Engaging God's World, Chapter 2

This chapter, true to its title, contained lots of theological discussion on the topic of creation. I agreed with most of what Plantinga had to say about creation, although a lot of it was ideas that I had been exposed to before. I didn't find this reading to as fascinating as the essays by C. S. Lewis, although I do think that Plantinga makes a few good points.

One point that I agree with Plantinga on is the reason that God created the world. It makes sense that God was not lonely or bored, and that he didn't need us. He is our God, and doesn't depend on us for anything. I agree that God made the world out of love, and that he intentionally designed the Earth, as well as the other planets and stars, because is a fitting thing for a loving God to do. This part of the chapter made sense to me.

One thing that I disagreed with was Plantinga's point that we can be saved because we were made good, and that despite falling into sin, there is still good in us. My belief is that we are, as sinners, totally depraved. We have messed up so badly that, in my opinion, there is no real good left in us. I do agree that, while we have fallen into sin, we can be saved through God's grace. This salvation has absolutely nothing to do with us or any good left in us. God saves us because he loves us, even though we don't deserve it.