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Genesis is the first book of the Bible. The first two chapters deal with creation: Genesis 1 describes the creation of the earth, while Genesis 2 focuses on the creation of the first humans, Adam and Eve.

In Genesis 1, Christians find the story of how God created the world. It says:

• God is the only creator.
• God existed before he created the world.
• The world was well planned and is sustained by God.
• God blessed creation; all creation is holy.
• God created everything in Heaven and on Earth in six days.
• On the seventh day, God rested.

For Catholics, rather than being a literal explanation for the origin of life, Genesis 1 teaches key information about God’s nature.

God made the world how he wanted it to be, and he is omnipotent.

God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. Genesis 1:31

Creation also highlights God’s transcendence. Christians believe he is above and beyond the universe and human understanding.

Creation of humans

Christians believe that the first two humans were called Adam and Eve. Genesis 1 describes their creation:

According to Christian belief, God created humans in his image. This does not mean that humans physically have the same appearance as God. Instead, they have certain characteristics that they share with God, such as being loving. For Christians, this shows how important all humans are to God and explains their special relationship with him. It is also a reminder to them that humans should try to behave like God, showing love and being forgiving.

Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed life into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living thing. Genesis 2:7

Stewardship and dominion

Christians believe that the world is a gift from God and that he placed humans in a position of stewardship and dominion over his creation.

This suggests that humans have been given the power to rule over all other creatures. But this power also suggests that humans should look after the world.