In addition to the new Directory of Worship, the Theological
Issues and Institutions committee brought a few items related to science and
theology. More specifically the
recommendations concerned the relationship between our theology of creation and
the scientific theory of evolution.
Due to some technological issues, commissioners wound up
voting on one issue four times. The
first time the motion to support a theological statement on the foundational
place of evolution in our understanding of creation was defeated by a handful
of votes. Then it passed by a handful of
votes. Then it passed by a bigger
handful. Then it finally passed by a couple
of handfuls. Over the course of four
votes we actually evolved on the question of evolution.
Putting aside the humor of the votes. The fact that we had to vote and that it was
so close speaks to a troubling trend in the culture both inside and outside of
the church; namely, the idea that we are all entitled to our own facts.
Thankfully, the General Assembly voted to affirm that though
science and faith often live in tension, they do not present us with a simple A
vs. B choice. What the vote reveals is
that we have a lot of work left to do in the church to articulate a theology
that is strong enough to stand up to debate and living enough to learn from the
God-given curiosity which leads us to explore the mysteries and truth of
creation.
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