Stories of Origins

What are Stories of Origins? The Israelites’ answer to these questions: Why are we here? Where did we come from? What is God like? What does it mean to be human?

Stories of the Origins Book of Genesis – Chapters 1 to 11 Assembled in their final form during the Babylonian exile. Strengthened and provided hope to the Israelites who remembered that God remains in charge and is always faithful.

A Typical Saint Dominic Student

1) In the Beginning

2) The Terrible Two’s

3) Teenagers Breaking the Rules Chewing Gum in School

3) Teenagers Breaking the Rules Uniform Violations

3) Teenagers Breaking the Rules Using Phones During Class

4)Punishment

5) Starting Over

1) The First Story of Creation Original Goodness God is all powerful. Everything God creates is good. Human beings are created in God’s image. We have free will.

2) Adam & Eve (The Second Creation Story) Sin Enters the World Human beings are God’s creatures and must obey God. We can choose good or evil. When we disobey God, we damage our relationships. Original Sin

3) Cain and Abel The Spread of Sin Cain and Abel are the sons of Adam and Eve. Each offer gifts to God in sacrifice. God blesses only Abel’s sacrifice and Cain becomes jealous. Cain murders Abel.

4)Noah and the Flood Destruction (Punishment) God destroys the world with a flood. Those who disobey God are allowed to perish. Widespread sin leads to destruction and death.

5) God Re-Creates the World Re-Creation (Starting Over) Noah is a remnant of God’s original creation. He obeys God’s will and is spared the destruction of the flood. The rainbow is a sign of new promise – a covenant.

The Meaning of the Stories Creation – how the goodness of creation came from the one God. Adam & Eve/The Fall – how sin entered the world Cain and Abel – how the evil of sin spread. Noah and the Flood – how God redeems creation and renews it.

Back to the St. Dominic Student First Creation – Original Goodness Adam & Eve Original Sin Cain & Abel Sin Spreads Noah & the Flood - Destruction

Back to the St. Dominic Student Re-creation – A New Beginning

Crea tion: Original Goodness Creationists – believe the account in Genesis is factually/literally true. Evolutionists – believe the universe evolved over millions of years. Science vs. Religion – which one is true? What is the religious truth of this story of Creation?

Free Will and Sin Adam and Eve choose freely to disobey God’s instructions. The ingrained human habit of doing so throughout all of history is what we call – “Original Sin”. In the Catholic Tradition, all suffering stems from the first sin of Adam and Eve.

For Review What is the meaning of the first creation story? What is the meaning of the story of Adam and Eve ? What story tells of the spread of sin? Who does God offer the first covenant to? Who is responsible for evil: God or humans?