Lesson 5: Creation

God is all powerful and all-knowing. He is beyond anything He creates. Since we are created by Him we cannot ever know the extent of His being or power, no more than a pot can know its maker. We have in Genesis an brief outline about how God created what we know from our worldly existence. It is not a science book, but is a spiritual account. It’s mystical and cannot be interpreted only by literal means. In this story that is given to us from the pen of Moses we can gain insight into the nature of what He created, and what is our role as human beings.

As you will see, creation is a sequential process. Scientists have also discovered this sequential process from the fossil records. Cosmic scientist have developed a theory called the Big Bang that also shows, in mathematical terms, how the universe was created out of nothing. Science never gives us the whole truth and it is ever changing as scientists discover new aspects of God’s creation. Orthodox do not see science as being in conflict with faith. God is continually allowing us to discover new dimensions of this created world. We must be humble and recognize that we will never know the full truth about creation. What is important to learn is that God is the sole creator. Everything He creates is good. He created Man as the pinnacle of His creation, and gave him the responsibility to care for what has been created.Man was created in the image and likeness of God with the potential to become like Him. We were created with a soul and free will so we can love God like He loves us. This perfect form was revealed in the incarnation of His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus shows us the path to perfection and union with God with the promise of eternal life in His kingdom.

Read the chapter on Creation in your manual, Living the Orthodox Christian Life.

Read Chapters 1 & 2 in the book of Genesis

View this video

It is a class session that emphasizes the teachings of our Church Fathers on these first two chapters of Genesis.

After viewing it answer the questions in the link below.

 Another video if you want more https://youtu.be/NMuL0vo07s8

Formation of mankind and evolution https://youtu.be/hTN7QV0xot8

 After you have viewed the video, answer briefly these questions: