Religious Teachings About the Origins of Life | Religion, Philosophy & Ethics for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11 PDF Download

Religion and Creation

Some religious individuals believe scriptures provide narratives explaining the universe's origins.

• They hold that God created the universe, with scriptures offering a true account of these events.
• Other religious people accept scientific theories, like the Big Bang, to explain how the universe formed, while religion addresses why it exists.
• They believe God initiated the Big Bang and guides evolution, resulting in human existence.
• Some religious individuals embrace scientific theories about the universe, while others reject them.
• Many believe the universe’s apparent design indicates a creator.

Belief Differences

Religious beliefs about creation are often categorized as:

• Literalists (also called creationists or fundamentalists)
• Non-literalists (moderates)

Literalist Beliefs

• Scripture is the literal truth of creation (e.g., Earth is 6,000 years old, created in 6 days).
• Scripture is infallible, with no errors; scientific views contradicting it are incorrect.
• An omnipotent God could create the world in 6 days and make it appear older.
• God created humans as they are today.

Non-Literalist Beliefs

• Scripture is true but metaphorical; a "day" in Genesis represents a longer period.
• The message of scripture emphasizes God as the deliberate creator, not the result of chaos.
• Scripture offers symbolic truth.
• An omnipotent God created the universe over a long period.
• Humans, made in God’s image, have a divine purpose.

Religion & the Origin of the Universe

Christian Beliefs

Different religions have unique perspectives on the universe’s origin.

• Christians believe God created the Earth in 6 days ex-nihilo, as described in Genesis.
• Genesis 1 and 2 are key scriptures informing Christians about creation.
• Genesis 1: Details the order and timeline of creation.
  • Day 1: Light and darkness
  • Day 2: Skies and oceans
  • Day 3: Land and plants
  • Day 4: Sun, moon, stars
  • Day 5: Birds and fish
  • Day 6: Animals and humans
  • Day 7: God rested
• Genesis 2: Describes God creating man, then woman, and their relationship with Him.
  • God made Adam from clay, breathing life into him, indicating a personal connection.
  • God created humans in His image: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27-28).
  • Adam was tasked with guarding the Garden of Eden, with one rule: not to eat from the Forbidden Tree. “You may eat the fruit of any tree in the garden, except the tree that gives knowledge of what is good and what is bad. You must not eat the fruit of that tree; if you do you will die that same day” (Genesis 2:17).
  • Adam’s disobedience led to Original Sin, resulting in punishment for all mankind.

Muslim Beliefs

Muslims share similar beliefs with Christians about the universe’s origins.

• Some Qur’an translations mention “days,” but most Muslims interpret them as six phases.
• The Qur’an does not detail each phase but describes some of God’s creations:

“We have made the sky as a well secured canopy” (Qur’an 21:32).

“It is He who created night and day, the sun and moon, each floating in its orbit” (Qur’an 21:33).

• The Qur’an does not mention a rest day but states God organized the universe under His command:

“He is with you wherever you are” and “befitting his glory” (Qur’an 57:4).

• Muslims believe God’s creation is ongoing, seen in every new birth and Earth’s resources:

“Vegetation comes out of good land in abundance, by the will of its Lord” (Qur’an 7:58).

Authority of Religious Teachings on the Origins of the World

The Authority of Scripture

• Some religious people view scripture as the ultimate truth about the universe’s origins.
• For literalist Christians, scripture is authoritative, providing an accurate account of creation.
• For others, scripture offers a symbolic account, revealing God’s nature.
• For non-literalist Christians, scripture’s authority lies in teaching about God and humanity’s role in the universe.
• Christians believe the creation story reveals God’s character and His relationship with humanity:
  • God’s creation of the universe shows His omnipotence.
  • The universe was created deliberately, not by accident: “God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31).
  • Humans, made in God’s image, have a special relationship with Him.
  • God breathed life into Adam, emphasizing a personal connection.
  • The world was perfect but became imperfect due to human sin. This is significant because “Christ died for our sins” (1 Corinthians 15:3), ensuring salvation for humanity.