Creation in Genesis
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain Christian teachings about creation from Genesis, and the role of the Word and Spirit in creation.
Key learning points
- The creation accounts are found in Genesis, the first book of the Bible.
- Genesis 1 describes God as being responsible for the creation of all things, from nothing.
- Genesis 1 states that the God was present during creation and many Christians interpret this to be the Holy Spirit.
- John 1 states that the Word was present during creation, and many theologians agree that the Word is Jesus.
- The reference to the presence of the Word and the Spirit reinforces the belief in the Trinity and Oneness of God.
Keywords
Creation - bringing the world into existence; the belief that the world is God’s loving creation
Creator - God the Creator of the universe; a characteristic of God
Omnipotent - the belief that God is ‘all-powerful’
(Divine) Word - referring to Jesus; based on teachings from John 1 describing God creating the world through his eternal Word
Common misconception
There is only one creation story.
Genesis 1 and 2 both tell the story of creation. Genesis 1 focuses on the creation of the universe, and Genesis 2 focuses on the creation of humanity. Genesis 3 is also linked to creation and focuses on the Fall of humanity.
Teacher tip
When examining quotes from John 1, you may wish to discuss with students that the word "Word" is capitalised as it is a name for Jesus. You may also wish to provide students with a copy of John 1:1-18 to support the examples on slide 33.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sexual content
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords about the Trinity to their correct definition.
belief that God as One includes the father, son and Holy Spirit
first Person of the Trinity; the creator and sustainer of the universe
second Person of the Trinity; Jesus
third Person of the Trinity
Q2.What does the Nicene Creed say the role of God the father is?
Q3.What does the Nicene Creed say the role of God the Holy Spirit is?
Q4.Which nature of God means that God is all powerful?
Q5.What is the philosophical question of how to reconcile the existence of evil and suffering in the world with the belief in a loving, all-powerful God known as?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to the correct definition.
bringing the world into existence
God who made the universe; a characteristic of God
the belief that God is ‘all-powerful’
meaning Jesus (God creating the world through his eternal Word)
Q2.Which one of the following statements is true?
Q3.Which persons of the Trinity were involved in creation?
Q4.Which of God’s natures is best reflected in the creation stories?
Q5.What role did God give Adam?
Q6.What did Adam and Eve do in disobedience to God?
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Creation in Genesis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Creation in Genesis, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Christianity: Beliefs unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.