Purpose of This Lesson:
To continue the discussion about the origins of life while asking where science and religion intersect.
Watch Video 2: Click Here to see the streaming sessions
Discussion Questions:
“Of course God inspired the book of Scripture, but we can also think of the natural world as a second book authored by God.” Spend some time thinking about how God reveals himself to us and discussing this “two books” approach.
Are there any passages in Scripture that support this approach?
How can reading from both books—Scripture and creation— help us more fully understand and live in God’s world?
What conflicts might arise? What can you do to resolve those conflicts?
What techniques or methods do you use to interpret the Bible? What kinds of resources do you turn to for help with making sense of Scripture?
What books, sermons, or experiences have helped you rethink how you interpret a certain Bible passage or verse?
“By listening to both nature and Scripture, we gain a fuller understanding of God’s story in creation.” Tell the group about a time when your understanding of God was informed by something you experienced in nature.
Read Psalm 19. Discuss how the “two books” idea is evident in the psalm.
These six videos are companions to the book Origins: Christian Perspectives on Creation, Evolution, and Intelligent Design by Deborah B. Haarsma and Loren D. Haarsma (2011, Faith Alive). Purchase book on Faith Alive.