Lesson 5: Creation

God is all-powerful and all-knowing. He is beyond anything He creates. Since we are created by Him, we cannot ever know the extent of His being or power, no more than a pot can know its maker. In Genesis, we have a brief outline of how God created what we know from our worldly existence. It is not a science book, but it is a spiritual account. It’s mystical and cannot be interpreted only by literal means. In this story given to us by Moses, we can gain insight into the nature of what He created and our role as human beings.

As you will see, creation is a sequential process. Scientists have also discovered this sequential process from the fossil records. Cosmic scientists have developed a theory called the Big Bang that also shows, in mathematical terms, how the universe was created out of nothing. Science never gives us the whole truth, and it is ever-changing as scientists discover new aspects of God’s creation. Orthodox do not see science as being in conflict with faith. God is continually allowing us to discover new dimensions of this created world. We must be humble and recognize that we will never know the full truth about creation. What is important to learn is that God is the sole creator. Everything He creates is good. He created Man as the pinnacle of His creation and gave him the responsibility to care for what had been created. Man was created in the image and likeness of God with the potential to become like Him. We were created with a soul and free will so we can love God as He loves us. This perfect form was revealed in the incarnation of His Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus shows us the path to perfection and union with God with the promise of eternal life in His kingdom.

Read Chapter 4 in Orthodox Way: A Catechism for Seekers.

Read Chapters 1 & 2 in the Book of Genesis.

View this video:

 Another video if you want more https://youtu.be/NMuL0vo07s8

Formation of mankind and evolution https://youtu.be/hTN7QV0xot8

 After you have viewed the video, answer briefly these questions: