1.1.1: The Universe and the Place of Human Beings

Question 1

Identify two non-religious theories concerning the creation of the Universe.

Answer 1

The Big Bang Theory and the Steady State Theory

Question 2

Outline two differences between the accounts of the creation in Genesis 1 and 2.

Answer 2

Contents may include: In the Genesis 1 version of the creation story God creates the world along with the other planets, but in Genesis 2 the earth already exists but is formless. In Genesis 1 the order of creation is hierarchical with the most important creations last, but in Genesis 2 God firstly creates man and then animals, so the hierarchy is not present in Genesis 2.

Question 2

Outline two similarities between the accounts of creation in Genesis 1 and 2.

Answer 2

Contents may include: In both accounts, the Universe is created by God and everything in it. The world is created to sustain the life that God has created.

Question 3

Explain different Christian views on the creation story in Genesis.

Answer 3

Liberal Christians view the Genesis story as myth, being one of many inaccurate teachings in the Bible, and would agree more with science. Conservative Christians would say the six day creation story can be lined up with scientific teachings as the Hebrews word for day only meant period of time. Fundamentalists would say that the Bible is the inspired word of God and the world was created in six days.

Question 4

Outline two Christian beliefs about the nature of humans that can be inferred from the creation story.

Answer 4

Contents may include: God creates Adam out of dust and then breathes into him, so it can be said that humans have a physical body and a spiritual soul from God. The creation story also tells us that God created Adam in his likeness, so humans are moral, rational, and spiritually aware like God is.

Question 5

Identify the five primary precepts of Aquinas’ natural law.

Answer 5

1. Preserve life
2. Reproduce
3. Educate children
4. Live in society
5. Worship God

Question 6

Explain how the concept of stewardship applies to the purpose of human beings.

Answer 6

Contents may include: A steward looks after something for someone else. God has created the world and humans are stewards of it placed by God so we are to look after the earth in the way that God would want us to. This can apply to the environment and animals, as well as wealth and resources since Christians believe everything they have is created and given to them by God.

Question 7

Outline three purposes of human beings that can be inferred from the creation story and the Fall.

Answer 7

Contents may include: In Genesis 1, God orders humans to “fill the Earth and subdue it”, which shows that humans are to rule the world and have the right to use creation for their own use but must do both as God would want them to. God also says to “go forth and multiply” in Genesis 1:28 showing humans are also to have children. From the story of the Fall, it can be inferred that men are to work hard while women are to be mothers and wives.

Question 8

Outline two beliefs about the use of animals.

Answer 8

Contents may include: Humans may use creation, including animals, for their own use(Psalm 8:6-7). However they must be treated fairly and must be used only for things that are necessary to humans, such as food or for medical research.

Question 9

Identify three ways Christians can care for the environment and animals.

Answer 9

Contents may include: Give money to charities that support conservation, avoid products that have been tested on animals, choose to be vegetarian or limit the amount of meat eaten, or buy food from free-range products.