Interpretations of Christian creation
I can compare different Christian interpretations of creation and explain the importance and influence of these beliefs today.
Interpretations of Christian creation
I can compare different Christian interpretations of creation and explain the importance and influence of these beliefs today.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- There are different Christian interpretations of the creation accounts in Genesis.
- Some Christians interpret the Genesis accounts literally and view them as historical and factual accounts of creation.
- Some Christians take a liberal approach and believe that the Genesis accounts are metaphorical and symbolic.
- Beliefs about creation are important today because they can help with Christian understanding of God and humanity.
- The Genesis creation accounts can influence a Christians beliefs and behaviour towards the environment and human life.
Keywords
Creation - bringing the world into existence; the belief that the world is God’s loving creation
Genesis - the first book of the Bible in the Old Testament; contains the creation accounts
Liberal - referring to Christians who believe the Bible was written by human authors inspired by God and should be read in context
Literal/literalist - referring to Christians who view the Bible as the true and exact word of God
Common misconception
All Christians believe that the Bible is a historical and factual account of history.
Some Christians take a literalist approach and believe that the Bible is a historical and factual account. However, some Christians regard parts of the Bible, including the creation accounts, as metaphorical. This is known as a liberal approach.
To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Interpretations of Christian creation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Interpretations of Christian creation, 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 Christianity: Beliefs and teachings unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
the belief that God is all-powerful and unlimited in authority
the event in Genesis 3 where Adam and Eve disobeyed God
a title used for Jesus in John 1, meaning He was present in creation
the responsibility given to humans to care for creation
Exit quiz
6 Questions
believe that Genesis is factually and historically true
view Genesis as symbolic stories with important truths
believe that the creation accounts found in Genesis are factual