Christian Views - Origins of the Universe

• Genesis chapters 1 and 2 contain two creation stories
• Genesis 1:1-2:3 explains how God created the universe over six days then rested on the seventh. This story stresses that God created humans in his image (Genesis 1:27)

  • This account shows God creating by speech
  • "Let there be light" and "there was light"
• Genesis 2:4-2:25 explains how God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him

  • He creates animals and companions for man, but none are suitable
  • God creates woman from one of the man's rib bones

  Some Christians believe these chapters are literal, whereas some believe they are more symbolic
• What happens in Genesis 2:4-2:25?

  God forms man from the dust. First, He creates animals as companions for Adam. The only suitable companion is a woman, whom He makes from one of Adam's rib bones
• 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.