Before You Read ...
Dear reader,
A new poll shows that for young adults in particular, belief in God is plummeting. From research, we know a primary driver behind a loss of faith among young people is the church’s rejection of science. To put it bluntly: Young people aren’t leaving the faith because of science, they’re leaving because they’ve been told to choose between science and God. That’s why BioLogos exists—to show that science and faith can work hand-in-hand. And although the challenge is clearly daunting, our work is having an impact!
As a nonprofit, we rely on the generosity of grassroots donors like you to reach those who are being told, “It’s God or evolution!” or “It’s God or vaccines!” or “It’s God or science!” In this urgent moment, we need your help to continue to produce resources such as this.
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If you’re new to BioLogos, we encourage you to learn more about our work and the impact of your gift, and watch our video below. Your gift to BioLogos is tax-deductible!
The Bible is the foundation of our Christian faith and knowing what it means can sometimes be a challenge. The Bible was written for us, to speak to us in our modern context, but it was not originally written to us, but to the people of Israel. Understanding this difference helps to deepen our knowledge of the Bible and its revelation of a good and loving God.
At some point, many people started believing that the Bible and science are in conflict. We think there’s a better way. A way where science and Christian faith can work together, hand in hand.
Insights, a series of animated videos, presents facts, stories, and real-life experiences that pull you in, make you wonder, and guide you deeper.
Transcript
For some it’s sacred scripture, for some it’s a moral guide, and for others it’s simply a collection of stories that gives a glimpse into ancient life. But what, ultimately, is…the Bible?
First, it’s not actually a book, but rather more like a library, a collection of books, composed in a variety of styles for a diverse array of purposes…
one finds prose, poetry, and allegory; historical accounts, personal letters, and recitations of laws and guidelines for living.
The collected writings making up the Bible were composed across almost two millennia by more than 30 different authors inspired by God.
But one thing not often considered is this: to whom was the Bible written…first? Who was the original audience and what were they afraid of? What did they hope for? What questions did they ask?
Consider, for example, the story of creation in genesis, the first book of the Bible. While a more modern audience might want or even expect a fact-based, scientific explanation for how all things came to be, the original intended audience, the people of ancient Israel, were more concerned with how their God—yahweh—compared with the gods of the neighboring Egyptians and Babylonians.
Yet beyond this immediate context, we see the questions of the ancients align with questions we ask today: did they matter? did they have purpose? is God…good? In Genesis, God answered their questions in ways and terms they were sure to understand, since it was written first to them.
But it was also written for us, answering our deepest questions. Humans matter and have a purpose. We have a special place of honor and responsibility in God’s good creation.
Understanding the ancient context doesn’t diminish the truth…it deepens our understanding. The Bible is not a scientific explanation but instead the revelation of a good and loving God.
Related Resources
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All Resources
- By Gregg Davidson
- and Ken Turner
The Many Layers of Genesis 1
In this excerpt from their new book, geologist Gregg Davidson and theologian Ken Turner shine a spotlight on Genesis One as theologically rich literature first and foremost.
Richard Middleton | Interpreting Biblical Genealogies
Richard Middleton, shares with us some of the historical context that helps us to see the genealogies as another part of the story of God’s creation.
Common Disconnects in Creation Discussions
People on all sides of the creation debate are convinced the other sides are doing it all wrong. After taking part in many conversations where people talk past one another, BioLogos forum moderator Christy has noticed a few recurring themes.
Why I Never Had a Faith Crisis Over Science
Science is a growing factor in people leaving church, doubting God, and dropping away from their faith altogether. But it doesn’t have to be this way!
Loren Haarsma | Four Approaches to Original Sin
Loren Haarsma lays out four different approaches in his book, When Did Sin Begin? and talks with us in the episode about the approaches
Living Like a Narnian: Finding Hope in Dark Days
These are dark days, and optimism is in short supply. But we’re Christians, and this is Christmas. Shouldn’t we, of all people, be hopeful?
- By Gregg Davidson
- and Ken Turner
The Many Layers of Genesis 1
In this excerpt from their new book, geologist Gregg Davidson and theologian Ken Turner shine a spotlight on Genesis One as theologically rich literature first and foremost.
Richard Middleton | Interpreting Biblical Genealogies
Richard Middleton, shares with us some of the historical context that helps us to see the genealogies as another part of the story of God’s creation.
Common Disconnects in Creation Discussions
People on all sides of the creation debate are convinced the other sides are doing it all wrong. After taking part in many conversations where people talk past one another, BioLogos forum moderator Christy has noticed a few recurring themes.
Why I Never Had a Faith Crisis Over Science
Science is a growing factor in people leaving church, doubting God, and dropping away from their faith altogether. But it doesn’t have to be this way!
Loren Haarsma | Four Approaches to Original Sin
Loren Haarsma lays out four different approaches in his book, When Did Sin Begin? and talks with us in the episode about the approaches
Living Like a Narnian: Finding Hope in Dark Days
These are dark days, and optimism is in short supply. But we’re Christians, and this is Christmas. Shouldn’t we, of all people, be hopeful?
- By Gregg Davidson
- and Ken Turner
The Many Layers of Genesis 1
In this excerpt from their new book, geologist Gregg Davidson and theologian Ken Turner shine a spotlight on Genesis One as theologically rich literature first and foremost.
Richard Middleton | Interpreting Biblical Genealogies
Richard Middleton, shares with us some of the historical context that helps us to see the genealogies as another part of the story of God’s creation.
Common Disconnects in Creation Discussions
People on all sides of the creation debate are convinced the other sides are doing it all wrong. After taking part in many conversations where people talk past one another, BioLogos forum moderator Christy has noticed a few recurring themes.