Part One: Christian Beliefs

Origins Name: Cris Martinez Verdugo Course: CWV-301 Date: Mach 8th, 2026 Instructor: Thomas Joseph Keep this document intact and add your answers in the box under each prompt. You are to answer each prompt with complete sentences and clear, specific explanations with the specified number of words. Be sure you complete Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and the Reference section of this document before submitting it. Part One: Christian Beliefs Respond thoroughly to the prompts in this part, using and citing the Bible, Chapter 3 of The Beginning of Wisdom, and the Topic 2 Overview. Cite all resources used with in-text citations and include all the sources you cite in the reference section at the end of this document. Summarize Christian beliefs about the origins of the universe . Christianity holds the belief that the universe was created by a single, all-powerful god, as revealed in the bible. With some interpretations of how it happened may vary. The universe is viewed as the as God’s intentional command, speaking the world into existence. By creating the world in his image, the Christian belief is that the universe was intentionally created as a purposeful act of love by God out of nothing. Ultimately the creation of the universe exists for God’s glory. Summarize Genesis 1-2 . The book of Genesis chapter 1 describes the cosmic event that took place when God created the universe. From days 1-6, God created the universe by creating light and darkness, sky and water, land and vegetation. God also created the sun and the moon, birds and fish, animals and humans. On day six God created humans in his own likeness. Genesis chapter 2 begins with the completion of creation and resting on the 7th day, blessing it as a holy day of rest. Chapter 2 also provided a description of the garden of Eden, and the naming of all living animals. It also discusses in detail God’s creation of Adam and Eve. Summarize g eneral revelation and s pecial r evelation . General revelation refers to the knowledge of the lord available to all humans, at any given moment through nature and consciousness, and the moral law which is written on the human heart, which is to hold people accountable. With this God demonstrates his existence, divine nature, and power. Special revelations refer to God revealing himself and his plan for salvation though certain acts, which include prophecy and dreams. This provides for the knowledge needed for salvation, redemption and his personal relationship with humanity. Summarize the three major c reationism approaches to Genesis 1-2 . The three major creationism approaches to Genesis 1-2 are, Young Earth Creationism, which takes the story of creation as literal history. This positions God’s creation of the universe at about 6,000 to 10,000 years ago. Old Earth Creationism, which accepts the scientific version of the creation of the universe as an accident which occurred 13.8 million years ago, while maintaining the account that the universe was created by God. Theistic evolution, this approach holds the view of evolution as a tool used by the Lord to create humanity. Part Two: Current Beliefs Respond thoroughly to the prompts in this part, using and citing at least one Topic 2 Resource (i.e., Chapter 3 of The Beginning of Wisdom, Topic 2 Overview). In addition, you may also use an academic resource from the GCU library. Cite all resources used with in-text citations and include all the sources you cite in a reference section at the end of this document. My c urrent beliefs about the o rigin of the u niverse : My current belief with regards to the origin of the universe take a Theistic approach as I believe that the universe was created by God to display his glory. I believe that God created the universe so that humanity can know him and glorify him. I also believe that God created the earth, and all life in it, in its present form approximately 6.000 to 10, 00 years ago. Which aligns with the young earth creationism view. I believe that God utilized energy and matter to commence the beginning of what is now known as the Big Bang theory as explained through an Atheistic worldview. Whitcomb, J. C., Jr., & Morris, H. M. (1961) My c urrent beliefs about e volution : My current beliefs about evolution involve a mixture of scientific evidence and public opinion or acceptanc e. The view on evolution has been widely accepted based on scientific research of fossils and matter. However, I believe that evolution had a beginning which could only be made possible by a super natural force such as God. I also accept the scientific evidence for evolution and believe that it was the tool God used to create life. My c urrent beliefs about the a ge of the e arth : When it comes down to the age of the earth, my initial belief is that the earth is 6,000 to 10, 000 years old as believed to be in the young earth creationism view. How ever I also do believe in evidence-based research. Its has been proved through carbon dating that many artifacts around the world have been proved to be much older than 10,000 years old, much like Dinosaur fossils. There for my views on this matter at time may be conflicting. My c urrent beliefs about if the Bible and s cience can be reconciled : I believe that science can prove many things with evidence-based research. However, there are many things that science hasn’t been able to explain such things as the causation of the Big Bang. Conflicts usually occur between scientific data and human interpretation of Scripture, rather than between science and the Bible itself. Scientific discoveries regarding the age of the universe or evolution do not contradict faith in God, as they explain "how" while the Bible explains "who" and "why". Part Three: Impact of Current Beliefs Respond thoroughly to the prompts in this part, using and citing at least one Topic 2 Resource (i.e., Chapter 3 of The Beginning of Wisdom, Topic 2 Overview). In addition, you may also use an academic resource from the GCU library. Cite all resources used with in-text citations and include all the sources you cite in a reference section at the end of this document. Based on my personal beliefs stated in Part Two, I believe the following about the n ature of God: I believe that the true nature of God is all knowing, past, present, and future. I believe that I serve an allloving God who’s is loving, forgiving and craves relationship with humanity despites our short comings. God does this by demonstrating love, mercy and compassion towards humankind. God is all-powerful; having absolute control over nature, time, and space. I believe that God is present at all times and demonstrates righteousness for what’s right and wrong. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2016). Based on my personal beliefs stated in Part Two, I believe the following about the n ature of h umanity (human value, dignity, and flourishing) : My belief when it comes to the nature of humanity is that every person was created in the image of God. All human life is considered sacred and possesses the equal right to exist. Human life holds a non-negotiable value regardless of age or societal status. Humans reflect the image of God through their understanding of reason, self-awareness. Just as God is viewed as a relational Trinity, humans are designed for community and intimate relationship with both God and others. Block. D. (2014). Based on my personal beliefs stated in Part Two, I believe the following about the responsibility to c are for the Earth: It is my belief that based on the Christian worldview, the responsibility to care for the Earth is understood through the concept of stewardship which is the management of everything God owns. Such things like time, relationships, nature, and every creation on behalf of the creator. Because all things in nature reflects God’s glory and invisible qualities (Romans 1:20), destroying it is viewed as marring a "divine museum" that helps people know God. Christianity teaches us that humanity will be held accountable for how they managed the resources entrusted to them by God. Revelation 11:18 specifically mentions God "destroying those who destroy the earth". Ross, A. P. (2006). References Whitcomb, J. C., Jr., & Morris, H. M. (1961). The Genesis Flood: The biblical record and its scientific implications . Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version . (2016). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/English-Standard-Version-ESV-Bible/#copy Block. D. (2014). For the glory of God: Recovering a biblical theology of worship . Baker. Ross, A. P. (2006). Recalling the hope of glory: Biblical worship from the garden to the new creation. Kregel.