to serve others ( ). And Jesus is the model for that remarkable re-orientation. As the Human One, Jesus came not to be served, but to serve; he came to live and die for others, not to dominate (10.45). In other words, the message of the Gospel itself, reflected in Jesus words, guides us as we choose between the two Genesis texts that we have heard this morning. Clearly the gospel rejects the Genesis One model of domination. And it invites us to go further, even beyond the model of service in Genesis Two, to mutuality and justice, to be a friend of Earth as a follower of Jesus. In Mark s gospel, we are told that Jesus interpreted scripture. He preached against hardness of heart and against domination. We have to interpret scripture and we have to make choices, because we are made in God s image. The people who like to wield the Bible as a weapon, either against other humans or against earth, claim that they're just reading it all literally. They're not. They pick and choose what they will take seriously, just as Jesus did. They just prefer not to admit to what they're doing. Jesus knew what he was doing and did it openly. Jesus wasn't a biblical conservative. But he wasn't exactly a biblical liberal, either. He expected something important from the Scriptures; he expected to be challenged and surprised by God. And he also expected that when you are challenged and surprised by God, some of the details enshrined in the sacred text will be revealed for what they really are, as concessions to hardness of heart and domination and they will have to go. But how do you decide which ones to discard? This is still a challenging and disturbing question for many people. Following Jesus though, when the Bible seems to confirm your own hardness of heart, it's probably wrong. Reject it, just the way Jesus did. Conversely, when the Bible breaks your world open and makes it bigger and more loving, it is achieving its true goal. Hardness of heart and domination, toward the earth and toward one another in the human community and the earth creature community, is a sure sign that we have it wrong. Only generous love and true mutuality can open the door to a deeper truth. The image on the cover of the order of service invites us to consider our footprints, the marks we make on planet earth. Are we sharing in and benefitting from the bull-dozing, mining, fracking, carbon producing, oil consuming activities, that will leave scars on the planet that will take generations to recover if it ever recovers - or are we willing to make changes in our lives, so that we are imprinting gentle images of bare feet on sand that will be washed away with the next high tide. A Reflection by Rev Dr Margaret Mayman Page 4 of 5
5 Can we listen to the wisdom of the earth? Do we know that the heavens are proclaiming the glory of God? Can we pay attention to the ancient wisdom of Genesis 2, to the challenge of Jesus to resist domination, and create a new relationship between humanity and earth? How shall we live as friends of earth, as friends of God? Dramatized Reading: Genesis 2.7-8, 15, 19 I am the first human being, the voice of the human being in the first chapter of Genesis. I am Adam and Eve. I am humanity! I am the first human being, the voice of the human being in the second chapter of Genesis. I am Adam and Eve. I am humanity! God made me in a special way. The word of God in Genesis One says so! And God made me in a special way. The word of God in Genesis Two says so! I am created in the image of God. Do you understand? The very image of God! I have been made personally by God. Do you understand? By God s own hands! I am like God, created in God s own likeness. I am liked by God. I even live in a garden where God likes to walk and talk! I have human reason. That makes me superior to all other living creatures! Superior! Get it! I am flesh taken from Earth itself and breath that comes from God. So I am kin with all other creatures. We are family! Do you understand? Family! Family? Rubbish! I have dominion over all creatures. I dominate! I tame! I rule all other creatures. I have a partnership with all other creatures. We are friends. We are partners. I am authorised by God to subdue Earth, to harness nature, to put creation under my feet. Yes, to control your friends! I have been given the responsibility by God to serve Earth and preserve it, to care for Earth as God s garden. I can conquer creation. I rule! I rule! I groan with creation. When you rule, I suffer. I suffer! I am the king of Earth. I bear the image of God! I am king over creation! I rule! I am a servant on Earth, caring for creation. I am king! God said so! God said so! I am a servant, God said so! Wait just a minute! Stop your arguing! Voices 1 & 2 I have God s word on my side! Sure you have! But do you have the final word? Do you have Jesus word? Do you? (Silence) & 2 & 2 Who is the one who reflects the true image of God on Earth? Jesus the Christ! Who is the true friend of God? Jesus the Christ! And how does Jesus invite us to live? To rule like the Romans and dominate like their Caesars?! Or to follow the way of the cross and serve as Jesus came to serve? Listen to his word from the Gospel for today! A Reflection by Rev Dr Margaret Mayman Page 5 of 5
Humanity Sunday. (Australian Version 1) Introduction. Setting. Special Focus. Themes
Humanity Sunday (Australian Version 1) Introduction Humanity refers to human beings as an integral part of creation. All human beings are included, regardless of ethnic origin or visual appearance. Human
More informationJesus: Why We Can Have Good Stuff Genesis 1-2:3
Jesus: Why We Genesis 1-2:3 1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering
More informationCreation. What Does it Mean to Say that God Created All Things Visible and Invisible?
