Is creativity divine? Or, better yet, is human creativity part of God's plan? Did He just get the ball rolling "in the beginning" and now it's our job to keep it rolling? What does the Bible say about creativity?

Talk about untangling the mysteries of the elusive idea.

We went straight to the source this time. And you might be surprised at some of the answers.

This month we have Dr. Sean McDonough, Professor of New Testament at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, on the Ideasicle Podcast, to talk about spirituality, The Bible, and creativity.

Show Notes:

• We begin by defining creativity from the Christian standpoint.
• We discuss the first creative act (God's) and the fact that act didn't end in seven days. That was just the beginning of creativity in the world. 
• The Old Testament is full of references to creativity, but the New Testament has very few direct references. Dr. McDonough explains why.
• Is there "good creativity" and "bad creativity" from the perspective of Christianity? Hint: Eve had a very bad idea one day in the Garden of Eden.
• In fact, Jesus' acts were largely creative acts that "restore" God's plan - e.g. giving sight to the blind man. 
• We talk about the purpose of creativity. That creativity may be a means, not an end. That love is always the "end" of any good creative act. 
• Dr. McDonough uses the Beatles and The Beach Boys as examples of tapping into a "love vibe" through their creativity.
• We wrap up with a discussion about God's role in everyday creativity. Can God have influence in the seeming "randomness" that creative solutions often appear from? E.g. "out of the blue"?

Bio:

Dr. McDonough came to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in 2000 from the Pacific Theological College in Suva, Fiji, where he had served as the Chair of the Biblical Studies Department and as a lecturer in New Testament. His research interests include creation/cosmology in the Bible and the Ancient Near East, Hellenistic Judaism, Greek philosophy and religion and the Book of Revelation.

Degree at B.A. (Harvard College). A degree at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Ph.D. (University of St. Andrews).

Dr. McDonough remains active in ministry. He is a Sunday School teacher and occasional preacher at First Congregational Church in Hamilton. He is also a speaker for Medair, a Christian relief organization based in Switzerland.