1.5 The Significance of the Creation Stories

1) Stewardship

• Genesis 1:28: God commands Adam and Eve to "subdue" the earth and "have dominion" over all living things. This means humans have authority to rule over creation.

• Genesis 2:15: God places Adam in the Garden of Eden to "till it and keep it," which means humans should care for the earth with love.

• Christians believe they have a duty to look after the environment on behalf of God, viewing the world as a gift from God.

• Laudato Si reminds Catholics to respect the delicate balance of nature and the laws governing the world.

2) The Dignity of Human Beings

• Genesis 1:27: Humans are made "in God's image," meaning all people share in God's qualities.

• This belief emphasises that all humans have dignity and are worthy of respect.

• Catholics believe that respecting both their own dignity and the dignity of others is a moral responsibility.

3) The Sanctity of Life

• Genesis 1:28: God blesses humans after creating them, indicating that all creation, particularly human life, is holy and sacred.

• The belief in the sanctity of life means that life should be treated with care and respect at all stages.

• Opposed practices like euthanasia and abortion, as they believe life is sacred from conception to death.