Creation What Does it Mean to Say that God Created All Things Visible and Invisible? Overview In this PowerPoint we will look at God as Creator Creation as different from God Analogy of an Artist to art
More information"God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them" (Genesis 1:27).
Mustard Seed Children s Summary for September 9, 2007 Released on September 5, 2007 God Created People Memory Verse: "God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female
More informationForest Prayers. Courtesty of Christian Aid
Forest Prayers Call to Prayer Praise God, all you people of the earth. Blessed be God forever. From the rising of the sun to its setting Blessed be God forever. As high as the tree soaring above the forest
More informationKill-a-Watt Bible Study 2017
Kill-a-Watt Bible Study 2017 Week One - What does the CRC have to say about Sustainability and the Creation Story Key Ideas: Calvin College is affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church. Here is a brief
More information2. God s emotions are part of who He is and when we do not study and encounter His emotions, something is lacking in our knowledge of God.
1 My Name is Jealous I. INTRODUCTION A. We tend to neglect the subject of God s emotions, because our emotions are untrustworthy. However, His emotions are not like ours. The Bible tells us God s emotions
More informationRESTORING CREATION THROUGH THE ARTS By Rev d. Rosalyn Smaill
RESTORING CREATION THROUGH THE ARTS By Rev d. Rosalyn Smaill Genesis 1:31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
More informationUse the following checklist to make sure you have revised everything.
Use the following checklist to make sure you have revised everything. The origins and value of the universe The origins of the universe including: religious teachings about the origins of the universe
More informationb602 revision guide GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES
b602 revision guide GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES How to answer the questions Good and Evil Christianity Good and Evil The Devil; the Fall; Original Sin and Redemption The Problem of Evil What is the problem
More informationSome Pharisees came, and to test him they asked, Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife? He answered them, What did Moses command you?
Rachel Landers Vaagenes The Uncompromising Grace of Jesus Christ The Georgetown Presbyterian Church Gen 2:4b-9, 15-25 October 4, 2015 Mark 10:2-16 Sacrament of The Lord s Supper A reading from Genesis,
More informationBelle Plaine church of Christ Understanding the Story of the Bible #2. The Beginning of Man
Belle Plaine church of Christ Understanding the Story of the Bible #2 The Beginning of Man (The Scriptures quoted in this study are from the English Standard Version, 2001 Crossway Publication, unless
More informationGenesis 1:26-31 Romans 8:18-23
Genesis 1:26-31 Romans 8:18-23 So here it is, our second Big Question. Why does God allow suffering? This is an issue that many people who aren't Christians find a major problem in believing the existence
More informationCreated: Purpose Created for fruitfulness
Created: Purpose Created for fruitfulness Preamble - A Year Of the Lords Favour The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim (announce) good news to the poor.
More informationGod as Creator and Father
God as Creator and Father A Home Your Foundation So what is the foundation of your faith? God our Father and Creator God created it all: Genesis 1:1-5 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the
More informationSession four: What do I need to change?
Climate Change and the Purposes of God Session four: What do I need to change? Notes for group leaders Purpose of this Session The purpose of this Session is to take us back to one of the primary purposes
More informationLiturgy for Climate Action (Praise, Repentance, Committal)
Liturgy for Climate Action (Praise, Repentance, Committal) Originally developed by YECA Steering Committee member, Emma DeVries, for a prayer gathering at the 2014 Peoples Climate March in New York City.
More informationExplore the Christian rationale for environmental ethics and assess its strengths and weaknesses.
