Creation

For 15 years, I’ve been privileged to be part of a monthly gathering of seasoned lay and clergy. Prior to COVID, we met for lunch in Birmingham, followed by a presentation/discussion. Since 2020, the group has met via Zoom, with participants in at least six states. A recurring theme has been the interface of faith and science, particularly climate, and lately the interface between faith and technology.

This group has deepened my appreciation for the cosmos, for mystery, and for metaphor. All worthwhile faith language is metaphoric and/or symbolic, and limited by human experience and human speech. Our discussions have taught me to choose my words about faith more carefully (and sparingly). I found these words by Richard Rohr particularly helpful:

Is the universe itself eternal, or is the universe a creation in time as we know it—like Jesus himself? … Was there any divine intention or goal, or do we even need a creator “God” to explain the universe? ... When Christians hear the word “incarnation,” most of us think about the birth of Jesus …. But I want to suggest that the first Incarnation was the moment described in Genesis 1, when God joined in unity with the physical universe and became the light inside of everything. This, I believe, is why light is the subject of the first day of creation. 

Seeing in this way has reframed, reenergized, and broadened my own religious belief, and I believe it could be Christianity’s unique contribution among the world religions.

In case you missed it:

“This past week feels like the final, chaotic days of a political era.” Thus began Heather Cox Richardson’s December 19, 2025 “Letter from an American.” It was like reading a future history textbook’s account.

Also, “What the Heck Just Happened” was a 39-minute conversation about last week’s events with Joanne Freeman, on Heather Cox Richardson’s YouTube channel, December 20, 2025.