christians beliefs/teachings about creation Flashcards
what two stories do christians base their beliefs about the origin of the world?
Genesis 1 and Genesis 2
Genesis 1:1-2:3
describes Gods creation of the universe over a six day period.God created all elements of the universe and earth but humans were the pinnacle of Gods creation-they were made in Gods image and were given the duty of stewardship
Genesis 2:4-2:25
focuses in the creation of humans and reinforces their special nature and relationship with God.Before the animals ,Adam was created and God ’breathed life into him’(gave him a soul).Concerned that Adam was lonely,God gave animals to him as a companion and gave him the responsibility of naming them.Animals weren’t a suitable companion so God created Eve.
What can all christians agree on?[3]
1.God is the creator of the universe and all life forms
2.everything in the universe was planned by God and has a purpose
3.humans were created in Gods image :they have a special nature and role in Gods creation
what do all Christians disagree with?[3]
1.that the universe and life is accidental
2.that humans are just well evolved animals and aren’t special
3.life has purpose.They disagree with the belief that the purpose of humans is to survive (survival of the fittest)
what do literalist christians believe about the creation?[8]
1.they believe the book of genesis is an accurate portrayal of the creation of the world and humanity
2.young earth creationists believe that the world was created in 6 days but old earth creationists believe that a ‘day’ refers to a period of time,not 24 hrs
3.all living things that exist today were created im those six days
4.one man and one women named Adam and Eve
5.Adam and Eve had a soul
6.Adam was made from the earth and Eve,one of his ribs
7.humans are special as they have a soul and the responsibility of stewardship
8.reject scientific theories of big bang and evolution as they believe it contradicts the creation story
what do liberal christians believe about the creation?[8]
1.the universe and all forms of life were planned by God
2.everything was created for a reason.The world was carefully balanced:everything has an important part to play
3.humans are special as they were given a soul and the responsibility of stewardship
4.they are likely to believe in the big bang theory and evolution because these theories have evidence behind them
5.they believe God directed the big bang and evolution because its too complicated to have happened by chance
6.they believe that the plants and animals we have today evolved over time and changed considerably
7.there was no one man and women in the beginning.It took billions of years for human life to develop
8.science helps humans understand how God works.Religious answers the why to questions about human existence and science answers the how
the role of the Word in creation[6]
1.The word is the living word of God which has always existed with God.
2.God created the universe through the word.
3.Jesus is the word and the total message(everything God wants to communicate to man)
4.He was present at the beginning of creation
5.previously.God spoke his word through prophets but was ignored as people found it easy to ignore the message of an invisible God so the word became flesh and lived among people
6.Jesus is Gods perfect revelation of himself in the flesh
John 1:1-14
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