Explore the Christian rationale for environmental ethics and assess its strengths and weaknesses. The current environmental crises facing the earth today are well known and frequently reported on and written
More informationTHE ENVIRONMENT AND STEWARDSHIP
THE ENVIRONMENT AND STEWARDSHIP How do people misuse planet earth? Photography by Charles Harker / Shutterstock Photography by Keantian / Shutterstock Photography by cwizner / Pixabay Photography by Mikhail
More informationGenesis 1:25-28; 2:4b-9, 15-25
September 9, 2018 Creation: We Are Made in God s Image Pastor Vern Christopherson Genesis 1:25-28; 2:4b-9, 15-25 26 Then God said, Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let
More informationThe Challenge of Caring for God s Creation
The Challenge of Caring for God s Creation Around your table share examples of people you have seen who have been models of the Biblical mandate for creation care. If you can t think of any examples, why
More informationTHE 10 COMMANDMENTS THE VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS Series: The 10 Commandments Setting... God delivers his people from Egyptian slavery Great miracles and God s power displayed People gather at the foot of Mount Sinai Amidst fire and
More informationENVIRONMENTAL THEOLOGIES. Nicole Newell
ENVIRONMENTAL THEOLOGIES Nicole Newell THE ECOLOGICAL COMPLAINT AGAINST CHRISTIANITY God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion
More informationGenesis Chapter One Questions. Bible Bowl 2013
Genesis Chapter One Questions Bible Bowl 2013 Genesis 1:1 1. When did God create the heaven and the earth? A. in the fullness of time B. at the foreordained time C. in the beginning Genesis 1:1 1. When
More informationGrowing For Life (Practice #4) June 27 th Hospitality In Honoring Earth Global Warming
Growing For Life (Practice #4) June 27 th. 2010 Hospitality In Honoring Earth Global Warming Text Genesis 2:15 Genesis 2:4-25; Psalm 89:11; Introduction We are beginning out FOURTH PRACTICE the Practice
More informationEarth Bible Commentary 1. Terence E. Fretheim Luther Seminary St. Paul, Minnesota
RBL 10/2013 Norman Habel The Birth, the Curse and the Greening of Earth: An Ecological Reading of Genesis 1 11 Earth Bible Commentary 1 Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix, 2011. Pp. xii + 140. Hardcover. $80.00.
More informationRice Continuing Studies, Spring, 2017, Class #7: Ecospirituality
Rice Continuing Studies, Spring, 2017, Class #7: Ecospirituality The world we have created to date as a result of our thinking thus far has problems that cannot be solved by thinking the way we were thinking
More informationTHE BOOK. & Jean Lightner
THE ecology BOOK tom hennigan & Jean Lightner First printing: March 2013 Copyright 2013 by Tom Hennigan and Jean Lightner. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner
More informationIn the Beginning A study of Genesis Chapters Christian Life Assembly Jim Hoffman The Journey 2018
A study of Genesis Chapters 1-11 Christian Life Assembly Jim Hoffman The Journey 2018 One hold over point from last week on the case for a young earth and a 6 day creation Some argue that, given the size,
More informationCREATION STORY. 1/2 page.
1/6 OBJECTIVE // To help students aged 5-12 years old learn about the Creation Story and how it calls us to be responsible stewards of Creation. GROUP SIZE // 3-30 students TIME // Total 60 minutes (30
More informationA Guide for Daily Reading and Meditation
The Earth Is the Lord s: Creation Care Genesis 1:20-28; Psalm 8 A Guide for Daily Reading and Meditation A Prayer for Every Day Gracious God, Creator of all that is good and beautiful, we thank you that
More informationEARTH S FAMILY COMES ALIVE
BIBLE STUDY 1 First Sunday in Creation: Forest Sunday EARTH S FAMILY COMES ALIVE Earth Reading: Genesis 2.4b-22 Beginning The theme of our study is our deep kinship with Earth and the creatures of Earth,
More informationST. FRANCIS and the life sciences
Species The Poor Man of Assisi appreciated the biodiversity that God built into creation. We need to reclaim Francis kinship ethic. BY KEITH DOUGLASS WARNER, O.F.M. PHOTO BY GENE PLAISTED, O.S.C. ST. FRANCIS
More informationWorld Environment Day Theme: Connecting people to nature
World Environment Day Theme: Connecting people to nature First reading Job 28:1-11 Psalm Psalm 148 Second reading 1 Tim 4:1-5 Gospel Matt 6:25-33 Collect God of all creation Your eternal power is known
More informationSky Sunday. (Australian Version 2) Introduction. Setting. Special Focus. Themes
Sky Sunday (Australian Version 2) Introduction Sky refers to the all the domains of creation above and around Earth. Sky especially refers to the domains close to Earth the wind, the clouds, the air the
More informationTHE L.I.F.E. PLAN CREATION DAY 6 BLOCK 1. THEME 3 - CREATION 2 LESSON 3 (11 of 216)
THE L.I.F.E. PLAN CREATION DAY 6 BLOCK 1 THEME 3 - CREATION 2 LESSON 3 (11 of 216) BLOCK 1 THEME 3: CREATION 2 LESSON 3 (11 OF 216): CREATION DAY 6 LESSON AIM: Show that which God created on the sixth
More informationBig Idea: We were created by God for God. Purpose: To build the foundation for a biblical understanding of human nature and sexuality.
