(c) (i) Explain, from either Catholic Christianity and Judaism or two Christian traditions, teachings about the origins of the universe. Flashcards
Catholics read the Bible as an inspired text which had real human authors, so they do not read the Creation accounts literally Catholics read the creation stories as inspired poems/metaphors/myths about the relationship between God the creator and God’s creation Catholics believe that God is the ultimate creator but that this is compatible with a belief in the ‘Big Bang’ and evolution.
Christian perspectives on creation
Genesis 1
Genesis chapters 1 and 2 contain two creation stories.
Genesis 1:1-2:3 explains how God created the universe over six days and then rested on the seventh. It stresses that God created humans in his image (Genesis 1:27).
This account shows God creating by speaking, for example: “Let there be light,” and “there was light”. (Genesis 1:3 NIV).
Genesis 2
Genesis 2:4-2:25 explains how God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him.
He creates animals as companions for man, but none are suitable. Finally, God creates woman from one of the man’s rib bones.
Some Christians believe these chapters are literal, but others believe they are more symbolic.
In Genesis 2:4-2:25:
1 God forms man from the dust 2 First, he creates animals as companions for Adam 3 The only suitable companion is a woman
Christianity looks to Genesis 1-2 for its account of creation. How many creation stories are there in those chapters?
2
Scientific Accounts of the Origins of the Universe
The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory says that the universe began around 13.8 billion years ago as an explosion of high-density matter and energy.
Everything in the universe was formed by the matter from the explosion. Stars and planets formed first.
Supporters of this theory say the universe still seems to be expanding and we can detect background radiation left over from the Big Bang.
Science and Religion
Some religious believers do not trust science to tell them anything and instead look to their texts and traditions.
Other religious people might believe theories like the Big Bang explain how the world was created but that God was behind it and caused it.
These people might say God and religion explains why the universe was created.
George Lemaitre, the man who first suggested the idea of the Big Bang Theory, was a Roman Catholic priest.
What do some religious people say about the Big Bang Theory?
Some do not accept the Big Bang Theory because they believe their texts and traditions instead
Some religious people believe theories like the Big Bang explain how while religion explains why
This second group of people might say God caused the Big Bang
Who was Georges Lemaitre?
He was a Roman Catholic priest who first proposed the Big Bang Theory
In Genesis 1:1-2:3, the writer stresses that God made humans in his image. In Genesis 2:4-2:25, God forms man from the dust, breathes life into his nostrils, and creates woman from one of the man’s rib bones.
