Creation Stories

People have always asked questions about where we come from. In the past people invented myths and legends to explain the things they do not understand.

Sometimes Myths tell us about natural events or about things that people believed in

Over the centuries, past mysteries have become clear and answers have been proven by fact, meaning earlier explanations have been swept away.

But… We still have a long way to go even with all the scientific advances, there are so many things we do not know

Two of the biggest mysteries are: Where do we come from? How did the world get here?

Creation stories Can you think of any? Creation stories are more concerned with Why not How? (In Scotland we mix these up!)

Aesop's Fables The Ant and the Dove AN ANT went to the bank of a river to quench its thirst, and being carried away by the rush of the stream, was on the point of drowning. A Dove sitting on a tree overhanging the water plucked a leaf and let it fall into the stream close to her. The Ant climbed onto it and floated in safety to the bank. Shortly afterwards a bird catcher came and stood under the tree, and laid his lime-twigs for the Dove, which sat in the branches. The Ant, perceiving his design, stung him in the foot. In pain the bird catcher threw down the twigs, and the noise made the Dove take wing. One good turn deserves another

The Lion and the Mouse A LION was awakened from sleep by a Mouse running over his face. Rising up angrily, he caught him and was about to kill him, when the Mouse piteously entreated, saying: "If you would only spare my life, I would be sure to repay your kindness." The Lion laughed and let him go. It happened shortly after this that the Lion was caught by some hunters, who bound him by strong ropes to the ground. The Mouse, recognizing his roar, came and gnawed the rope with his teeth and set him free, exclaiming: "You ridiculed the idea of my ever being able to help you, expecting to receive from me any repayment of your favour; now you know that it is possible for even a Mouse to con benefits on a Lion."

Are they true? Literally… no Is there a truth in the story? Yes, a moral or message It still has meaning

Imagine a 3 year old asking… Where do babies come from? Humans in their infancy accepted stories of creation, now we want more. What would you say? Imagine a 16 yr old asking the same question!

Early ideas about the world

Christian Creation Read Genesis 1 st story Write down what happens each day No Adam and Eve Read 2 nd story Same thing different order (main difference, humans 1 st / last)

There are two creation stories in Genesis The order of creation is different In the first story, God creates the world for himself. He lastly creates humans because he wants to share his enjoyment In the 2 nd story man is created first and everything else is created to fulfil mans need. It is generally believed that that there were two authors writing two separate stories. Evidence for this is the different use of words for God and the different structure of the stories.

Describe the account of the origin of the universe from Genesis. 3 marks

Answers Six days to create Void and formless God imposed order Description of each days activities (2 marks max) Creation of Humans

In what ways do Christians Interpret Genesis 1 and 2? 4 marks Literal historical fact Direct revelation from God Symbolic Allegedly symbolic Social and cultural context mythology Combination Some literal Some Symbolic