1 Text: Genesis 1:26-31 Rise & Fall The Origin of the Species 9/28/14 Big Idea: We were created by God for God. Purpose: To build the foundation for a biblical understanding of human nature and sexuality.
More informationEphesians 5:15-21 (ESV)
Setting the Stage Ephesians 5:15-21 (ESV) 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish,
More informationWhat comes to mind when you think of humanity being made in the image of God?
Session 2 In God s Image THEOLOGICAL THEME: God created us in His image to rule wisely over the world, to relate to Him and others, and to follow the rhythm of work and rest. When my wife and I were expecting
More informationLesson 15 - The Three Blessings
My Journey in Life Lesson 15 - The Three Blessings Aim * to learn the words blessing, fruitful, multiply, dominion * to know what the three blessings mean Materials * Bible passage about the three blessings.
More informationSolarizing Congregations
Rev. Dr. Rodney S. Sadler, Jr. Remarks at inaugural meeting of the Faith in Solar campaign Oct. 27, 2016 Greensboro, NC Solarizing Congregations Genesis 1:26-28 26 Then God said, "Let us make humankind
More informationThe life of the Church must be continually renewed, refreshed and responsive to the world in which we live. The
1 Sermon Creation Covenant Sunday 2018 7 October, 2018 Lessons Genesis 9: 1 13 Colossians 1: 15 20 St John 1: 1 5 Prayer of Illumination Sacred Spirit, through imagination, intuition and reflection, through
More informationTHE ENVIRONMENT AND STEWARDSHIP
THE ENVIRONMENT AND STEWARDSHIP How do people misuse planet earth? Photography by Charles Harker / Shutterstock Photography by Keantian / Shutterstock Photography by cwizner / Pixabay Photography by Mikhail
More informationTwo Stories. with a powerful image on the front cover, similar to the one on our bulletins today. It was of
22 April 2018 Psalm 65:5-13 Genesis 1:1-5 Two Stories When I was a kid, my parents had a hardbound book about the NASA Space program with a powerful image on the front cover, similar to the one on our
More informationTouch me and see. Pitt Street Uniting Church, 8 April A Contemporary Reflection by Rev Dr Margaret Mayman. Easter 2B
Touch me and see Pitt Street Uniting Church, 8 April 2018 A Contemporary Reflection by Rev Dr Margaret Mayman Easter 2B Acts: 3: 12-19; Luke 24: 36b-4b This reflection can be viewed on You Tube at http://www.pittstreetuniting.org.au/
More informationWORSHIP RESOURCES Prayers
WORSHIP RESOURCES Prayers Opening Prayer Let us be aware of the source of being That is common to us all And to all living creatures. Silence Let us be filled with the presence of the great compassion
More informationRelationships Bill Scheidler
Relationships Bill Scheidler I. Introduction God s first words after His commissioning of Adam are found in Genesis 2:18. And the LORD God said, It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him
More informationnavigate the present into the future us understand the present in light of the past with a view to the future.
I SHOULD HAVE PAID MORE ATTENTION IN SCIENCE CLASS: CLIMATE SCIENCE AND THE JUSTICE JESUS PREACHED Season of Creation, Week 1 Sept 11, 2016 St. Paul s Cathedral, Kamloops Dean Ken Gray There is likely
More informationI. DAY SIX: GOD FORMS MAN (Genesis 1:26-28)
Lesson Text: Genesis 1:26-2:3 King James Version (KJV) Sunday, September 16, 2018 I. DAY SIX: GOD FORMS MAN (Genesis 1:26-28) 26. And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let
More informationDiscussion Guide for Small Groups* Good Shepherd Catholic Church Fall 2015
9/27/2015 2:48 PM Discussion Guide for Small Groups* Good Shepherd Catholic Church Fall 2015 Please use this guide as a starting point for reflection and discussion. Use the questions as a guide for reflection
More informationSunday, April 22, 2018 Roots: Examining our Core Beliefs and Values Message 3: Mankind & Salvation The Very Good, The Very Bad and the Good News
Sunday, April 22, 2018 Roots: Examining our Core Beliefs and Values Message 3: Mankind & Salvation The Very Good, The Very Bad and the Good News In the Roots series we are examining the core beliefs and
More information4 th Can you define awe? 3 rd Can you define animal rights? Give 3 ways humans use animals. Give 3 ways humans abuse animals. What is wonder?
