Genesis and Creation Theories Flashcards

Flashcards on Genesis and Creation Theories.

Positive Assistance Theory

Inspiration theory suggesting God and human authors worked together, God inspiring the ideas and authors using their own style.

Negative Assistance Theory

Inspiration theory claiming God only prevented errors but did not guide, implying a more passive role of God.

Divine Dictation

Inspiration theory stating God dictated the words directly, with no human influence, to the human authors.

Do Catholics Worship Mary?

Catholics honor her and pray to her as the Mother of Jesus, asking for her intercession.

The Immaculate Conception

Mary was conceived without original sin to be a pure vessel for the Son of God.

Mary as Theotokos (Mother of God)

Mary is the Mother of God because she gave birth to Jesus, who is both fully human and fully divine.

Memory Aid (Oral History)

Repeated phrases help people memorize the story more easily when stories are passed down by word of mouth.

Engagement and Understanding (Oral History)

Rhythm and pattern make the story more engaging and easier to follow, helping listeners to remember the key points.

Separation (Days 1–3) - Genesis Creation Story

God separates elements to create structure: Light from darkness, Sky from water, and Land from water with vegetation.

Population (Days 4–6) - Genesis Creation Story

God fills what was separated: Sun, moon, and stars to govern time, Birds and sea creatures, and Land animals and human beings.

Rest and Blessing (Day 7) - Genesis Creation Story

God rests and blesses the seventh day, making it holy, modeling the Sabbath and showing the importance of rest and worship.

Literalists

Readers who believe the Bible is literally true in every detail, interpreting word-for-word without considering cultural context.

Contextualists

Readers who consider the culture, history, literary style, and intended message of the text to understand what God is really trying to teach.

Iroquois Creation Myth Similarity to Genesis

The world begins in chaos or darkness, and order is brought through a divine act.

Babylonian (Enuma Elish) Similarity to Genesis

The god Marduk creates the world from chaos, similar to how God in Genesis brings order out of nothing.

Genesis Portrayal of God

In Genesis, God is one, all-powerful, good, and orderly, creating with intention and care.

Babylonian Myth Portrayal of God

In the Babylonian myth, there are many gods, and creation results from violence and conflict.

Iroquois Myth Portrayal of God

Creation involves supernatural beings and animals, but there is no single, all-powerful God.

Truth 1 (Contextualist View) - Genesis Creation Story

God created everything and saw that it was good, reminding us that the world is sacred and should be respected.

Truth 2 (Contextualist View) - Genesis Creation Story

Humans are made in the image and likeness of God, speaking to human dignity and equality.

Second Creation Story (Genesis 2)

Focuses on the personal relationship between God and human beings, showing a more intimate and relational God.

First Creation Story (Genesis 1)

Emphasizes the power and order of God’s creation over seven days.

Truth 1 (Contextualist View) - Second Creation Story

Humans are created for relationship and not meant to live in isolation, emphasizing friendship, love, family, and community.

Truth 2 (Contextualist View) - Second Creation Story

Humans are caretakers of creation, emphasizing our responsibility to care for the environment and use resources wisely.

Genesis 1 God portrayal

God is shown as majestic, powerful, and orderly—creating by speaking things into being.

Genesis 2 God portrayal

God is more personal, hands-on, and close to humanity—forming man from the ground and walking in the garden.

Stewardship

Taking care of something that has been entrusted to us; our responsibility to care for the Earth and all of God’s creation.

Example 1 of Stewardship Failure - Pollution

We continue to pollute the air, land, and water through industrial waste, plastic use, and carbon emissions harming ecosystems.

Example 2 of Stewardship Failure - Deforestation

Forests are being cut down at alarming rates destroying animal habitats and contributing to climate change.

Local Responsibility with Resources

Reduce waste by recycling, composting, and avoiding single-use plastics.

Global Responsibility with Resources

Advocate for policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.