Page 36 - AIU Distance Learning Courses - Sample

Origin of marriage
When you think about it, the idea that marriage as it universally exists today (or
until recently) evolved is preposterous. Marriage finds its roots in Genesis as
monogamous, patriarchal, social-stabilizing, and procreative. Only after the fall
does polygamy, infanticide, matriarchy, homosexuality, and promiscuity come
into existence.

Origin of evil
The concepts of goodness, truth, beauty, love, etc. find their origin not in society, but ultimately in the
Creator Himself. They are characteristics fundamental to His very nature and He has expressed them in
His creation. The presence of physical and moral evil in the universe is explained in Genesis. However,
evil is explained as temporary and a deviation from the perfect, as an intruder into God’s design. It is
the absence of the nature and character of God. God explains in Genesis that evil will exist for a season
but will ultimately be crushed through our Kinsman Redeemer.

Origin of language
Not only does Genesis describe the variety of languages that we hear, but also explains the difference
between the chattering of animals and the symbols, and specificity of human language. To think that
language could have developed by random chance from the grunting of animals to modern language is
absurd and the only logical account of language development is recorded in Genesis.

Origin of government
The development of organized government is recorded in Genesis with man not only responsible for his
actions but also for the maintenance of orderly social structures through systems of laws and
punishments.

Origin of culture
The book of Genesis tells of the origins of the characteristics that we would think of as necessary for
modern cultures to arise. Skills such as metallurgy, music, agriculture, animal husbandry, writing,
education, navigation, textiles, and ceramics are described along with the development of urbanization.

Origin of nations
Today almost all scholars universally accept the concept of one race. However, conventional wisdom
told mankind for hundreds of years that there were many races, and some were superior to others.
However, Genesis clearly teaches that we all descend from one common ancestor; therefore we are all
from one race. Genesis also clearly explains the formation of distinct people groups or nations. This is
accurate to what we observe today.

Origin of religion
There are many religions in the world today and all share the common idea that there is a consciousness
greater than or outside ourselves -- some unifying truth or ultimate reality that we should strive to
maintain. Many are organized but some are fragmented and disorganized, yet they all find the need to
somehow worship something or someone greater than themselves. Genesis clearly describes where this
knowledge or connection with a greater consciousness comes from and who that greater one is that
deserves honor and praise.

36