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The Science of Reward Pathways vs. The Divine Reward Pathway In neuroscience, a reward pathway is a system in the brain that reinforces behaviors essential for survival and pleasure, such as eating and social bonding. The human brain is wired to seek rewards, which are often tied to material or emotional gratification. However, worldly rewards—wealth, status, relationships—are temporary and frequently leave individuals empty over time. This same tension between desire and fulfillment is echoed in African proverbs that teach balance, gratitude, and purpose . The Bible presents an alternative, transcendent reward system that leads to eternal fulfillment. God Himself is the ultimate reward , as expressed in verses like: Genesis 15:1 – "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." Matthew 6:33 – "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Hebrew...
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The Power of Genesis 1:1: How the Bible’s First Words Shape Our Understanding of the Universe Skip to main content The Power of Genesis 1:1: How the Bible’s First Words Shape Our Understanding of the Universe The Bible opens with a bold declaration: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Ten words that define time, matter, and purpose. These words have stirred hearts, shaped civilizations, and challenged scientists for millennia. Yet in the rush of modern life , few pause to grasp their depth. Why the First Words of the Bible Matter Genesis 1:1 is not a preface — it is the foundation upon which every word of Scripture rests. Within it are questions that have shaped human understanding: Where did all things come from? Genesis 1:1 declares that everything—from atoms to galaxies—is the work of a divine Creator. What is time? “In the beginni...
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What is Time? God, Physics and the Mystery of Time Explained Simply Ever wondered what time really is? Explore this simple explanation of time as an emergent property with connections to God, the Bible, and the Big Bang. Perfect for those new to physics and faith. Similar reflections appear in African views of nature’s hidden rhythms , where natural patterns mirror divine timing. Time: The Ultimate Collaborative Project Think of time as a big, ongoing group project. Imagine a shared document where many people share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences. Each person adds something, like a paragraph or a design. Together, these contributions create a complex and changing story that develops over time. We see a living example of ritually structured time in the weekly ceremony of the Moro Naba , Burkina Faso's traditional ruler, where centuries-old traditions continue to shape modern life. In this idea, God is like the project manager. He started the project and set the rules f...
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In the Beginning — Start Here

Your guide to the origins of everything we explore — from neural sparks to ancient words.

Genesis 1:1 Ex Nihilo: Chaos of Nothingness

Genesis 1:1 Ex Nihilo: Chaos or Nothingness?

Genesis 1:1 Ex Nihilo: Chaos or Nothingness?

A modern guide to divine order through Hebrew language, theology, and African cosmology.

Illustration of creation: chaos transforming into light

The Bible’s opening line—“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”—invites a profound question: Was the universe shaped out of chaos or created from nothingness?

Both ideas shape how cultures understand beginnings. In many African creation stories, the universe forms through divine rhythm, breath, or sound—echoing the mystery held within Genesis 1:1.

The Hebrew View — Order From Chaos

The term Bereshit (“in the beginning”) introduces God shaping what was formless and empty. Creation emerges as divine ordering—much like African traditions where order rises from primordial waters, wind, or drumbeat.

This biblical foundation has found particularly fertile ground in Africa, where many nations are holding tight to Christian faith amidst modern challenges.

The Christian View — Creation From Nothing

Creatio Ex Nihilo (“creation out of nothing”) frames God as the source of time, space, and matter. This mirrors African folklore as early science, where thought, word, and spirit bring reality into being.

Two Views — One Creator

  • Chaos → Order: God as architect shaping the void.
  • Nothing → Existence: God as source calling reality forth.

What Genesis 1:1 Teaches Us

Beginnings carry purpose. Whether shaping chaos or speaking from nothingness, God establishes order, direction, and meaning—reflected in African proverbs about purpose.

Why It Matters Today

Genesis 1:1 is not a scientific puzzle but an invitation: to see life as structured, meaningful, and guided by intention.

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Author Ivy, creator of Eternal First Words

About the Author

Ivy is the researcher and writer behind Eternal First Words, exploring beginnings through neuroscience, theology, African history, and cultural meaning. Her work is cited by universities, academic journals, and respected media worldwide.

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The Science of Reward Pathways vs. The Divine Reward Pathway In neuroscience, a reward pathway is a system in the brain that reinforces behaviors essential for survival and pleasure, such as eating and social bonding. The human brain is wired to seek rewards, which are often tied to material or emotional gratification. However, worldly rewards—wealth, status, relationships—are temporary and frequently leave individuals empty over time. This same tension between desire and fulfillment is echoed in African proverbs that teach balance, gratitude, and purpose . The Bible presents an alternative, transcendent reward system that leads to eternal fulfillment. God Himself is the ultimate reward , as expressed in verses like: Genesis 15:1 – "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." Matthew 6:33 – "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Hebrew...
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What is Time? God, Physics and the Mystery of Time Explained Simply Ever wondered what time really is? Explore this simple explanation of time as an emergent property with connections to God, the Bible, and the Big Bang. Perfect for those new to physics and faith. Similar reflections appear in African views of nature’s hidden rhythms , where natural patterns mirror divine timing. Time: The Ultimate Collaborative Project Think of time as a big, ongoing group project. Imagine a shared document where many people share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences. Each person adds something, like a paragraph or a design. Together, these contributions create a complex and changing story that develops over time. We see a living example of ritually structured time in the weekly ceremony of the Moro Naba , Burkina Faso's traditional ruler, where centuries-old traditions continue to shape modern life. In this idea, God is like the project manager. He started the project and set the rules f...
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