I’ve always been fascinated with the heavens. Nothing stirs my imagination quite like looking up at the night sky, especially from the beach or someplace where the stars are bright and clear. It never ceases to amaze me; to set my mind reeling with the knowledge of how, on the one hand, we are so small, and yet on the other hand, only a “little lower than the angels.” [Psalm 8:5] Maybe that’s why I’ve never been bothered by the idea of evolution. It has always seemed evident to me that the point of the creation stories is that – however it all happened (or is happening) – the source, the creator, is God.

It astonishes me that the debate still rages between science and so-called creationists. In fact, it seems more acrimonious than ever! Each side throwing accusations at the other. I won’t go into detail here, except to say that my favorite comeback is this: I take the Bible far too seriously to take it literally. I also take God far too seriously to limit God to my puny imagination. The God of the heavens is so “other,” that we are incapable of anything beyond… staring at the stars with awe.

This reflection is similar to the discussion we had on Sunday morning at Coffee & Conversation when we talked about the two creation stories in Genesis. [see Genesis 1 and 2] This Sunday we’ll be talking about Noah and the Flood narratives. No advance preparation is necessary, but if you’d like to check up on the story of Noah – if nothing else, in preparation for the big budget movie about to come out – than read Genesis, chapters 6, 7, and 8. And remember: if you haven’t already obtained your own modern translation of the Bible, and/or your own copy of the Book of Common Prayer, they are both available as apps on your smart phone or tablet.

Come Sunday and join in the conversation.