Day 53-God and nature

In other religions, nature is seen as part of God. This is called pantheism. Or nature is seen as direct manifestation of god behavior. (For example, many so called primitive religions believe there is a sun god, a rain god, a storm god etc which cause it to rain or storm) This is called animism. Christianity is different, we believe in one God, separate from, above nature, creation. We believe God created nature, the universe, God's continued action keeps it all going, but God is spiritual, not physical and God is transcendent that is separate from and far above creation. But we believe nature can point us to God as it reflects some of God's characteristics. The psalmist in Psalm 19 says the skies declare God's glory. So we can appreciate nature but we don't worship nature.

The first time I went to Yosemite, and we drove to the observation point where the whole valley lay before us. I had what can be called a numinous experience. I was struck with awe. I sensed that there was something much bigger than me, I was a part of something much grander, I was awe struck with the awesome, magnificence of God. I was also humbled by my insignifance. But this sense of awe struckness and humility was not threatening to me. I felt God revealing Himself to me, but there was a warmth as well. Several years later I had a similar experience at Niagara Falls. I went to Bridal Veil Falls at New Year's Eve. This is the closest you can get to the falls. It was winter and everything was covered in ice. The water was thundering, everything glistened, you could see the stars above.

These kind of experiences can demonstrate in a subjective way God's existence. They can confirm our faith.