As I write this John and I have just returned from one of my favorite trips — the Canyonlands Tour. A group of Christians traveled by bus to Sunset Crater, the Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, Lake Powell, Meteor Crater, Painted Desert, and Petrified Forest. Not only are these spectacular wonders to see, but they tell a story about the history of the earth. John, along with Alan Doty, a professional geologist, taught us daily on the bus about the geologic significance and importance of these structures to our understanding of how God created the world and how that fits with what God reveals in his Word.

Before knowing John, I had no understanding of, or appreciation for, geology. These teaching trips in the Canyonlands have opened my eyes and mind to the processes and methods that God most likely used when he designed, created, and prepared the earth for man to live on. I no longer see God as a magician who zapped everything we see today into existence. I see him as an architect and engineer who set processes in motion over time to give us a habitable earth — rich in natural resources that we can find and use. We are able to find these resources because of the way God made them. The geologic history of the earth reveals a God who designed and created our universe and earth with purpose and wisdom (Proverbs 3:19 and 8:22 – 31). God’s power and divine nature are clearly seen in the beauty, design, and complexity of all he has made (Romans 1:20).

The encouragement of being with fellow Christians all week, singing and praying and studying God’s Word, has strengthened my faith. I have a better understanding of how God’s Word and the things we observe in nature are in harmony with one another. Science, after all, is man discovering how God did what he did. In the beginning God created everything. How he did it, how long it took, and the methods he used can be seen in what he has made. It is important for people’s faith, especially young people, to be able to reconcile scientific facts and history with the Bible. They should not have to choose between them. Because the Bible is the inerrant Word of God, there cannot be conflict between it and what we observe to be true in the things which God has made. I am thankful to be a part of this ministry which attempts to show people that they do not have to make that choice.

— Cynthia Clayton

Picture credits:
©Patty Gibson