1 st abortion? What is the legal limit for abortion in the UK? abortion is illegal abortion is legal someone maybe against abortion abortion 2 nd afterlife? What do Catholics believe What does a Muslim
More informationThe Parchment. Created for a Purpose. EXAMINE His Word. EXPLORE His Word. EMBRACE His Word. Using This Study
The Parchment Studies for making fully devoted followers of Christ Created for a Purpose September 10, 2017 Genesis 1:1 2:3 Vol. 7 Num. 36 Pastor Kirk Gambrell Using This Study EXAMINE His Word What does
More informationThe Difference One Man Made: Different Covenants Romans 5:12a
Different Covenants Page 1 of 9 The Difference One Man Made: Different Covenants Romans 5:12a Tiger Woods apologized on Monday. I wrote on my blog: Tiger Woods made his public apology today. In the apology
More informationTRINITY SUNDAY - RCL YEAR A - JUNE The Old Testament: Genesis 1:1-2:4a
The Old Testament: Genesis 1:1-2:4a Reader: A Reading from the Book of Genesis. In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face
More informationfor their ancestors back in the day - but not in their day and age.
Psalm 29 Well friends, today we start our sermon series on the Psalms looking at these songs of faith, exploring them, understanding them and most especially listening to what God has to say to us through
More informationWhy does the Bible care about what consenting adults do in private?
Sex Why does the Bible care about what consenting adults do in private? Our culture is hopelessly confused about sex. On the one hand, it is meant to be special, the most intimate of relationships. On
More informationBROAD STRATEGIC GOALS
VISION STATEMENT St. Patrick s Primary School partners with parents and the community to develop Christian character and individual excellence. MISSION STATEMENT We believe that: We are a Christian Community,
More informationLesson 3. GoD CREATED PEOPLE
--- - - - - -- -. -- -- - - - - -- - GoD CREATED PEOPLE Lesson Scripture: Genesis 1:26-2:7 Focus Scripture: Genesis 1:26-31; 2:4-7 Key Verse: God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he
More informationFOR ALL CREATION S C R I P TURE -GUI D ED PRAYER ON C L IMATE C HANGE PRAYER IS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL TOOLS WE HAVE AS CHRISTIANS WE PRAY.
FOR ALL CREATION S C R I P TURE -GUI D ED PRAYER ON C L IMATE C HANGE PRAYER IS ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL TOOLS WE HAVE AS CHRISTIANS PRAYER BRINGS OUR HEARTS AND MINDS CLOSER TO GOD. PRAYER EMBOLDENS US
More informationGod saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning the sixth day.
Text 1:26 31 (NIV) 26 Then God said, Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,
More informationDISCUSSION QUESTIONS WEEK 1 THEHILLS.ORG
WEEK 1 time, with your family and/or with a group. 1 Everyone has a But what about? What is a tough faith question you have or have heard others ask the most? 2 REAL FAITH is a real struggle. Life is going
More informationThe Dominion Mandate: The Greater Commission Bill Scheidler
The Dominion Mandate: The Greater Commission Bill Scheidler A feeling exists among many Christians that the only task or commission given to the people of God is taking the Gospel into all the world. A
More informationCelebrate Life: Care for Creation
Celebrate Life: Care for Creation The Alberta bishops' letter on ecology for October 4, 1998 Last year, in our Easter message, we spoke of the necessity of choosing life in a society where too often human
More informationFauna Sunday. (Australian Version 2) Introduction. Setting. Special Focus. Themes
Fauna Sunday (Australian Version 2) Introduction Fauna refers to the all the living species on planet Earth in the wild, in our lives and in our soils. In Genesis One, all living species emerge from Earth
More information11. Ephesians 5:21-33
11. Ephesians 5:21-33 Ephesians 5:21-6:9 - Relationships in the Christian family Ephesians 5:21 being subject [ujpotassw] to one another out of reverence for the Messiah. This is another fruit of being
More informationSTUDYING GOD S WORD. Bible Reference Genesis 1:26-31; 2:4-25
1. GOD CREATES MAN STUDYING GOD S WORD Bible Reference Genesis 1:26-31; 2:4-25 Memory Verse Psalm 8:6 You made man ruler over the works of your hands, you put everything under his feet. Bible Background
More informationDiscussions on Environmentalism and the Earth
Discussions on Environmentalism and the Earth Aaron Dunlop Six Reasons Christian s Need to Be Environmentally Aware Who Owns the Earth? The Earth Is the Lord s Exercising Our God-Given Dominion over the
More informationRecognize examples of the power of the Holy Spirit in Creation and in sustaining His creation.
