The Bible and Catechesis (Week 1: First creation account)

Today I would like to begins a series of posts designed to give a broad outline of Salvation History and Biblical theology. Whenever possible I would like to include both Catechetical and moral teachings as well. I plan on (hopefully) issuing one post per week in order to give the reader sufficient time to read as many of the links I supply as possible. Obviously, some subjects will have more links than others.

Bible Readings:

1. Genesis 1:1-2:4a The 7 days of creation (note: 4a means the first part of verse 4. 4b would mean the second part)
2. Job 38-39 A meditation on God’s wisdom and power in creation, and man’s ignorance concerning this mystery. As Aquinas said in his Commentary on the Book of Job “God certainly does not question to learn, but to convince man of his ignorance.”

Catechesis:

1. The importance of Catechesis on Creation.
2. Creation as a work of the Triune God. (More will be said on Son’s role in creation next week)
3. Reason for creation.
4. The Mystery of Creation
5. Pope John Paul II (God is the Lord of Creation and History)
6. Pope John Paul II (On the importance of creation)
7. Pope John Paul II on the Importance of the Sabbath.
8. St Basil’s Hexaemeron (St Basil’s exegetical Homilies on the creation)
9. Six Days To Create?  (The view of some of the Fathers might surprise you)

Moral demands: (More will be said in week 3 when we look at the second creation account)

1. The Sanctification of the World and the Protection of Creation (Scroll down to article 92)
2. We Must Safeguard the Environment (Read articles 451-487. At the very least, read those under the heading “Biblical aspects.”)
3. God Made Man the Steward of Creation (Pope John Paul II)
   

Prayers:

1. Psalm 148
2. Psalm 104
3. Psalm 19:1-6 (I’ve linked to the RSV here. The NAB would be vss 2-7)
4. Canticle of Daniel 3:52-90 (From the WEB Bible)
5. The Confessions of St Augustine: Books 11, 12, 13
   

Meditations:

1. John Paul II on Psalm 148
2. John Paul II on Psalm 119
3. John Paul II on Canticle of Daniel (Comments on most, but not all of it)

Further Readings;

1. Theology and Sanity (A classic introduction to Catholic theology. The site is a bit difficult to use. Scroll down to the Theology heading and click on “Theology and Sanity.” A menu will appear on the left side of page. Click on “Creatures”, another menu will appear. Click on and read numbers 10 and 11. If you don’t know much about Catholic theology, it’s worth the trouble.)
2. Trinity and God the Creator (Definitely not for the beginner)
3. Pope Benedict XVI (A World Day of Peace message on the task entrusted to Human Beings in light of creation)
4. Covenant Love: An Introduction To The Biblical Worldview (A six part study which gives an excellent introduction to Biblical theology.)

If anyone has any further suggestions on any of the categories please let me know. Also, nest weeks post will be on the second creation account, and the third weeks will be on the Son’s role in creation; any suggestions or links would be appreciated.