1.2 - the creation of the universe

• creating the universe

  god created the world in 6 days, rested on the 7th day (sunday) which is the day of church and rest

  humans were created in god's image - adam was created from dust and god breathed life into him
• literalists

  • bible = true word of god, god's exact words
  • genesis 1 is general, genesis 2+3 zooms in on day 6 and the animals
  • dont accept scientific theories (evolution, big bang)
• conservatives

  • bible = word of god, but not actual words
  • writers of the bible were inspired by god
  • bible = book about faith rather than science
  • genesis 2+3 is a commentary of genesis 1
  • accept scientific theories (big bang, evolution)
• liberals

  • bible = book of words about god, not god's actual words
  • genesis 1, 2+3 had different authors - metaphors about creation, not factual
  • accept scientific theories (big bang, evolution)
• role of the word and the spirit in creation

  John says that everything was made through the word

  identifies the word with jesus (son of god) so god who created the world = god as the trinity
• importance of the creation story

  shows god's goodness

  shows how humans are unique - the only creatures created who are able to know and love their creator, and have self-knowledge

  given stewardship to look after and pass on god's gift