Less sson 4 The Spirit in Creation A Christian astronomer was traveling cross-country by train, on his way to deliver a lecture. In his baggage was one of the first battery-powered scale models of the
More informationLesson 5 Christ s Rule Is Superior to Angels Hebrews 2:5-9
Dr. Jack L. Arnold Lesson 5 Christ s Rule Is Superior to Angels Hebrews 2:5-9 Angel s were very important in biblical times and very much a part of most people s thinking. Jews and Greeks, alike, gave
More informationWELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS
WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS *SANCTUS: VU#296 This is God's wondrous world: the birds their carols raise; the morning light, the lily white, declare their Maker's praise. This is God's wondrous world: God
More informationIn the first part of this series, we discussed what God has revealed about
PART II: Marriage: To Give and Receive a Total Gift of Self Unitive and procreative married love results in the great gifts of children and family In the first part of this series, we discussed what God
More informationThe Surety of Grace A Sermon on Romans 8:26-39 Proper 12 July 30, 2017
The Surety of Grace A Sermon on Romans 8:26-39 Proper 12 July 30, 2017 Introduction We often hear 1 Corinthians 13 read at weddings and Romans 8:36-39 at funerals. They are beautiful, poetic texts that
More informationGod s Family In our family Eph 5:21-6:9. Brothers and sisters, Is there a person that you admire and respect for their faith and life as a Christian?
God s Family In our family Eph 5:21-6:9 Brothers and sisters, Is there a person that you admire and respect for their faith and life as a Christian? I remember when I started university, seeing this fourth
More informationIt s a Wonderful World Caring for God s Creation Why? Genesis 1:1-28
It s a Wonderful World --- Engaging God s Creation Page 1 of 8 It s a Wonderful World Caring for God s Creation Why? Genesis 1:1-28 INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES This is the final challenge of our two-year
More informationGuiding Principles for An Ecojustice Hermeneutic: An Introduction Norman Habel. Background:
Guiding Principles for An Ecojustice Hermeneutic: An Introduction Norman Habel Background: - a. Development of the Principles - b. Lack of critical use of biblical texts by writers on ecotheology - 'It
More informationWritten by Rev. Dr. Robert Newton, former President of the LCMS California-Nevada-Hawaii District 1
Written by Rev. Dr. Robert Newton, former President of the LCMS California-Nevada-Hawaii District 1 What Matters? There is a popular phrase with young people these days: Whatever. It often means, So what,
More informationWE NEED REVERSAL, A CHANGE, GOD'S INTERVENTION. Part One. By Apostle Jacquelyn Fedor
WE NEED REVERSAL, A CHANGE, GOD'S INTERVENTION Part One By Apostle Jacquelyn Fedor There are many people across the earth that are beginning to see how corrupt and decaying the world and its systems are.
More informationb602 revision guide GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES
b602 revision guide GCSE RELIGIOUS STUDIES How to answer the questions Table of Contents Religion and Science Christianity Good and Evil Christianity What does science teach about the origins of the world
More informationCatholic Social Teaching Workshop Notes Care of Creation
Catholic Social Teaching Workshop Notes Care of Creation SLIDE ONE HOLDING SLIDE LEADER S NOTES This presentation lasts up to 30 minutes. We recommend you deliver the whole workshop but please feel free
More informationCreation, the Fall & God s Solution
Creation, the Fall & God s Solution Dateless Past - Our finite minds cannot fully grasp eternity, God is not bound by time and space - Everything in all of creation has a beginning except almighty God
More informationSo what does the vicar think? Bible, or Stephen Hawking?
