Creation

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Creation

Roman Catholics believe that God created the world from nothing (known as ‘ex nihilo’).

Quotes about creation

‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.’ [Genesis 1:1 NIV]
‘The world was created for the glory of God.’ [CCC 293]

Symbolism and science

The Book of Genesis in the Old Testament says God created humans.
The Catholic Church says that the story of creation in Genesis can be understood as symbolic. A symbolic story can have important messages and truths even if it did not happen exactly as described.
It is possible for Catholics to believe in evolution as well as God.
The Catholic Church teaches that faith and science don’t always disagree with each other.

Literal interpretations

Some Christians, however, believe the Bible (as the word of God), must be interpreted literally. This means that they believe that God literally made the Earth in 6 days.
This can conflict with scientific evidence about evolution.

Beliefs about creation

The most important Catholic belief about creation is that it was an act of God.
Creation is also understood as an expression of God as omnipotent (all-powerful) because he was able to create the universe from nothing.
Another important belief is that God created human beings to have a special relationship with him, and to obey his commands.
Catholics believe that God made human beings the stewards of creation, with a responsibility to look after the world that he had made.

Creation Scriptures

There are two accounts of creation in the Book of Genesis - in chapter 1 and chapter 2.

Genesis 1

In Genesis 1, men and women are the last things to be created in the process of creation.
The creation account in Genesis 1 is set out chronologically (time ordered) over a period of seven days.
On the 6th day, God says “Let us make man” (Genesis 1:26).

Genesis 2

In Genesis 2, Adam (man) is created before the animals.

Genesis 1 vs Genesis 2

Most Catholics believe that these accounts don't disagree with each other because the writings shouldn't be interpreted literally.
- Genesis 1 is mainly focused on the physical act of creation, leading up to the creation of human beings in God’s image. God commands humanity to rule over the rest of creation.
- Genesis 2 focuses on the spiritual idea of how God made human beings as his special creation and gave them the responsibility to look after the Garden of Eden.

1Buddhism

2Christianity

2.1Key Beliefs

2.1.1The Nature of God

2.1.2The Problem of Evil

2.1.3Monotheism

2.1.4Creation

2.1.5Bible Accounts of Creation

2.1.6The Trinity and Creation

2.1.7Afterlife

2.1.8Heaven and Hell

2.1.9The Influence of Afterlife on Life

2.1.10End of Topic Test - Christianity Key Beliefs

2.1.11Exam-Style Questions - Christian Beliefs

2.2Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.2.1The Incarnation

2.2.2Jesus - Divine & Human

2.2.3The Crucifixion

2.2.4Jesus' Betrayal

2.2.5Resurrection & Ascension

2.2.6Sin

2.2.7Original Sin

2.2.8Punishment

2.2.9The Means of Salvation

2.2.10Achieving Salvation

2.2.11Disagreements About Salvation

2.2.12The Role of Christ in Salvation

2.2.13Theories of Salvation

2.2.14End of Topic Test - Jesus Christ & Salvation

2.3Worship & Festivals

2.3.1Different Forms of Worship

2.3.2Prayer

2.3.3Sacrament

2.3.4Baptism

2.3.5Other Sacraments

2.3.6Eucharist

2.3.7Pilgrimage & Celebrations

2.3.8Christmas & Easter

2.3.9End of Topic Test - Worship and Festivals

2.4Community

2.4.1Local Community

2.4.2Mission, Evangelism & Church Growth

2.4.3Worldwide Church

2.4.4Reconciliation

2.4.5Persecution

2.4.6Caring for Those in Need

2.4.7End of Topic Test - Community

2.4.8Exam-Style Questions - Christian Practices

3Catholicism (Christianity)

4Islam

5Judaism

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