Creation revisited

WE are now a world of extremely increasing fluidity. We are now a dizzying, warp-speed flux of intergenerational and intercultural tension. The latest and random sign, as far as I am concerned, is that we have such phenomenon as Justin Bieber, a piece of boy whose singing prowess has mesmerized the kids, which I understand but cannot explain why.

There are far more serious cases of gaps and divides among different age groups, social classes, etc., elsewhere. Niches are multiplying with such velocity and classification that, frankly, I believe we are losing our sense of unity and solidarity among ourselves.

It seems that now we are left on our own with hardly any sense of common good that we should all pursue together. That maybe an exaggerated statement. Yes, we can have an idea of common good, but it´s an idea that is increasingly individualistic.

And that´s the reason why I think it is necessary to revisit basic truths about ourselves. Among these fundamentals is that we are creatures. We did not come to exist simply on our own, in a spontaenous way, from nowhere. We have been created, and there is a Creator, who is God.

Alas, this truth about our creation, while supported by science, is more a truth of faith than of pure human reasoning. This only shows that our life and existence embrace not only the material dimension, but also the spiritual and, in fact, the supernatural dimension. Our human sciences and reason cannot enter this level without the help of faith.

It is our Christian faith that teaches us that everything is created by God. Everything comes from him and belongs to him. Everything has been created out of love, that is, to share in the goodness of God. This is a crucial truth because, as a corollary, we need to develop the awareness that everything we are, have and do has to be related to God.

Also, that creation means there´s an order, law and purpose in everything. Things just don´t happen without a meaning, even if we have to factor in our human freedom that can go anywhere.

God´s creation of the whole universe, including us especially, is not a one-shot deal, but ends with the creatures starting to exist. It´s an ongoing, never-ending affair between God and the creatures, because what is involved in existence itself. For as long as something exists, God is always in that creature, shaping it according to the nature given it.

In our case, since we have been made in the image and likeness of God, and thus, we are persons not just something, creatures who can think and will and love, God deals with us not in an automatic way like he does with purely material creatures, but rather respecting the way we are, with our intelligence and free will.

We are supposed to correspond knowingly and willingly to God´s love for us, to his will and plans. This is how we ought to behave with God. We just cannot ignore him, nor consider him as an optional item in our life. There is a certain necessity for us to deal with him, but a necessity that is infused thoroughly with freedom and love, because we want to.

We have to arrive at that conviction, and not remain just floating around and drifting wherever the wind of passion and fashion may blow us. We have to deepen and strengthen our knowledge about the truth of our creation so we can act properly on its endless consequences.

Away with the attitude that this concern about the truth of our creation affects only a few. It affects all. It has an abiding relevance. It can never fall obsolete. In fact, we need everyday to renew our appreciation of this truth. Let´s be wary of the ideological spins distorting the truth of our creation.

Thus, discussion about this truth, especially mining its practical implications, should not be confined to specialized journals. It should be done openly, making use of the media, so that the media also can be a real tool for true human development. Otherwise, the media will just be swallowed up by prosaic, shallow realities, a danger the media faces today.

Another valuable insight is that since we are intelligent and free beings, we are therefore a moral creature capable of both good and bad things. Thus, the moral evil in this world is not outside of God´s original design for us. It´s part, and God knows how to handle it, but always with our cooperation.