The Swiss Church in London Sermon, 20 January 2019 The Creation of the World True or not? Many people who read the first few pages of the Bible decide to close it again and turn away from this book and
More informationGenesis 1:26-31; 2:4-7 English Standard Version September 16, 2018
Genesis 1:26-31; 2:4-7 English Standard Version September 16, 2018 The International Bible Lesson (Uniform Sunday School Lessons Series) for Sunday, September 16, 2018, is from Genesis 1: 26-31; 2:4-7.
More informationHebrews Hebrews 2:5-10 October 5, 2008
Hebrews Hebrews 2:5-10 October 5, 2008 I. Jesus Superior to Angels Even In His Humanity A. Hebrews 2:5-10... For He did not subject to angels the world to come, concerning which we are speaking. [6] But
More informationGenesis Chapter 1 Second Continued
Genesis Chapter 1 Second Continued Genesis 1:20 "And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl [that] may fly above the earth in the open firmament of
More informationCHAPTER 3: HUMAN HABITAT
CHAPTER 3: HUMAN HABITAT Because humans are intimately connected to our earthly habitat, Creation suffers in response to human sin. Based on the love of Christ, a Christian environmental ethic approaches
More informationColossians 1:16 P Card 1. Genesis 1:1-5 1 of 2 P Card 4
Colossians 1:16 P Card 1 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities- all things have been created
More informationColossians 1:16 P Card 1. Genesis 1:1-5 1 of 2 P Card 4
Colossians 1:16 P Card 1 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were
More informationCrystallization-Study Outlines GENESIS (1) Dominion Subduing the Enemy, Recovering the Earth, and Exercising God s Authority over the Earth
Crystallization-Study Outlines GENESIS (1) Message Five Dominion Subduing the Enemy, Recovering the Earth, and Exercising God s Authority over the Earth Scripture Reading: Gen. 1:26-28; Matt. 6:9-10, 13;
More informationStewardship of Creation Prayer Breakfast March 28, 2015 Marian University
Stewardship of Creation Prayer Breakfast March 28, 2015 Marian University Introduction Good morning. I would like to thank Andy Pike and the Creation Care Ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, Sister
More informationPASTOR BRAD DETTWYLER MAY 21, 2017
His Majestic Name! Main Idea: God s majesty is displayed in His elevation of minuscule man. In his book, The Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer begins chapter one by saying, What comes into our minds when
More informationA Theology of Alienation and Homecoming
Chapter Three Confession and Absolution based on A Theology of Alienation and Homecoming Confession: We confess the sins we have committed against God and creation, both individually and collectively.
More informationThe Earth Is the Lord s
The Earth Is the Lord s Psalm 24 Project www.psalm24project.org Curriculum (Moderator s Guide) The Earth Is the Lord s Psalm 24 Project www.psalm24project.org [In this moderator s edition, suggestions
More informationIn the Beginning A study of Genesis Chapters Christian Life Assembly Jim Hoffman The Journey 2018
A study of Genesis Chapters 1-11 Christian Life Assembly Jim Hoffman The Journey 2018 Gen 1:26 Then God said, Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the
More informationClimate Communion Service
Climate Communion Service Celebrating the Eucharist with a focus on the Earth Call to Worship [please join in words in italics and singing] The whole Earth waits with eager longing for the revealing of
More informationInteraction: Praying the Papers, Work + Reading Review. Imago Dei: Communal Identity. Imago Dei: Stewardship Task
Interaction: Praying the Papers, God @ Work + Reading Review Imago Dei: Communal Identity Imago Dei: Stewardship Task Describe your vocation Where do you see creational intent? How has cultural idolatry
More informationIgnatian Spirituality & Sustainability. By: Annette Marksberry Office of Strategic Information Resources Spring 2009
Ignatian Spirituality & Sustainability By: Annette Marksberry Office of Strategic Information Resources Spring 2009 Sustainability Sustainability is a major growing concern in virtually all aspects of
More informationRE Religion and Life 2012 Exam Paper
RE Religion and Life 2012 Exam Paper Animals 1) Give two reasons why some animals are kept in Zoos 2 Marks Conservation purposes breeding programmes are run in some zoos to help protect animals from extinction
More informationCreated in the Image of God Genesis 1:26-27
Sermon Notes Created in the Image of God Genesis 1:26-27 February 19, 2011, FBCam The opening verses of Genesis have already instructed us on some of the most crucial issues that we face as human beings.
More informationGenesis 1:3-2:3 The Days of Creation
Genesis 1:3-2:3 The Days of Creation Having looked at the beginning of God s creative process, and determined that God created everything, from nothing, many thousands (not millions or billions) of years
More information