Words have different definitions according to experience of those receiving the words. The meaning of the words nature has different connotations, and these connotations have changed according to the changing views of society. Thus, the definition of the word “nature” is more fluid than words on a page might indicate.
The etymology of the word comes from the Latin “nat,” meaning to be born. This word morphed into the more current - at least in terms of language - “natura,” which has several different meanings. The first meaning of this root is the idea of birth. From a religious perspective, it is important to remember where the birth of all natural things came from, from God the Creator. The root “natura” also means “quality.” This gives credence to the idea that all things are most beutiful their natural form.
The first definition of the word “nature,” comes from Merriam WEbster’s dictionary. This definition states that nature is “the material world, especially as surrounding humankind and existing independently of human activities.” (Merriam-Webster, 1993) This definition of the word nature indicates that everything that surrounds us is nature. When we consider nature, we must remember that all things are created from something. As Christians, we believe that God is the Creator of all things, as it says in Genesis, “The earth was formless and void, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the water.” (Genesis 1:2) This verse proves that God is in control and rules over all things, both natural and unnatural. For nothing was created that was not created by him. And things that were not created by the Father were created by the FAther’s creations. And so in essence, God is the Creator of all things.
The second definition of the word “nature” is more abstract. The definition also comes from Merriam-Webster’s dictionary and states that nature is “reality, as distinguished from any effect of art.” (Merriam-Webster, 1993) This definition can be paraphrased to mean that one’s nature is one’s reality. For example, the condition of “human nature” is often spoken of. This is a description of the human condition, and what humans consider to be their reality. This definition of nature is also used in the Bible, when being used to describe the “nature’ of Christ. The nature of Christ is that He was completely human while at the same time being completely divine. In other words, it describes the reality of what it was like for the SAvior to be both fully human and fully divine, for that was His reality. In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul writes “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who being in the very nature of God did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.” (Philippians 2:5-6) This definition tells us that the reality for Jesus Christ was that he was God, and knew he was God, but chose instead to become human.
The idea of nature - in either of its forms - is one that is complex. The etymology gives some idea as to the derivation of the definitions of the word. The word in it many forms can have a multitude of connotations. This multitude of connotations leads to different perspectives by the receiver of the message.
Works cited
The NIV. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Bible Pub., 1983. Print.
Webster's third new international dictionary of the English language, unabridged: a Merriam-Webster. Springfield, MA: G. & C. Merriam Co., 1993. Print.
