The Starry Night
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers – the moon and the stars you set in place – Psalms 8:3
Psalms 19:1-4
1The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day, they continue to speak; night after night, they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.
4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.
Romans 1:20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God.
Vincent van Gogh’s painting “The Starry Night,” painted in June 1889, portrays a swirling blue sky with a yellow moon and stars. The sky is filled with an explosion of colors and shapes, with each star surrounded by rippling yellow swirls, shining like reflections on water.
Van Gogh’s brushstrokes created the illusion of movement in the sky, which led researchers specializing in marine sciences and fluid dynamics to ponder its accuracy in depicting real skies. They analyzed van Gogh’s painting to uncover the hidden turbulence in the painter’s depiction of the sky.
They found that van Gogh’s portrayal of turbulence aligns with established theories of atmospheric movement, indicating his innate understanding of atmospheric dynamics. The researchers believe that van Gogh’s precise representation of turbulence might have come from studying the movement of clouds and the atmosphere or from an innate sense of how to capture the dynamism of the sky.
This study suggests that van Gogh’s depiction of the sky in “The Starry Night” demonstrates a deep and intuitive understanding of natural phenomena (https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-starry-night-accurately-depicts-a-scientific-theory-that-wasnt-described-until-years-after-van-goghs-death-180985116/).
Interestingly, Vincent van Gogh stated, “For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me want to dream.”
Could it be that van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” is simply the outcome of creative chance and spontaneous brushwork, similar to the style of Jackson Pollock?
Does design require intelligence?
Consider the analogy written by William Paley in his work Natural Theology in 1802.
Picture yourself strolling along a beach when you come across a watch lying on the sand. As you pick it up and inspect it, you are struck by its intricate design and precise operation. Paley suggests that it would be unreasonable to believe this watch simply appeared by chance. Its complexity and purposeful construction point to an intelligent watchmaker who designed and crafted it.
Paley takes this analogy further, applying it to the universe. Just as the watch’s complexity suggests a designer, so too does the universe’s intricate order imply the presence of an intelligent creator. This analogy frequently appears in discussions about intelligent design and the argument for God’s existence based on the evident design found in nature.
Intelligent design is the belief that certain features of the universe and living things are best explained by an intelligent cause rather than an undirected process like natural selection.
Proponents argue that some biological structures or cosmic intricacies are too complex to have evolved entirely through natural processes and instead suggest the involvement of a purposeful creator or designer.
REFLECT & PRAY
“Napoleon, on a warship in the Mediterranean on a star-lit night, passed a group of his officers who were mocking at the idea of a God. He stopped and, sweeping his hand toward the stars, said, ‘Gentlemen, you must get rid of those first!’” (Newell).
Father, thank You for revealing general information about Yourself in the natural world to stimulate our curiosity and interest and draw people to Yourself. Thank You for providing Special Revelation through Your Word that provides explicit and detailed insights regarding our fallen DNA and need for a Savior. Thank You for giving the Lord Jesus Christ, who came into the world to save us from our sins.
INSIGHT
The realm of observing natural phenomena and created things has been dubbed Natural Revelation. Natural Revelation refers to the knowledge about God and spiritual matters that can be discovered through observing nature, the physical universe, and the inherent moral order of the world. It is the idea that the existence and attributes of a creator can be understood by examining the created world without the need for extraordinary or supernatural intervention.
Romans 1:20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God.
This suggests that through reason and observation, people can gain insights into God, such as His power, intelligence, creativity, etc. However, the creation is limited in that it does not provide a complete understanding of God’s nature or intentions.
Four main aspects characterize Natural Revelation. First, it is clear evidence that is apparent to all (“it is evident and plain”). Second, it is understandable to everyone, allowing us to infer details about the Creator through His creation. Third, it has been present throughout every generation since the world’s inception. Last, it is limited in scope, not disclosing everything about God, such as His love and grace, but focusing on specific aspects like His power and deity. Natural revelation is intended to make us curious and want to know more. However, it does not provide enough information for one to achieve salvation, underscoring the necessity for everyone to hear the gospel (Constable).
Special Revelation refers to the knowledge of God and divine truth that is revealed directly and supernaturally through the Scriptures. It provides insights into God’s character, will, and plan for humanity that cannot be discerned through nature alone. We come to know the love and grace of our heavenly Father and the way that leads us to eternal salvation.
Psalms 19:1-4
1The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship.
2 Day after day, they continue to speak; night after night, they make him known.
3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.
He’s everything to me.
Author: Ralph Carmichael
In the stars His handiwork I see
On the wind He speaks with majesty
Tho’ He ruleth over land and sea
What is that to me
Chorus
‘Til by faith I met Him face to face
And I felt the wonder of His grace
Then I knew that He was more
Than just a God who didn’t care
That lived away out there
And now He walks beside me day by day
Ever watching o’er me lest I stray
Helping me to find that narrow way
He’s ev’rything to me
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 