Origin
What is the origin of the universe?
Genesis 1 states that the origin of the universe is that God created heaven and earth.
(Bible Gateway Passage: Genesis 1:1 - New International Version, 2019) According to many
religious beliefs, the origin of the universe can be traced back to God creating Earth and
everything within it such as the land and seas from Genesis 1:9. (Bible Gateway Passage:
Genesis 1:9 - New International Version, 2019) This belief is based on the idea that God is the
ultimate creator and that all of existence is a result of His divine will. Different religious texts
like the Bible, Qur'an, and Vedas tell us about the story of creation. (Sabharwal, 2022) They
explain how God used his words or willpower to bring the universe into existence. God shaped
the world and created all living beings. The creation story serves as a foundation for
understanding the purpose and meaning of life, providing a framework for moral and ethical
behavior, and offering a sense of connection to a higher power. (Whitney, 2020)
How did humanity come into existence?
Humanity came into existence through a process known as evolution, which occurred
over millions of years. It is believed that God created the first human beings, Adam and Eve, in
His own image. (Tao & Chen, 2023) They were placed in the Garden of Eden and given free
will. However, they disobeyed God's command and were banished from the garden, leading to
the introduction of sin into the world. According to Genesis 1:26-27, every person is created in
God's image. This means that every person reflects the character and likeness of God.
Identify
What does it mean to be human?
Being human means carrying the likeness of God. As human beings, we are created in the
image of God (Genesis 1:27), reflecting his characteristics such as love, compassion, creativity,
and justice. (Perkins, 2020) This inherent dignity and worth that comes from being made in
God's image means that each person is valuable and deserving of respect and care. It also imbues
us with the potential to love, create, and make a positive impact on the world around us.
Embracing the idea that we bear the image of God can inspire us to strive for goodness and fulfill
our purpose in this world. All individuals are created in God's image, as stated in Psalms 8:4-8.
(Psalm 8 Devotional - What Is Mankind That You Are Mindful of Him?, 2023)
Are humans more important than other living things?
Yes, they are because God has given humans the mental capacity to make decisions and
dominion over living things. (Genesis 1:26-28) Humans have long grappled with their place in
the natural world, often pondering whether they hold a more significant role than other living
things. Humans and animals share the same lives and should be seen as companions in the
pursuit of everlasting unity. (Weider & Gutierrez, 2022 pg. 6) Although humans can alter their
environment, it is important to acknowledge that the survival and quality of human life depend
on the flourishing of other living organisms. (Chu & Karr, 2013) Whether humans are more
important than other living things is subjective, highlighting the importance of finding a balance
between human progress and personalizing the natural world that supports us all. (Alves et al.,
2023)
Meaning/Purpose
What is humanity’s purpose?
According to Revelation 4:11, Humanity’s purpose is to honor God and find joy in his
presence for eternity. This purpose stems from the belief that humans were created in the image
of God and are therefore called to reflect his glory and goodness in their lives. By honoring God
and seeking his presence, individuals can experience true fulfillment and contentment both in
this life and the next. This relationship with God is believed to be the source of ultimate joy and
satisfaction, transcending any earthly pleasures or achievements. For believers, the goal is to
achieve eternal communion with God in heaven, where they will experience perfect joy in his
presence for all eternity (Psalm 16:11). This guidance and purpose are found throughout the
pages of the Bible, directing individuals to a life of honor, joy, and connection with the divine.
Morality
What is meant by right and wrong?
The concept of right and wrong is not dependent on human perspective, but rather on
God's holy standard. (1 John 5:3) (Psalms 118:172) This rule, commonly known as divine
immortality, is thought to be constant and not influenced by human understanding or decision. It
helps people determine what is right and wrong. Those who adhere to this rule aim to match their
thoughts, actions, and beliefs with what is considered good in God's perspective. Genesis 6:5
reminds us that our hearts can sometimes be bad when we do something wrong. (The Grievance
of God (Genesis 6:5–6), 2022)
How is morality determined?
Morality is determined by a combination of factors, including cultural norms, personal
values, societal expectations, and when we are doing right and wrong. Romans 2:14-15 indicates
obeying God’s commands without written laws helps us to pursue morality. It is shaped by
religious beliefs, philosophical theories, and legal systems. Individuals often rely on their
conscience and empathy to make moral judgments, but the bible indicates to do to others what
you would want them to do unto you. (Matthew 7:12) Morality can also be influenced by
education, upbringing, and socialization. Ultimately, it is a complex and subjective concept that
varies across different cultures and individuals.
Destiny
What happens when a person dies?
Different belief systems think that after people die, they go to a special place chosen by
God. In Ecclesiastes 12:7, after death, our soul, and spirit are returned to our creator and our body
goes back to dust. In the afterlife, we will be in front of God and be judged by him according to
what have done on this earth. (1 Corinthians 15:22) This is how we will be judged and whether
we are put into a peaceful place forever, or in a place of suffering and regret. Everybody will
stand and experience the judgment of God. The final decision shows who we are and the choices
we make in our lives. Everything we do, think and believe is carefully considered by God, and it
determines where we will spend eternity.
References
Alves, F., Paulo Manuel Costa, Novelli, L., & Diogo Guedes Vidal. (2023). The rights of
nature and the human right to nature: an overview of the European legal system
and challenges for the ecological transition. Frontiers in Environmental Science,
11.https://doi.org/10.3389/fenvs.2023.1175143
Bible Gateway Genesis 1 :: NIV. (2024). Mit.edu.
https://web.mit.edu/jywang/www/cef/Bible/NIV/NIV_Bible/GEN+1.html#:~:text
=Bible%20Gateway%20Genesis%201%20%3A%3A%20NIV&text=In%20the
%20beginning%20God%20created%20the%20heavens%20and%20the
%20earth.&text=Now%20the%20earth%20was%20formless,was%20hovering
%20over%20the%20waters.&text=And%20God%20said%2C%20%22Let
%20there,%2C%22%20and%20there%20was%20light.
Bible Gateway passage: Psalm 16:11 - New International Version. (2019). Bible
Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm
%2016%3A11&version=NIV
Chu, E. W., & Karr, J. R. (2013). Environmental Impact, Concept and Measurement of.
Elsevier EBooks, 278–296. https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-384719-5.00253-7
Home - Logos Bible Study. (2023). Logos.com. https://doi.org/Dogri
Made in the Image of God | Genesis 1:26-27. (2022). Watermark.org; Watermark.
https://www.watermark.org/message/9453-made-in-the-image-of-god-genesis-1-
26-27
Sabharwal, A. (2022). Creation and Origin | Akhilesh Sabharwal. Akhilesh Sabharwal;
Creation and Origin | Akhilesh Sabharwal. https://www.asabharwal.com/aadi/ep-
2-creation-and-origin/
Tao, S., & Chen, X. (2023). "I was afraid, because I was naked": Ethical literary
criticism, the fall of Adam and Eve and moral teaching. Heliyon, 9(10), e20989.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20989
The Grievance of God (Genesis 6:5–6). (2022, July 23). Radical.
https://radical.net/podcasts/pray-the-word/the-grievance-of-god-genesis-65-6/
Whitney, W. B. (2020). Beginnings: Why the Doctrine of Creation Matters for the
Integration of Psychology and Christianity - William B. Whitney, 2020. Journal of
Psychology and Theology.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0091647119837024
