Genesis and Creation Theories Flashcards

Genesis

• Genesis means "the origin" or an introduction.

Theories of Inspiration

• Positive Assistance Theory: God and human authors worked together; God inspired ideas, authors used their own style.

• Negative Assistance Theory: God only prevented errors, without guiding the writing.

• Divine Dictation: God dictated words directly; no human influence.

• The Catholic Church agrees most with Positive Assistance Theory.

Catholics and Mary

• Catholics DO NOT worship Mary.

• Catholics honor Mary and ask for her intercession.

• The Immaculate Conception: Mary was conceived without original sin.

• Mary as Theotokos: Mary is the Mother of God because she gave birth to Jesus.

Oral History and Creation Story

• Repetitive, stylized, and poetic pattern made it ideal for teaching illiterate audiences.

• Memory Aid: Repeated phrases help people memorize the story.

• Engagement and Understanding: Rhythm and pattern enhance understanding.

Threefold Pattern in Genesis

• Separation (Days 1–3): God separates elements.

  • Day 1: Light from darkness

  • Day 2: Sky from water

  • Day 3: Land from water, vegetation

• Population (Days 4–6): God fills separated elements.

  • Day 4: Sun, moon, stars

  • Day 5: Birds and sea creatures

  • Day 6: Land animals and humans

• Rest and Blessing (Day 7): God rests and blesses the seventh day.

Biblical Readers

• Literalists: Believe the Bible is literally true; interpret word-for-word.

• Contextualists: Consider culture, history, and literary style.

Literal Interpretation of "Day"

• Some literalists believe “day” is a 24-hour period.

• Others believe “day” represents a longer period.

Creation Myths

• Iroquois and Babylonian myths share similarities with Genesis: chaos to order through divine acts.

• Iroquois: World begins in chaos.

• Babylonian: God Marduk creates the world from chaos.

Differences in the Idea of God

• Genesis: God is one, all-powerful, good, and orderly.

• Babylonian: Many gods, creation from violence.

• Iroquois: Supernatural beings, community-based.

Contextualist View of Creation Story Truths

• God created everything and saw that it was good: World is sacred.

• Humans are made in God's image: Human dignity and equality.

Two Creation Stories

• Genesis 2 complements Genesis 1 by focusing on the relationship between God and humans.

• Genesis 1: God is powerful and structured.

• Genesis 2: God is loving and relational.

• Example: Nativity stories in Matthew and Luke.

Truths of the Second Creation Story

• Humans are created for relationship: Importance of community.

• Humans are caretakers of creation: Responsibility to care for the environment.

Portrayal of God in Creation Stories

• Genesis 1: God is majestic and orderly.

• Genesis 2: God is personal and hands-on.

Stewardship

• Stewardship: Taking care of what has been entrusted to us.

• Examples of failure:

  • Pollution: Harming ecosystems and health.

  • Deforestation: Destroying habitats and contributing to climate change.

Responsible Resource Use

• Locally:

  • Reduce waste.

  • Use public transport.

  • Support local products.

• Globally:

  • Advocate for policies.

  • Support international cooperation.

  • Educate others.