Stronger than Science, Doctrine, & Faith…

I saw a movie a number of years ago called “Inherit the Wind.” It was an old movie with old movie stars like Spencer Tracy and Gene Kelly who played Southern lawyers defending a educator accused of teaching Darwinism in the 1920s. Darwinism was a touchy subject then, it was a touchy subject in the 1960 when the movie came out and it remains a touchy subject today as many American states are engaged in vigorous debates over what should be taught in a biology classroom.

This week will not be a debate about the scientific merits of creationism vs. Evolution, nor will it be a discussion about the role of the church in the state; rather, I want to share with you about a journey that I took which made it possible for me to step back from the sorts of ideologies which tear human beings apart; a journey that helped me to understand how “The heavens proclaim the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). Through this journey I realized that God is not afraid of science because there is something stronger than science, stronger than doctrine, even stronger than faith which, if we allow it, will open our hearts and minds to the sort of understanding, grace and acceptance that ideology (of any kind) simply cannot provide.

What is that thing? I guess you’ll have to show up this week to find out!
-Tim Penner