“Creation Sabbath” Due in October

[Amelia]

“Creation Sabbath” Due in October

Adventist World - NAD Edition

June 2009

Nikolaus Satelmajer got an idea after learning that hundreds of churches and synagogues celebrated “Evolution Weekend” the past three years.

Satelmajer, editor of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Ministry magazine, thought, Why not have a day to emphasize creation?

In April the denomination’s world leaders signed onto the idea, voting to approve “Creation Sabbath,” a day to emphasize God as the Creator. The day of emphasis is set for Saturday, October 24.

“This isn’t to enter into a debate on evolution versus creation, but to emphasize God as our Creator,” Satelmajer told delegates meeting at the church’s world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States.

Evolution Weekend is held each year on the weekend nearest to the birthday of scientist Charles Darwin, author of The Origin of Species. Hundreds of participating congregations support a creation combined with evolution, according to the Clergy Letter Project, the sponsoring organization.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church teaches the biblical doctrine of a literal, seven-day creation of the world.

“The major influence of Darwin’s work was to separate God from the world,” said James Gibson, director of the denomination’s Geoscience Research Institute in Loma Linda, California. “Our message of creation is to unite God and the world in people’s minds.”

Gibson says one of the core tenets of Adventist theology, the three angels’ messages in Revelation, has the belief of creation built in.

“It seems to me that when we celebrate the three angels’ messages we are really celebrating creation, too,” he said, referring to the first angel’s message of worshipping Christ the Creator.

“Sometimes I think there’s been too much time raising questions and debating and we really should be saying, ‘Let’s explore the meaning of God as our Creator.’”

—Reported by Ansel Oliver, Adventist News Network.

[phkrause]

I like that idea, sounds good.

pk

[Dr. Shane]

It is a great idea. GRI is a great asset to our church.

[BobRyan]

Since every Sabbath is the "memorial" of the literal creation week according to Ex 20:8-11 - it is interesting that we are getting this suggesting that a specific Sabbath be dedicated to remembering and highlighting the literal creation week event.

Perhaps it will help remind us what are were supposed to be doing "every Sabbath"

in Christ,

Bob

[Dr. Shane]

Every Sabbath is a memorial of creation but there are actually Adventists that don't even realize that.

[phkrause]

It is amazing, but true. As we grow up, at least for me, we never give that aspect of the 4th commandment a thought. But as we get older and start really study the Bible and the 10 commandments, I think that changes. But I think that goes for all aspects of what we believe.

pk