The Creation of the World (Genesis 1:1-2:3)

The first book of the Bible, Genesis, begins with the story of the creation of the world. Genesis (which means ‘beginning’) is named after its opening line – “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The text speaks of the richness, diversity and harmony of creation – and of its origins in God.

Pope Benedict XVI said: “With the solemn presentation of the divine work of creation that unfolded over seven days, the first chapter of Genesis in particular occupies a special place. God brought the creation to completion in six days and on the seventh, the sabbath, he did not do anything, but rested: a day of freedom for all, a day of communion with God. Thus, with this image the Book of Genesis tells us that God’s first thought was to find a love that would correspond to his love.”

He went on: “His second thought was to create a material world in which to place this love, these creatures who respond to him in freedom. This structure therefore results in the text being marked by certain meaningful repetitions. For example, the sentence “God saw that it was good”, is repeated six times (vv. 4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25) and to conclude, the seventh time, after the creation of man: “God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good” (v. 31). Everything that God creates is beautiful and good, steeped in wisdom and love; God’s creative action brings order, instils harmony and bestows beauty.”

The pope then asked: “Our question today is: in the age of science and technology does speaking of creation still make sense? How should we understand the narratives in Genesis? The Bible does not intend to be a natural science manual; rather, it wishes to make the authentic and profound truth of things understood. The fundamental truth that the accounts of Genesis reveal to us is that the world is not a collection of forces that clash with each other; it has its origin and its permanence in the Logos [Word of God], in God’s eternal Reason which continues to sustain the universe.”

The biblical story of creation was famously brought to life by Michelangelo, when he painted the magnificent ceiling of the Sistine Chapel between 1508-1512. The chapel’s ceiling is decorated with frescoes that picture various episodes from the Book of Genesis, including the story of creation.

Between 1987-1993, a reproduction of Michelangelo’s masterpiece was painted on the ceiling of English Martyrs, in Worthing. It was the work of a parishioner, Gary Bevans, who used acrylic paint on plywood panels to create a fresco effect. These astonishing paintings are a third smaller than the originals.

As in Michelangelo’s scheme, there are five images based on the Genesis story of creation – the separation of light from darkness, the separation of land from sea, the creation of the sun and moon, the creation of Adam, and the creation of Eve.

Bevans’ work is the only known reproduction of the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling in the world. The church usually welcomes visitors between Easter and October, with booklets and volunteers on hand to help people to discover more about the ceiling.

See the full images:

Where to find this work of art
English Martyrs, Worthing

Read the relevant passage
Genesis 1:1-2:3

On a similar theme

• From the Old Testament: The Song of Creation, sung by the Three Holy Youths in the fiery furnace, reminds us that the universe exists for the glory of God.
• From the New Testament: As creation began on the first day of the week, so Christ returned to life on the same day (Mark 16:9).