else make it? How can we have free will if God already knows

Did God really create the world or did something else make it?

There are a number of different theories regarding how the earth was created. Schools generally teach the ‘Big Bang’ theory. However, if you go to a Christian school, then the story of creation described in Genesis from the Bible is taught.

Abdu’l-Baha makes it very clear that God did in fact create the world and all of its creatures. “The Creator of all is One God. From this same God all creation sprang into existence, and He is the one goal, towards which everything in nature yearns.” (Abdu’lBaha, Paris Talks, p. 51)

Abdu’l-Baha also explains that the earth did not come into existence suddenly but formed gradually passing through various transitions. This is emphasised in the following quotes:

“But it is clear that this terrestrial globe in its present form did not come into existence all at once, but that this universal existence gradually passed through different phases until it became adorned with its present perfection.” (Abdu’l-Baha,

Some Answered Questions, p. 182)

“Then it is clear that original matter, which is in the embryonic state, and the mingled and composed elements which were its earliest forms, gradually grew and developed during many ages and cycles, passing from one shape and form to another, until they appeared in this perfection, this system, this organisation and this establishment, through the supreme wisdom of God.” (Abdu’l-Baha, Some Answered Questions, p. 183)

The story of creation found in the Bible has spiritual meanings and is not to be interpreted literally. This is made evident by the following quote:

“We Baha’is do not believe in Genesis literally. We know the world was not created in seven days, or six, or eight, but evolved gradually over a period of millions of years, as science has proved. As to where the idea of a seven-day week originated, it is certainly very ancient, and you should refer to scholars for an answer.” (Lights of Guidance, p. 494)