Welcome to this deck on Theme B from the AQA GCSE Religious Studies specification, focusing on the origins and value of the universe. We'll explore Christian beliefs about how the world began, and how these beliefs compare with scientific theories like the Big Bang. We'll also cover the important concepts of stewardship and dominion, and apply them to modern ethical issues like pollution and animal rights. Mastering these topics and the key quotes will help you build strong, well-supported answers in your exam.

The main Christian teaching on the origin of the universe comes from the first book of the Bible, the book of Genesis. The story in Genesis chapter 1 describes God creating the universe in six days and resting on the seventh. It says God created everything just by speaking, for example, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. This demonstrates God's power. For your exam, knowing the basics of this story is the foundation for understanding all Christian views on creation.

Christians don't all agree on how to understand the Genesis creation story. This is a crucial point for your exam. You need to know the difference between a literal and a non-literal interpretation. Some Christians, known as creationists or literalists, believe the story is a factual, scientific account of what happened. Others, known as non-literalists or liberals, see it as a symbolic story with a deep meaning about God's nature, rather than a scientific textbook.