The Ancient Witnesses

90 • The Ancient Witnesses: A Journey to Discover Our Sacred Roots

In the Beginning It was time for the next session to begin. As soon as the theme of Creation was announced, several ancient witnesses formed a line at the threefold lectern. Mentor began by recapping the previous session. “Brothers, the first episode concluded with a vision of our Triune God surrounded by an angelic host reflecting His glory. Meanwhile a dark host— principalities and powers—arrayed itself against the sons of light, casting a shadow across the bright creation. Against this backdrop the first man was created and placed in the garden to care for it. Now let us explore the Book of Beginnings, with which our great canon of Scriptures opens.” He read slowly and with feeling, In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from darkness. 3 “As you know, brothers,” Mentor continued, “our Gnostic opponents—those who profess a wisdom falsely so-called—claimed that the Almighty created the cosmos

3 Gen. 1:1–4 (ESV).