by Todd Elder at Exploring Creation
'Exploring Life' is the name given to the total collection of study and observation made by Todd Elder. It examines life in the combined fields of theology, science, and philosophy. The theology section refers to the collection of knowledge gained about things considered spiritual with an emphasis on the Almighty and religion. The science section includes things considered physical that can be measured and observed by the senses, therefore, it only deals with the physical aspects of the world and universe.
'Elder's Model of Creation', summary found below, is the public portion of the Exploring Life Project and focuses on life in all of the known creation as found in science and Scripture. It is primarily a theological model, however the '3. Original Creation' and '4. Physical Life' sections specifically deal with the physical aspects of life and include scientific study. These two sections are the focal point of the 'Exploring Creation' website.
As a scientific model, Elder's Model of Creation would be considered a form of Young Earth Creationism. The main categories of science on this website include the physical or natural sciences that study non-living matter, the earth sciences that focus exclusively on the planet Earth, and the biological sciences that focus on organisms including plants, animals, and mankind. See the Exploring Creation Homepage for a summary of these topics.
Elohim (specifically the god of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) created the Heavens and the Earth including the plants, the animals, and mankind. Elohim spoke them into existence in a literal seven day act of creation.
Scripture is the authoritative and accurate word of Elohim to mankind. The majority of Scripture is written in a literal and straightforward style. It is correct in describing the creation and both the physical and spiritual aspects of life. The central theme of Scripture is Elohim's relationship with mankind.
The original creation was very good and was made subject to mankind's authority. However, due to mankind's disobedience, creation has experienced a series of judgments and curses that cause deterioration and destruction. The most prominent historical judgments include the pronouncement of death and a worldwide flood.
The physical aspect of life deals with what can be observed with the senses and studied through science. Generally, what happens in the physical is a result or effect of what has already happened in the spiritual. This is especially true in the perspective of a covenant relationship.
The spiritual aspect of life is measured in righteousness and its effects are experienced in the physical through peace or suffering. It includes the spoken word, blessing and cursing, as well as angels and demons.
Creation was made to be inhabited and the Earth was placed under the authority of mankind who is made in the image of Elohim. The Almighty desires a special relationship with mankind and the desire of our life should be that close relationship.
Elohim's relationship with mankind comes in the form of a covenant. Throughout history, multiple covenants have been made with individuals, groups of people, nations, and all of mankind. The covenant is basically a spiritual contract with physical ramifications including blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.
Righteousness and submission to the covenant are followed by judgment. Disobedience and the breaking of the covenant are also followed by judgment. A judgment can come on a personal, national, or global level and often comes in a physical form as a result of something that is spiritually right or wrong.
Due to mankind's disobedience and breaking of the covenants there is a separation from the Almighty that includes the judgment of death. An atonement is needed to bring mankind back into close relationship. This is the work of the Messiah, the eternal king and priest, who came in physical form to die in mankind's place and redeem him from death.
Scripture contains many prophecies about the creation, the future of mankind, and the work of the Messiah. The culmination of this is a final judgment on mankind, a new heavens and earth, and close eternal relationship with Elohim for believers in the Messiah.
There is an ongoing rebellion against righteousness in the spiritual and disobedience to the covenant in the physical. This battle is led by Satan and it greatly effects the life of mankind. Although in many ways the angelic creatures are very powerful, through the Messiah believers have been given an authority that is ultimately greater in this battle.
One of the greatest battle grounds between righteousness and evil comes in the form of true worship. Elohim has stated how mankind is to have a relationship with Himself. The religious traditions of man (whether Christian, Rabbinical, or secular in origin) cause separation of mankind from the Almighty and the loss of blessing in life.