Creation

In principio erat
Verbum…
 Genesis
•Tells us what and
why…
•The sacred author
isn’t trying to tell us
“how.” (at least not
scientifically.
•We need to read the
account on its own
terms first…literally,
to unlock what is
being conveyed.
(What’s literal again?)
 Nothing to something
• He is showing that God
created ex nihilo.
• That is “ from nothing.”
• In ancient mythology
creation is usually the
result of some cosmic
war between Gods.
• Also, the gods are usually
like men…petty and flawed.
• God is outside of the
creation.
• Infinitely higher
• In Genesis God simply
“snaps hi s fangers” …
okay?
 Purpose
•Genesis shows us that
God created
everything
purposefully.
(What’s that mean?)
• The end, purpose, and
meaning of time, space,
the world, the plants,
animals…is to help man.
• Help him do what?
• Praise, Reverence and serve.
(know Love, Serve)
• God says, “let US make
man in our own image.”
• (Who is he talking to?)
• He creates us male and
female.
• He calls for us to be fruitful
and multiply.
• He makes us like him!!!!
• ??????
 Sanctity and Dignity
•What follows?
•Well, if God is holy
and we are in his
image? Then…(you do
the math.)
•Human life has great
dignity and his work
has value. God
“works” and “rests”…
so do we.
 Body Soul
•God makes man body
and soul.
•Not just body…or soul
• Or a body trapped in soul
(ask me about
gnosticism and dualism.
God ahead. Ask!)
• Body Soul. Therefore the
body is ________.
 Human Dignity
•Through Image and
likeness
•Work
•Family Love
(Trinitarian)
•This is the natural law.
•Then there is Divine
Grace…eternal life…
beyond us.
On the other hand
God is God.
I am not.
Creator>Creature
 Sabbath
•Blessing!
•Reminder that we are
not entirely fulfilled by
work. There is more.
•Sabbath is to remind
us of heaven.
 Say my shem, say my
shem
•There are two creation
accounts!
•In Genesis 1 Elohim
creates the cosmos.
• In Genesis 2 YHWH acts
closely and personally.
• These are two ways of
describing God in
relationship to creation.
As Cosmic creator and
as Father.