Reading The Genesis One Code is a faith affirming adventure! Daniel Friedmann has done an insightful and entertaining presentation of the meaning of the first chapter of Genesis. Not since the Protestant Evangelical Dr. Hugh Ross of Reasons to Believe came out with his support of the ‘Big Bang’ theory, the creation day interpreted as an age, and ‘old earth’ arguments have I felt that ‘more light has been given to our generation’ regarding the debates concerning creation. For far too long many faith communities have been living in fear that science will somehow disprove God and God’s role as creator. Those of us who have been involved in some aspect of science and engineering knew this would never be the case. However we had to contend with faith communities that presented a narrow creation interpretation that seemed at odds with the universe we observe. I think most scientist-engineers of faith realized there had to be a method, an interpretation that would reconcile the evolutionary model with the days of creation.
Why is this important? Because, for so many, the creation debate acts as a stumbling block to belief. As believers we should be seeking ways NOT to defend our faith (God can handle that job), but to assist in removing the stumbling blocks of our own making. And as an attempt for inclusion of those who are already believers, yet define themselves as Theistic or Guided Evolutionists and often find themselves alienated from their own faith communities over this debate. What a sad state of affairs when the great conversations of life are not permitted in our own worship communities. I think we always walk on dangerous soil when we have to prove our faith, yet it is affirming to be able to present the ideas in Mr. Friedmann’s The Genesis One Code as a viable option. I for one am fascinated and highly recommend the reading and re-reading of this text
Pastor Jim Allen
Pastor at Shabbona United Church of Christ
Greater Chicago Area
Tags: age interpretation christian creation day creation interpretation Dr hugh Ross Hugh Ross old earth pastor Reasons to belive United Church of Christ