Christianity and creation
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 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 all-powerful, almighty, and unlimited nature of God
(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 because 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
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following best describes the relationship between the Persons of the Trinity?
Q2.What is the primary theological issue that the doctrine of the Trinity addresses?
Q3.The Nicene Creed was written primarily to clarify which Christian belief?
Q4.How does belief in the Trinity influence Christian worship?
Q5.The Creed is a statement of Christian faith that outlines belief in the Trinity, affirming that Jesus is “true God from true God.”
Q6.Jesus instructed his followers to baptise “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy .”
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Genesis 1:1 states: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the .”
Q2.Many Christians believe that the phrase “the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters” in Genesis 1 refers to the presence of the Spirit during creation.
Q3.What does Genesis 1 suggest about God’s power in creation?
Q4.According to John 1, what does “the Word” refer to?
Q5.How does John 1 reinforce the belief in the Trinity?
Q6.Which of the following best describes the difference between Genesis 1 and Genesis 2?
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Christianity and creation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Christianity and 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 and teachings unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.