This document provides an overview of a talk on Creation Theology. It discusses why the beginning matters and introduces some of the key topics that will be covered, including how Creation Theology offers a new paradigm for understanding the Gospel. It also contrasts Creation Theology with Redemption Theology, noting they have differing scopes, anthropologies, and postures - with Creation Theology taking a more public focus on the interaction between individuals and the continuity of creation, while Redemption Theology takes a more private, religious focus on heaven and hell.

1. “Creation” Theology: Part 1
What is it and Why it matters
It is time for a new paradigm on the Gospel
today – and Creation theology offers us that
new paradigm

2. Here is the flow of this talk on Creation Theology…
iThis is what
I cover in the
first talk….
This is what I
cover in the
second
talk….

3. Why the ‘beginning’ matters…
“The beginning is not what one finds
first;
The point of departure must be
reached – it must be won”
Paul Ricoeur (1913 – 2005)

4. My ‘Joseph-in-Egypt problems’ were
‘wicked’
The kinds of problems that planners deal with--societal
problems--are inherently different from the problems that
scientists and perhaps some classes of engineers deal with.
Planning problems are inherently wicked.
As distinguished from problems in the natural sciences,
which are definable and separable and may have solutions
that are findable, the problems of governmental planning--and
especially those of social or policy planning--are ill-defined;
and they rely upon elusive political judgment for resolution.
(Not " solution." Social problems are never solved. At best
they are only re-solved--over and over again.
Horst Rittel ‘General Dilemmas in a Theory of Planning’

5. My ‘Joseph in Egypt’ journey….
5
Moved the core of God’s interest and plans

6. Creation Theology in contrast to Redemption
theology
6
Creation Theology
G1 >G3
Redemption Theology
G3 > G1
Imago Dei Sinners (Total Depravity)
Differing Scopes
All of Cosmos –
Continuity of of creation
Religious – Defined by
‘heaven & hell’
Competing
Anthropologies
Differing Postures
Private – focus on soul &
individual∂
Public – focus on
interaction between one
and many