movie analogy

The Tree of Life: Creation as Cosmic Liturgy - Orthodox (Genesis 1-2)

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Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life opens with the creation of the cosmos—galaxies forming, oceans churning, life emerging—set to sacred music. Creation is not mere mechanism but cosmic liturgy, a hymn of praise. Orthodox theology sees Genesis 1-2 through this lens: creation flows from God's love and bears His presence. The world is a theophany—a revelation of the divine. Humans are priests of creation, called to offer the world back to God in thanksgiving. The film's breathtaking imagery invites us to see creation as the Fathers did: charged with glory, groaning for transfiguration, destined for union with its Creator.

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