The beginning of the world's story is our story. This magisterial word "create" suggests no point of origin other than God. This creation is an absolute new beginning which carries profound implications for what it means to be a human being. For the universe and humankind to be created by God demonstrates the surprising and uncontrollable power of God. For humankind to be created in the image of God indicates a uniqueness that leads to a significant purpose in life.

Despite the first five verses of the Bible being among the best known in all of scripture, their significance is often overlooked. The perspective that the universe and human beings are created sets the biblical perspective apart from other, competing perspectives in life.

Consider other perspectives of human development whic…