Religious teachings about the origin of the universe
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain scientific and Christian views on the origins of the universe and compare different interpretations of Genesis.
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.
Teacher tip
You could use Bibles and have students read extracts from Genesis 1 and 2.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.According to Genesis 1, how did God create the universe?
Q2.What role does the Holy Spirit play in the Genesis creation account?
Q3.Which of the following is NOT a Christian belief about creation?
Q4.Genesis describes God as because He has unlimited power over creation.
Q5.The Gospel of John refers to Jesus as the who was present at creation.
Q6.In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve's disobedience is known as the ...
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What is the primary belief of Young Earth Creationists?
Q2.Which scientist first proposed the idea that the universe originated from a 'primeval atom'?
Q3.Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between the Big Bang theory and Christian beliefs?
Q4.Liberal Christians interpret the Genesis creation story as a ...
Q5.Stephen Hawking suggested that the universe could have begun without a ...
To help you plan your 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 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.
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 Religion and life unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.