One does not have to search long or far to notice the tension that accompanies the juxtaposition between fundamental religious explanations of our Earth’s beginning, and the parallel explanations found in scientific academia. Like most things, the concepts of Evolution and Creation have been exasperated largely by the infusion of socio-political agendas from both sides of the paradigmatic divide. For me, the conflict I find most frustrating is rooted in the logic pattern that it must be an either/or. There is room for, I believe, a balance of both spiritual thinking and academic intellectualism. Always.
That said, the creative academics in this world have done an amazing job producing content that is both as engaging as it is educational, with shows like Planet Earth. Programs like these seem more like experiences that draw viewers in with dramatic shots and high-quality images. The byproduct of such inviting content, if nothing else, is that the information sticks. As for the secular material being produced in the same fashion, well...not so much. At least, not until just recently when I stumbled upon the new film Genesis Paradise Lost 3D--which has 3D prowess like Avatar, minus the Avatar, but while telling the story of Genesis. I literally can’t explain it justly, only suggest that you experience it for yourself.
Finding Genesis was quite the “ask and you shall receive” kind of moment. You see, my oldest daughter attends school during the week and church on Sundays. As such, she’s beginning to notice and articulate the contrast between varying viewpoints--specifically between religious facts and scientific facts. And while I know ultimately she will have to discover her own truth--right now her questions remain. So quickly, I realized that I was able to easily rattle off basic facts regarding Evolution, but as far as the Earth’s formation in a Biblical sense was concerned, I was far less equipped to comment.
Genesis, as the name suggests, carefully and creatively takes viewers on a journey through the Bible’s Book of Genesis. Admittedly, as a super-busy entrepreneur, I make little time for reading scripture and find traditional religious programming in the same vein as infomercials. Genesis’s production, at the purest and basic cinematographic level, captivated me. Yes, it painted with a broad brush stroke, faith-leaning concepts in relationship to Evolution, but did so by using state-of-the-art 3D animations and well-crafted, scholarly interviews. The docu-style shots were simply amazing. Effectively it lowered my guard, elevated my curiosity, and ultimately, allowed me to absorb information, unlike other avenues, have done when presenting the same content. It’s not your father’s TBN, put it that way.
As a faith-driven, science-friendly father, I will neither confirm nor deny my views regarding my level of buy-in in regards to the micro-details found in either Planet Earth or Genesis. I will though, express my appreciation for the overwhelmingly optimistic and positive tones found in each. Specifically, in the film taps right into the inner audience members’ inner monologue, evoking purpose-finding thoughts that get viewers to reflect on their very being, question their own habits and individual meaning within our deeply conflicted world. Though I was familiar with the story of creation, as told in the Bible, I had not fully allowed myself to sit and actually consider its relevance or reality--and the film was extremely effective in doing just that via the 3D experience--which allowed no choice but to feel as if I had a front row seat to events as they unfolded. More so, the film’s production team went maverick in its ability to essentially connect science with faith, and meld the two into a parallel experience, and invite the audience to join them in the journey, though thousands of years old.
My road to understanding faith has been a long one, filled with doubt, curiosity, neglect, denial and academic intellectualization, and finally optimism. I am a Christian, though guard my views as my own. One of the biggest turn-offs for me in general on the path to belief was the hyperpolarization that religion creates on a global scale. Conflict. Wars. Hate. Separation. Isolationism. Death. So many times these events and mindsets are reasoned through the dogma of religious contexts.
However, internalizing and keeping my beliefs private and non verbalized proves a futile approach as I raise three children, who themselves are nothing short of life-saving and life-changing miracles in my life. I find myself being asked questions, as a parent, that point to contrasting ideologies--and realize in order to communicate my own interpretation, I must first rest into my unique set of beliefs. And no, this isn’t intended to explain those beliefs, nor convince you to accept them as your own. Rather, it’s to share my find in the film Genesis. As it did me, it may serve you well to help to form your own--free from others’ judgments, assumptions and authenticity scales--footing from which to articulate religious concepts easily to your inquisitive and curious children.
I’ll leave you with this--I remain steadfast in the duality of my thoughts behind both Creation and Evolution. My thoughts on the matter are just that, and I encourage all parents to look within your paradigm, search the soul, and land in a place where you can be a good steward to your children as they too find their way.