Some form of creation account is present in almost every major religion. Oral tradition and archeology suggest a significant “happening” that generated the life process.
In Cherokee thought, the man-spirit Yehowa created the world in seven days at the first new moon of autumn when all the fruits were ripe. In a separate aspect of Cherokee lore, the animals lived in the sky and sent the water beetle down to investigate. She swam the ocean-covered expanse and eventually shot to the bottom and scooped up some mud in her legs and raced to the surface.
Quickly, however, she grew tired and released the mud—just in time—on the surface of the water. The mud grew and grew and formed the land. The parallels to Genesis are obvious. There is value in, and admiration for, creatures of all persuasions—from the water beetle to Jesus.
The creation event, whether viewed through the lens of a “one-shot deal” or gradual evolutionary revelation, is what connects nature’s membership. As for humans—despite extreme theological differences, skin color, political ideologies, denominational affiliation or bad breath, each represents an exponent of holiness.
When was the last time the good news was presented to “all creation?”
What elements of theophany are essential for communicating with difficult persons?
