How was the universe created?

If this is a question to set up a Bible vs. evolution conflict, or a faith vs. science conflict, it won’t work. There is no conflict between the Bible and evolution or faith and science. Truth cannot contradict truth because biblical truth, scientific truth, and the truths of faith are all from God, the source of all truth though they may be expressed in different ways.

However, this question can get us to the heart of the meaning of creation. Genesis tells us in Chapter 1, verse 1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The Catechism writes that “three things are affirmed in these first words of Scripture: the eternal God gave a beginning to all that exists outside of himself; he alone is Creator. The totality of what exists depend on the One who gives it being.” (para. 290)

What this means is that God is the source of all that exists, he alone created the universe, and our existence depends on him. Scripture does not give us a scientific account, but a religious account. And since God is love, the universe was created out of love. Read more about creation in the Catechism, paragraphs 279-314.

Know your faith. Live your faith. Teach your faith.

What is the meaning of life?

To ask the question is to imply an answer, that there is meaning in life. We are not random mutations that came into existence haphazardly in a random universe; we are children of God who have a special calling. We are called to become one with our Creator. And who is our Creator? Our Creator is God who we come to know by reason and through Revelation, in Tradition and Scripture; through the teachings of our parents and ministrations of our priests. Our Creator is a loving God. According to 1 John (4:16): “God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.” So therefore we are called to love as God loves us. Finally, we are called to share with others our love and knowledge of God. We are called to serve, to share our faith, to work toward bringing about the Kingdom of God here on earth. 

The Baltimore Catechism had it right: “God made me to know him, to love him, and to serve him in this world and to be happy with him forever in the next.” That is the meaning of our lives. What joy we can have in doing God’s will, for it is what will truly give us blessedness and happiness.

Know your faith. Live your faith. Teach your faith.