R.S.

REVISION
RELIGION AND SCIENCE
CHRISTIAN IDEAS ABOUT CREATION

Genesis 1 God created the world ex nihilo, then animals and then humans
(both at the same time) in his image, in 6 days
Gen 2 God created the world, then Adam from the soil by breathing life into
him, he was lonely so God made animal companions, then Eve from his rib
Intelligent Design The universe is so intricate that it must have a designer

Christians who interpret the Genesis stories as fact are creationists. However, many
see them as myths (stories written in thought forms of the time to put across certain
truths) and demythologise them: strip away the story to get the truths. In Genesis
the truths are: God created the universe, we have a special relationship with him
(created in his image and breathed soul into them) and the responsibility to care for
the earth for him (stewardship). This idea enables Christians to believe in the Big
Bang (with God starting it) e.g. John Polkinghorne (priest and scientist).

SCIENTIFIC IDEAS ABOUT CREATION

Big Bang The universe was once extremely dense then expanded rapidly
(Georges Lematre)
Evolution The change in the traits of a population of individuals over time
Natural Selection The process by which inherited characteristics become
more or less common

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RELIGION AND SCIENCE

God created animals (including humans) vs Evolved

God created universe vs The Big Bang
Animals created within few days of humans vs millions years before humans
Women created from mans vs Always been male and female forms
Man created from soil vs Evolved from primates
Universe created in 6 days vs Over millions of years
Universe complete vs Ever-changing
Creator figure vs None apparent
Only earth, sun, moon and stars vs Rest of universe
Life on land and sea formed separately vs All life from sea
Two humans in beginning vs Many more as homo sapiens
Humans created for purpose vs None apparent

PROBLEMS FACING THE ENVIRONMENT

Global Warming build up of CO2 causing temperature of the earth to rise

Ozone Layer chlorofluorocarbons creating hole in ozone layer
Pollution polluting seas, air and land with poisonous gases, nuclear waste,
toxic chemicals and domestic rubbish
Deforestation forests cleared away for land and wood

Over Fishing fishing too much dramatically decreasing population of fish

WHY CHRISTIANS LOOK AFTER EARTH?

Says in Bible humans are protectors of earth and animals (stewards)

Gods creation so should be cared for and kept how he intended it to be
Shows agape to keep it for future generations
Sinful to make others suffer by harming environment
Saves Gods creations from becoming extinct
Pleases God that they look after his creation
Preserve earth for Jesus return (Parousia)
Reveals Gods nature and glory
Disrespectful to destroy Gods creation
Noah took two of each animal on the ark
It provides for us show thanks to God with harvest festivals

HOW CHRISTIANS LOOK AFTER THE EARTH?

Pray to God
Church support national parks and environmental charities
Bibles and prayer books on recycled paper
Non-violent protests
Walk to church
Church fundraising
Use fewer resources
E.g. A Rocha - conservation

ANIMALS

God created humans in his image and gave them souls, not animals
Humans made stewards Rule over the fish of the sea and birds of the air
Gen1:29
Stewardship involves taking care of animals/ power over them?
All kinds of grain and all kinds of fruit given by God to eat Gen1
I give them all [animals] to you for food Gen9:3 (Jesus not vegetarian)
NT: St Peter has dream about sheet with non-kosher animals and told to eat
Janes sweep in front with broom and wear masks so dont harm animals
Buddhists and Hindus show ahimsa
St Francis of Assisi cared greatly for animals

Catholics
Animals have no rights because have no
soul and not made in Gods image but
should be shown kindness
Can be used for clothes and food but
limit suffering, for medicine and science if
used to care for/ save humans, for pets
and work

Quakers
Humans should show kindness to all
creatures
Vegetarians, dont like to use in science
and medicine, oppose hunting, fur,
circuses and zoos