God’s Spirit in Creation
During the season of Lent I have been taking a class on Celtic Christian Spirituality on Wednesday nights. In the class we have covered several of the key figures of Celtic Spirituality. One such figure was Pelagius, a late fourth century theologian. Many in his day considered him a heretic because he refuted the doctrine of original sin and gave strong credence to free will. Pelagius may have been condemned for some of his teachings but I find much in his writings that I can affirm. I have long held the belief that gold is gold wherever you find it. I find gold in Pelagius’ affirmation of the goodness of Creation.
In one of his letters Pelagius wrote the following words: “Look at the animals roaming the forest: God’s spirit dwells within them. Look at the birds flying across the sky: God’s spirit dwells within them. Look at the tiny insects crawling in the grass: God’s spirit dwells within them. Look at the fish in the river and sea: God’s spirit dwells within them. There is no creature on earth in whom God is absent… When God pronounced that his creation was good, it was not only that his hand had fashioned every creature; it was that his breath had brought every creature to life. Look too at the great trees of the forest; look at the wild flowers and the grass in the fields; look even at your crops. God’s spirit is present within all plants as well. The presence of God’s spirit in all living things is what makes them beautiful; and if we look with God’s eyes, nothing on the earth is ugly.”
I so appreciate Pelagius’ words. Not only did he see the goodness of Creation that is affirmed repeatedly in Genesis 1, he believed God’s spirit dwelt within all that God had made. I believe this is a wonderful way to view the world around us. In all we see we can experience the love and goodness of God. Through nature you and I can actually commune with God. In doing so the beauty of nature becomes something spiritual, not merely aesthetic.
There is perhaps no better time to experience the beauty of God in nature than spring. This time of year it is easy to become overwhelmed by the beauty of God’s Creation. I hope you will take time to enjoy the trees that are budding, the flowers that are blooming, and the return of birds from their winter migration. In the sights and sounds of spring the beauty of the Lord is on display. Don’t miss it!
–Chuck