Q&A: 'Let There Be Light'
'Let There Be Light'
Question
A question that has come up for me recently—
Assuming that the description of the creation of the world is to be taken literally. That is, this is not (only) some allegory—what is the meaning of the statement that God created light? As we know, the phenomenon of “light” is the encounter of an electromagnetic wave with the retina of the eye (for the sake of simplicity in the discussion). What does it mean that “light” was created, when there was not yet any place for such an encounter to occur?
I thought of two possible explanations, which are really one: (a) the intention is that God created the electromagnetic wave. (b) The wave was created in such a way that when the retina of the eye would encounter it, the phenomenon of light would arise.
This seems novel to me, and I would be glad to hear your opinion.
Answer
Clearly that is what is meant. I do not see any difference between the two possibilities.
Discussion on Answer
Light is not something that exists in the world. In the world there is an electromagnetic wave. Light is what the eyes and the brain translate it into within our consciousness.
If possible, could you explain it for someone as ignorant as me—
What exactly is the question? Isn’t light simply the creation of something that illuminates the world with light? Why do you need eyes?