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Year 10
Edexcel B

Interpreting Genesis

I can compare different Christian interpretations of creation and explain the importance and influence of these beliefs today.

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New
New
Year 10
Edexcel B

Interpreting Genesis

I can compare different Christian interpretations of creation and explain the importance and influence of these beliefs today.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. There are different Christian interpretations of the creation accounts in Genesis.
  2. Some Christians interpret the Genesis accounts literally and view them as historical and factual accounts of creation.
  3. Some Christians take a liberal approach and believe that the Genesis accounts are metaphorical and symbolic.
  4. Beliefs about creation are important today because they can help with Christian understanding of God and humanity.
  5. 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.


To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Interpreting Genesis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

You could extend learning by making links between content from this lesson and abortion / euthanasia.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Starter quiz

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5 Questions

Q1.
Where are the creation accounts in the Bible found?
in the Book of Psalms
Correct answer: in the Book of Genesis
in the Book of Exodus
Q2.
Genesis 1 describes God creating the universe in days, while Genesis 2 and 3 focus on the creation and fall of humans.
Correct Answer: six, 6
Q3.
Genesis 1 states that God was present during creation, and many Christians interpret this presence as the Spirit.
Correct Answer: Holy, holy
Q4.
What does John 1 say about the presence of the Word during creation?
The Word created humans only.
The Word is a symbol for wisdom but not a person.
Correct answer: The Word was present during creation and is identified as Jesus.
Q5.
How do the references to the Word and the Spirit in Genesis and John relate to the concept of God in Christianity?
They support the belief in multiple gods.
Correct answer: They reinforce the belief in the Trinity and the Oneness of God.
They suggest that God is separate from creation.

Exit quiz

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5 Questions

Q1.
Why are there different Christian interpretations of the creation accounts in Genesis?
Christians cannot agree on the number of days in creation.
Correct answer: Some interpret the accounts literally, while others view them symbolically.
All Christians agree on the creation story, but some differ in the timeline.
Q2.
How do some Christians interpret the Genesis accounts in a liberal approach?
as completely accurate scientific accounts
as a blend of myth and fact
Correct answer: as metaphorical and symbolic
Q3.
Why are beliefs about creation important for Christians today?
they prove the existence of evolution
they define the exact age of the Earth
Correct answer: they help Christians understand God and humanity
Q4.
How can the Genesis creation accounts influence a Christian’s behaviour?
They encourage Christians to ignore environmental issues.
Correct answer: They promote a sense of stewardship and care for the environment.
They call for the destruction of the natural world.
Q5.
Pick one for the following statement: 'All Christians believe that the Bible is a historical and factual account of history.'
true
Correct answer: false
neither