Interpreting Genesis
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare different Christian interpretations of creation and explain the importance and influence of these beliefs today.
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 Christian's beliefs and behaviour towards the environment and human life.
Keywords
Creation - the creation of the universe regarded as an act of God
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
You could extend learning by making links between content from this lesson and abortion / euthanasia.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Where are the creation accounts in the Bible found?
Q2.Genesis 1 describes God creating the universe in days, while Genesis 2 and 3 focus on the creation and fall of humans.
Q3.Genesis 1 states that God was present during creation, and many Christians interpret this presence as the Spirit.
Q4.What does John 1 say about the presence of the Word during creation?
Q5.How do the references to the Word and the Spirit in Genesis and John relate to the concept of God in Christianity?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Why are there different Christian interpretations of the creation accounts in Genesis?
Q2.How do some Christians interpret the Genesis accounts in a liberal approach?
Q3.Why are beliefs about creation important for Christians today?
Q4.How can the Genesis creation accounts influence a Christian’s behaviour?
Q5.Pick one for the following statement: 'All Christians believe that the Bible is a historical and factual account of history.'
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Interpreting Genesis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Interpreting 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 Christian beliefs unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.