Genesis 1-11 Research Paper

Alex Lower

Dr. Daryl Neipp

BIBL 105-B11

February 1, 2016

The book of Genesis is perhaps the most integral book of the Bible from which our biblical worldview stems from. Keith Ward says in his book, Religion and Creation, “As Creator, God brings about the whole universe through the divine word, that is, by thought and intention” (Ward: Religion and Creation, 8). Genesis 1-11 answers many of those enduring questions discussing where humans came from, and if there is a God. The book of Genesis, “tells the story of the beginning of the human race” (Hindson: Essence of the Old Testament, 51). As well as equipping Christians with many difficult questions to answer, Genesis teaches us topics regarding the creation of the natural world, human identity,

And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Genesis 1:26). In regards to human identity, this verse is the pinnacle of creation. God wanted everyone to know that mankind is to be the ruler of all the other animals on earth. When God created man, the Bible says that He created man in His own image (Genesis 1:26). Steve Cole says in a sermon that He wrote, What the Bible says about Abortion, “God directly created man in His image, which means that we have the capability of rational thought, personality, and moral responsibility” (Cole: What the Bible says about Abortion, 2). Knowing that humans on earth are made in the image of God, tells me and many others that there is an intended relationship between God and man. In Loades’ book, Creation: A Reader, this theory is brought up. That the purpose of the creation of man is to have a “continuing relationship with the Creator” (Loades, Brown, and Astley: Creation: A Reader, 1). Genesis 2:7 is another passage that stiffens my biblical worldview. It says that God created man from dust and then breathed the breath of life into him to make him live (English Standard Version). This verse reminds me that God is omnipotent. Not only was He able to create man from dirt, but he also breathed life into Adam. It shows that God thought so highly of His creation, and that He

The relationship between these two people can be quite controversial because the story implies that man is superior to woman. It is somewhat implied because God made Eve out of one of Adam’s ribs. Genesis 2:18 states, “Then the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone, I will make a helper fit for him” (English Standard Version). This verse tells believers that having a relationship with other people is vital for our lives and for our walk with Christ. However, human relationship can easily turn south due to our sinful nature. The first example of this is seen through the story of Cain and Able. Cain was jealous because Able’s offering was accepted but his was not, which led to Cain murdering Able. Human relationships are meant for pushing each other to becoming more like