Religious teachings about the origin of the universe
I can explain scientific and Christian views on the origins of the universe and compare different interpretations of Genesis.
Religious teachings about the origin of the universe
I can explain scientific and Christian views on the origins of the universe and compare different interpretations of Genesis.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Big Bang theory, developed by Lemaître and Hawking, explains the universe's origin.
- Genesis 1 and 2 describe creation.
- Literal interpretations of Genesis see it as a factual account of creation.
- Metaphorical interpretations view Genesis as conveying deeper truths about God and creation.
- Christian and non-religious views on creation may conflict or find harmony.
Keywords
Big Bang theory - a scientific theory of the universe's origin, starting from a singularity approximately 14 billion years ago
Georges Lemaître - a Belgian priest and physicist who laid the foundations for the Big Bang theory in 1927
Fundamentalist - someone who rejects modern knowledge in favour of a literal interpretation of religious texts
Liberal - someone who prioritises modern knowledge and interprets religious texts metaphorically
Stephen Hawking - a British physicist (1942–2018) who supported the Big Bang theory
Common misconception
The Big Bang theory and Genesis 1-2 cannot be reconciled.
Many Christians see the Big Bang as part of God’s creation.
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Religious teachings about the origin of the universe, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Religious teachings about the origin of the universe, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Religion and life unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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