Creation
How was thee universe and earth made?
Many people believe the scienctific explanations, such as the big bang.
The big bang is the idea that about 13 million years ago all matter was cocentrated at a single point singularity.A huge explosion that esulted into the world,
For all christians it is important that God is the creator of the universe. They believ that whatever the exact procss was that created the universe, God is the overall architect of that creation. It is the spirt of God whch is the source of all life and creation.
The creation story: key events
- creation of the universe
- creation of the earth
- creation of mankinf- Adam and Eve
- teh temptation of Adam and Eve
- the fall of mankind from grace
Genesis 1
" In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the SPIRIT OF GOD was HOVERING over the waters."
DAY 1
GOD CREATED NIGHT AND DAY- SAW THAT IT WAS GOOD
DAY 2
GOD CREATED THE HEAVENS - SAW THAT IT WAS GOOD
DAY 3
GOD CREATED LAND AND PLANTS-SAW IT WAS GOOD.
DAY 4
GOD CREATED THE SUN, MOON AND STARS- SAW IT WAS GOOD.
DAY 5
GOD CREATED BIRDS AND FISH- SAW THAT IT WAS GOOD.
DAY 6
GOD CREATED LIVING CREATURES AND HUMANS - SAW THAT IT WAS GOOD.
DAY 7
GOD RESTED.
GENESIS 2
Adam lives in paradise in the garden of Eden. God creates a companion for Adam from his rib called Eve.God gives Adam and Eve on command/rule is not to eat from the tree of knowledge that grows in the garden of Eden. This genesis creation story is clear that humankind is unique among God's creation s humans were created in God's image.
Genesis 3: The fall of mankind
- mankind made in the image of god but is sinful and in need of God's forgiveness.
- god gave us (mankind) the responsibility of domination or power over the earth but this much be exercised through stewardship in god's behalf.
- the fall when Adam and Eve are tempted by Satan, in the form of a serpent, to eat from the tree of knowledge agisnt God's will, The serpent claims that God doesn't want them to eat from the tree of knowledge as they would be as knowledgeable as God
- They confess what they have done and as a punishment God sends them out of den and they have to live somewhere else on the earth.
- They are no longer allowed to eat from the tree of life, which has given them eternal life, so now which causes death and sin to enter our world.
- This is very important for Christians as it represents the point where the perfect relationship with god was broken.
- Because of this most Christians believe that we are born with original sin,
- it was this that the need for Jesus to die on the cross was he could pay for the human sin and restore the broken relationship with God.
INTERPRETATIONS OF THE GENESIS CREATION STORY
Literalist
Some Christians accept the creation story word for word.
Non-literalist
Some Christians do not accept the creation story word for word as the story is not scientifically and logically correct.
e.g- on day 1 god said let there be light however the light comes from the sun and the sun doesn't come until day4.
Interpretation
Non-literalist peel away the layers of the story tor reveal three important religious truths:
God is the creator of all things.
Humans have a special relationship with God made in god's image no other creature were.
God gave humans dominion over the earth which is exercise through stewardship.
The word is in John's Gospel Where people get the reference that Jesus was present during the relation. Also that Jesus and God are one in the same - Jesus is God.
JESUS CHRIST
- Jesus have 4 key events in his life these are:
- INCARNATION (god becomes human in Jesus ).
- CRUCIFIXION and DEATH of Jesus
- RESURRECTION of Jesus
- Jeus' ASCENSION to heaven.
INCARNATION
Why do Christians believe that Jesus was God?
- The VIRGIN BIRTH - Mary was told by an Angel that she would give birth to Jesus. Whereas humans has sexual intercourse to conceive. She was a virgin when she gave birth to Jesus.
- In the gospels Jesus is often referred to as the SON OF GOD. In the John's Gospel JESUS described as being God. "The WORD BECAME FLESH".
- The ability to preform MIRACLES.
- The TRANSFIGURATION-Jesus appeared to the three senior Apostles with MOSES and ELIJAH.
- The RESURRECTION.
The CRUCIFIXION
The teachings of Jesus thought him conflict with the JEWISH authorities. The Jewish authorities viewed Jesus with suspicion and accused him of BLASPHEMY (showing a lack of respect for God) because he claimed to be able to FORGIVE SINS. His followers believed he was the MISSAH ( Appointed one) and this was seen as a challenge to the authorities, this led to the arrest and execution. Jewish authorities used this argument of him being the MESSIAH, Jesus was claiming to be king of the Jews was what TREASON.
Key points
- Jesus was executed by ROMANS
- The soldiers Mock Jesus and put a crown of thrones on him- A king needs a crown.
- He was crucified at at place called GOLGOTHA - place of the skull.
- Two criminals were crucified with him.
- Jesus is mocked by people of the crowd.
- Jesus prays while on the cross.
- Jesus dies on the cross. Crucified at 9AM,died at 3PM.
Why is Jesus' suffering important or Christians ?
Christians believe that Jesus was both humans and God. They believe that when he died on the cross he suffered like any other human. Jesus participates in the suffering of humanity and is is important to Christians because it means that GOD UNDERSTANDS human SUFFERING.
