As we make our way through the pilgrimage called “life,” on
occasion we stop to reflect upon the nature and meaning of our
own existence, because such matters variously enthrall, excite,
or intrigue us. Nowhere is this more evident than in regard to
our ultimate origin. Few there must be who do not pause, at some
point in their earthly sojourn, to ponder such topics as the
origin of the Universe, the origin of planet Earth, the origin
of various life forms on the Earth, and even their own origin
and destiny. Essentially, there are two fundamentally different,
diametrically opposed, explanations for these phenomena. Each of
these explanations can be viewed as a cosmogony—i.e., an entire
world view, or philosophy, of origins and destinies, of life and
meaning. One of these world views, known as the concept of
creation, postulates that the Universe is here as the result of
the purposeful, deliberate acts of a supernatural Creator
Who—with wisdom, planning, design, and forethought—created the
Universe and all ani