Creation II (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Notes
Creation II
Understanding humanity's place in God's creation is fundamental to Catholic belief. The biblical account of creation provides Catholics with essential insights into their special nature, purpose, and responsibilities within the world that God has made.
Humanity's relationship with creation
Catholic teaching embraces two important concepts that help explain how humans should relate to the created world: dominion and stewardship. While some people view these ideas as contradictory, Catholics believe they work together harmoniously.
The relationship between dominion and stewardship is complementary, not contradictory. Catholics see these concepts as two aspects of humanity's God-given role in creation - authority paired with responsibility, power balanced with care.
Dominion
Catholics recognise that God has granted humanity a position of authority and control over the natural world. This concept of dominion means that humans have been given power to rule over creation and use its resources. However, this power comes with significant responsibility and is not meant to be used selfishly or destructively.
Dominion does not mean unlimited exploitation of natural resources. Catholic teaching emphasises that this authority must be exercised responsibly, respecting the inherent value of God's creation and considering the needs of future generations.
Stewardship
Alongside dominion, Catholic believers accept the principle of stewardship, which emphasises humanity's God-given duty to care for and protect the created world. This responsibility involves looking after the environment, animals, and natural resources as caretakers rather than mere owners. Catholics see themselves as having a special relationship with creation precisely because they are part of God's plan for the world.
Biblical foundation
The scriptural basis for these beliefs comes from the book of Genesis:
"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them and blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.' (Genesis 1:27-28)"
This passage reveals that Catholics believe humans are unique amongst all creation because they are made "in the image of God". This special status makes them different from other creatures and gives them both privilege and responsibility. Being created in God's image means humans reflect something of God's nature and are the highest part of his creation.
Implications for Catholic believers
These foundational beliefs about creation lead to several important consequences for how Catholics understand their purpose and conduct their lives.
Divine purpose on earth
Catholics believe they have been given specific purposes by God, including worshipping their creator, caring for his creation, loving and serving other people, having families, and being faithful stewards of the world's resources. This divine purpose gives meaning and direction to human existence and helps Catholics understand why they are here.
Expressing love and gratitude
Through their care for the natural world, Catholic believers demonstrate their love and thankfulness towards God and his creation. This caring attitude is seen as a way of showing appreciation for the gifts God has given to humanity. When Catholics protect the environment or help animals, they are expressing their gratitude for God's generosity.
Accountability to God
Catholics believe that after death, they will be held accountable by God for how they have treated the world as his creation. This belief motivates many Catholics to take their environmental responsibilities seriously, knowing that their actions have eternal consequences.
Eternal Consequences of Environmental Action
The way Catholics have used their dominion and fulfilled their stewardship duties will be part of their final judgement. This belief adds spiritual significance to everyday environmental choices and encourages long-term thinking about the impact of human actions.
Practical applications today
These beliefs about creation continue to influence how modern Catholics live and make decisions. Many Catholic communities and organisations are actively involved in environmental protection, sustainable living practices, and campaigns against climate change. Catholic social teaching increasingly emphasises care for creation as an essential part of faith, often referred to as "ecological conversion."
Modern Catholic Environmental Practices
Catholics today might choose to:
- Reduce their carbon footprint through energy conservation
- Support renewable energy initiatives in their communities
- Practice recycling and waste reduction
- Advocate for policies that protect natural habitats
- Choose sustainable products and ethical consumption
- Participate in creation-focused prayer and worship
These actions flow directly from their understanding that they are called to be responsible stewards of God's creation while exercising their dominion in ways that honour their creator.
Key Points to Remember:
- Catholics believe humans have both dominion (authority) and stewardship (care responsibility) over creation
- Being made "in the image of God" makes humans special and gives them unique responsibilities
- The Genesis 1:27-28 passage provides the biblical foundation for these beliefs about humanity's role
- Catholics believe they have a divine purpose that includes caring for God's creation
- Accountability to God motivates Catholics to treat the natural world responsibly