Christian Beliefs about the Creation of the World | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Christian Perspectives on the Universe's Creation

Christians hold that God is the creator of the earth and all life within it.

• This belief is rooted in the Bible, specifically in Genesis Chapter One.
• According to the Bible, God created the universe over six days and rested on the seventh day.
• Some Christians, known as Creationists, take the Genesis account literally, believing it occurred exactly as described.
• Many Christians view the account as containing spiritual truth rather than scientific precision, emphasizing that God intentionally brought the universe into existence.
• Christians affirm that God is the sole, all-powerful Creator of the universe.
• The Bible describes the universe as orderly, created with purpose rather than chaos.
• Christians believe that all members of the Holy Trinity participated in the act of creation.
• God the Father is recognized as the primary Creator.

The Gospel of John refers to the Son of God as "the Word," stating:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1-3).

The world was formed through the action of the Holy Spirit, as described:

"The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light" (Genesis 1:2-3).

Creation of Humanity

Christian Beliefs about Human Creation

• Christians believe that humans were created on the sixth day of creation.
• The first humans, Adam and Eve, resided in the Garden of Eden.

The Bible states:

"The Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground" (Genesis 2:7).

"(God) made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man" (Genesis 2:22).

Humans were created in the image of God, as noted:

"So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them" (Genesis 1:27).

God granted humans authority over the rest of creation:

"Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground" (Genesis 1:28).

• Christians believe that Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God introduced evil and suffering into the world.

Influence of the Creation Story on Christians

The purposeful creation of the universe implies that human life has meaning and value.

• Being made in God’s image reminds Christians that every person has inherent potential, deserving of respect and fair treatment.
• As God created humans, they are significant to Him, and thus should be treated with love and compassion.
• Human dominion over creation entails a responsibility to treat all beings—human and non-human—with equality, love, and respect.
• This responsibility is referred to as stewardship.
• As stewards of the world, Christians may engage in efforts to protect the planet and all its inhabitants.