Different Christian interpretations of creation
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare different Christian interpretations of creation and explain how these beliefs influence Christians.
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.
- Christians may be influenced to take care of the earth because Genesis states that it is God’s creation.
- The Genesis creation accounts can influence a Christians beliefs, thoughts and behaviour towards 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.
Teacher tip
Learning cycle 2 contains reference to knowledge covered in Component 2: Thematic studies (stewardship, abortion and euthanasia). You may wish to make links between this content and Component 2: Thematic studies during this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to the correct definition
belief that God is One in three Persons
1st Person of the Trinity; the creator of the universe.
2nd Person of the Trinity; Jesus seen as God incarnate.
3rd Person of the Trinity; present with believers
Q2.What does the Nicene creed say is the role of God the father?
Q3.What does the Nicene creed say the role of God the Holy Spirit is?
Q4.Why is evil and suffering a problem for Christians?
Q5.Which nature of God means that God is all-powerful?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match the keywords to the correct definition.
bringing the world into existence
1st book of the Bible - contains the creation story
believe the Bible was written by humans and inspired by God
believe the Bible is the exact word of God
Q2.Which one of the following statements are true?
Q3.What do some Christians believe God creating light is?
Q4.Which one of the following is an influence of the Christian belief that God created the earth?
Q5.Which of the following must you do to be successful in a 12-marker question in the exam?
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Different Christian interpretations of creation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Different Christian interpretations of 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.
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.