The document outlines two creation stories found in Genesis. Chapter 1 describes God creating the world in an orderly fashion over six days. Chapter 2 focuses on the creation of humans and the Garden of Eden. It discusses how Adam and Eve disobeyed God and brought sin into the world. Angels were also created to serve God, but some rebelled led by Lucifer and were cast from heaven. The stories teach that God created the world and everything in it is meant to praise and serve humanity.

1. If it’s just a myth, why should we care?Understanding the Creation Story in the Book of Genesis

2. Outlining the basics…There are TWO creation stories in the Book of Genesis: Chapter 1 deals with the “week of creation”Systematic and orderly fashion of creationAll creation was intentional, not accidental; everything is shown to have a purposeChapter 2 focuses on the Garden of Eden narrativeCreation of Man and WomanThe fall of Man and Woman from God’s grace

3. Outlining the basics…It is believed by scholars that the two creation stories are the products of two different authorsBoth stories were written in the first millennium B.C. The stories as we know them today were combined around 450 B.C.

5. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church…Through the account of the “six days” of creation, Sacred Scripture teaches us the value of the created world and its purpose, namely to praise God and serve humanity. Every single thing owes its very existence to God from who it receives its goodness and perfection, its proper laws and its proper place in the universe. (337-344)

8. The “inspired” story of creation…Originally part of oral tradition, it was passed down to teach and remind people:There is only one God and He is he the Creator of all that exists.God created the world in an orderly way and as a way of sharing his love with us.Everything created by God is good.

9. Adam and EveGod gave man special gifts…Complete harmony in their livesNever argued or acted selfishlyKept free of suffering, sickness and deathRegarded as “heirs to Heaven”*All that was required of them was that they love and serve God all their lives.

10. God told Adam and Eve that they could eat anything in the Garden except for the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge…

11. Adam and EveThe Fall of manThe Devil saw a chance to lead Adam and Eve away from God by tempting them to eat the forbidden fruitHe told them that if they ate, they would be just like their CreatorAs a result, Adam and Eve were introduced to a life of suffering and were banished from Eden

12. Something to talk about…As a result of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, we, as their “descendants” are also punished since we are born with Original Sin.Was God unfair in punishing Adam, Eve and all their descendants?

13. The Creation of the AngelsNot often spoken about when discussing the Creation storiesIt is believed that the angels were created within the first six days of creation, possibly when God created the heavens

14. Who or what are angels?Pure spiritsNo physical bodyPossess greater power and intelligence than human beingsUnlike humans, they were not given free will; they were created for the purpose of serving God

15. The Battle of HeavenAfter some time had passed, God decided to test some of his angels to see if they would willingly follow his commands and freely love him.Some, led by Lucifer, refused to serve God and rebelled. God created Hell for those fallen angels or demons who no longer wanted to be with him. To this very day, they work to turn God’s creation against him.

17. The Battle of HeavenThe faithful or good angels were led by Michael, the ArchangelThese angels assist us in living Christian lifestyle in service of GodGod has assigned each of us a guardian angel whose mission is to help us reach heaven

18. For tomorrow’s class:Bring markersBring pencil crayonsYour Task: You will create two bumper stickers – one for a faithful angel and one for a fallen angel.You will create a moto for each.E.g. “To serve God is to rule” “I will not serve”