Comments on: The World Before Us

By: Robert R. Taylor

Robert R. Taylor — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 01:37:18 +0000

As a youngster I was blessed to go with my father on many back packing trips into John Muir’s beloved High Sierras. It fueled a love in me for nature. I am much older now but I still marvel with fresh eyes at the beauty of God’s creation. Mr. Yancey’s blog reminds us of our beautiful Lord and the worship of Him as the Creator of all things beautiful.

By: Michael LaRocca

Michael LaRocca — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 20:15:36 +0000

“He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.” – Albert Einstein

By: Michele

Michele — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 04:57:01 +0000

I find that most Christians, especially Protestant Christians, are blind to the beauty of Creation even if they sing song like How Great Thou Art, For the Beauty of the Earth,etc,in large part they take that beauty on trust and don’t bother to look around at it. Take snow, for example. Most people have accepted the concept that snow is white, and don’t give it another thought. Well, like the hairs of Polar bears snow does not actually have a color of its own anymore than water flowing from the tap does. It just reflects the colors of its environment, except for glacier meltwater since glacier lakes are emerald green. But have you ever really looked at a winter sunset when the snow is turning golden pink under the rays of the setting sun? I like to say that God was the first artist that ever lived, and all our ability to paint our world or sculpt it or represent it in any other way comes from Him. God CAN paint. He creates a brand-new sunrise and sunset every day, and no two individuals are exactly identical even billions of them have walked the earth since Creation, a proof of divine creativity if anyone needed it, but people prefer the same thing all the same, because that way you don’t have to wonder what to get next; it’s all figured out already. So we trade variety which is the spice of life for monotony because we are intellectually lazy and variety requires effort.
When my mom lived in her condo near a local river I would watch the reflections of the setting sun on sunny winter days and daydream of being able to reproduce them on canvas one day. Well, I’ve tried but no success so far. Acrylic paints are too limited. I’d give a lot to know what media God uses in His artwork. I’ll cut this short because I’M REALLY SLEEPY, but all those who look and see the beauty of Creation, please do insist that your friends look at it. They don’t know what they’re missing.

By: Cameron

Cameron — Thu, 12 Oct 2017 16:14:34 +0000

Phillip,

It was such a privilege to meet you Monday @ the Biologos event. I am glad to see some of your thoughts from that event written out here!

It’s interesting- having read many of your books- it felt like I’ve already known you for years. I never knew you were such a funny guy, though! Your analysis of Bloodhound Gang’s ‘The Bad Touch’ had us rolling… and your point will not be forgotten.

All the best to you and your wife,

Cameron

By: Peter A. Hovis

Peter A. Hovis — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 09:46:55 +0000

Thank you Philip, for this wonderful piece on God’s beauty. As I love the beauty and splendor of the desert Southwest from Santa Fe to Sedona…from the Grand Canyon to Arizona’s elevation changes when driving from Phoenix to Flagstaff. God Bless You my friend and author in Christ.

By: Preston Rentz

Preston Rentz — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 00:52:06 +0000

When I was young, I tried to escape my pain through the marvels of a man-made world. As I age, I’m increasingly finding comfort in God’s exquisite creation, and its beauty pierces me on a deeper level than any pain ever did.

By: Holly Cory

Holly Cory — Wed, 27 Sep 2017 16:19:54 +0000

I can’t get enough of God’s magnificent creation. I owe much of this to my parents. My mom was an art teacher and my dad taught Biology. They both instilled a love for art and nature in the lives of their 5 children. I now seek to instill that same love to my children, grandchildren and students. I grew up in Wheaton, IL, but have lived in CO for 30 years. I have family and friends that know and love you from both places. Your books have always been my favorite Christian books. You tell about life in stories. You are open, humble and real. Your blog makes me jealous. I want to experience God’s creation around the world as well as in my backyard. I hope to get to Alaska some time! Holly LeMaire Cory

By: Laurel C Kriegler

Laurel C Kriegler — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 19:36:11 +0000

You always say it so well. Completely agree with everything you’ve said here. May God bless you.

By: Carol Byrd

Carol Byrd — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 18:27:57 +0000

I remember reading your interview of Annie Dillard back in 1978 (I think), and it made me want to read Pilgrim at Tinker Creek. Thank you for consistently leading me into a deeper sense of awe of who God is and all that He has made.

By: Philip Yancey

Philip Yancey — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 13:21:22 +0000

In reply to Grace. I haven't--so thanks for the tip! Philip