In a previous post we considered how teachers’ view of creation and the fall in Genesis 1 – 3 can affect their teaching. If they hold to evolution instead of creation, it will have an adverse effect. Here we want to suppose that the Bible teachers hold to the literal, historical account of creation and provide some tips for teaching about creation and the fall of man.
Whether laying the foundation with preschoolers, helping school aged students process what they learn in school, or re-educating adults who have been taught evolution as scientific theory rather than merely a belief system, Bible teachers need to keep pointing students to our Creator God. They need to help people develop a biblical worldview.
Tips for Bible Teachers About Teaching on Creation and the Fall
- Make it age appropriate by thinking through the amount of details, visualizing versus theorizing, types or depth of questions, and how much science to bring into the lesson.
- Watch your language in how you present it. We often refer to the account of creation as the “creation story.” Could such terminology be adding into the idea that it is simply a myth?
- Get beyond teaching the details about creation to looking at the God behind it. Remember that Genesis 1:1 starts with, “In the beginning GOD.”
- Emphasize how it does take faith (Heb. 11:3) to believe creation, but it also takes just as much faith, if not more faith, to believe in evolution when you take a serious look at it.
- Use the Bible to teach about creation but also show the scientific support. If you don’t have this knowledge, co-teach with someone who does or use a video or book for help.
Get four more tips for teaching about creation and the fall from Genesis 1-3 in the Teaching the Real Message of the Bible Download. This teacher training resource also provides input and tips on other parts of the Bible, showing a consistent message woven throughout its pages.