Creation
The earliest known creation stories include the Dreamtime stories of Indigenous Australians, which may date back 65,000 years or more. These are considered the oldest continuous creation myths still in existence. The Ancient Egyptian creation myths date back to around 3100-2686 BCE. These include stories of the god Atum emerging from primordial waters to create the world.  Sumerian creation myths, including the Eridu Genesis, which dates to the 2nd millennium BCE (around 1600 BCE). This is one of the oldest written creation stories discovered.  Hindu creation myths found in the Vedas, with some of the oldest portions dating back to around 1500 BCE.  ​Greek creation myths, including those found in Hesiod's Theogony from around the 8th-7th century BCE.

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

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Christianity:  The Christian creation story is found in the Book of Genesis in the Bible. God creates the universe in six days: the heavens, earth, light, plants, animals, and, finally, humans in His own image. On the seventh day, God rests, blessing the day as holy. Humanity, represented by Adam and Eve, is placed in the Garden of Eden and given dominion over creation. The story emphasizes God's sovereignty and the inherent goodness of creation.  Genesis 1-2, The Bible
Islam:  The Islamic creation story is outlined in the Quran. Allah created the heavens and the earth in six days and formed humans from clay. Adam, the first man, is made as Allah’s khalifa (representative) on Earth. The story of Adam and Eve (Hawwa) includes their disobedience by eating from the forbidden tree, but Allah forgives them, and they are sent to Earth to live. Creation emphasizes the purposefulness and order of Allah’s design.    Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:29
Hinduism:  Hindu cosmology describes a cyclical universe, created and destroyed repeatedly. Brahma is the creator god, responsible for forming the world, while Vishnu preserves it and Shiva destroys it. One key story from the Rig Veda tells of Prajapati, the Lord of Creatures, who gives rise to the universe. Another story recounts Vishnu lying on the cosmic serpent, dreaming the world into existence.   Bhagavata Purana, Rig Veda
Buddhism:  Buddhism does not focus on a single creation story. Instead, it teaches that the universe goes through endless cycles of creation and destruction, governed by karma and the laws of cause and effect. The Agganna Sutta describes how the world began in a primordial state, with beings descending from a higher realm to inhabit the earth. These beings gradually develop physical forms, desires, and society.   Agganna Sutta, Pali Canon
Sikhism:  In Sikhism, the universe was created by Waheguru (God) through His command (hukam). Sikh teachings emphasize that God is both immanent and transcendent, existing before time and creation. Creation was an act of divine will, and everything within it is sustained by God's grace. Humans are tasked with recognizing this divine presence in all things and living a life of devotion and service.    Guru Granth Sahib, Japji Sahib
Mormonism (LDS):  In the Book of Mormon and related texts, creation is described as the work of God the Father and Jesus Christ. The earth was created as a place for humanity to learn, grow, and exercise free will. Mormons believe in a premortal existence where spirits resided before coming to Earth. The Pearl of Great Price also elaborates on the creation, emphasizing a process of divine organization rather than creation from nothing.  Pearl of Great Price, The Book of Mormon
Spiritism:  In Spiritism, founded by Allan Kardec, the universe is created by God, but the emphasis is on spiritual evolution rather than a literal creation event. Spirits are created simple and ignorant and must evolve morally and intellectually over multiple lifetimes through reincarnation. Creation involves both the material and spiritual worlds, which are interconnected.    The Spirits’ Book, Allan Kardec
Judaism:  The Jewish creation story is found in Genesis, with a similar account to Christianity. God creates the world in six days, beginning with light and ending with humans, whom He creates in His image. On the seventh day, God rests. The Torah describes humans as stewards of the earth, tasked with caring for creation. The story underscores God's creative power and the orderliness of the universe.  Genesis 1-2, The Torah
Taoism:  In Taoism, the universe is created and sustained by the Tao, the ultimate principle that is both the source of all existence and its guiding force. The Tao Te Ching explains that the Tao is eternal and formless, giving birth to the "ten thousand things" (all of creation). Taoism focuses on the natural flow of life and the harmony between opposites (Yin and Yang) within the universe.   Tao Te Ching
Shinshukyo (New Religions of Japan):  Shinshukyo encompasses various new religious movements, such as Tenrikyo and Oomoto, which generally incorporate aspects of Shinto and Buddhism. Creation myths in these traditions often involve a supreme deity, such as Tenri-O-no-Mikoto in Tenrikyo, who created the world and humanity for the purpose of spiritual development and living in harmony with divine will.   Tenrikyo Scriptures
Bahá'í Faith:  The Bahá'í creation story holds that God is the unknowable essence, and creation is an expression of His will and love. The universe was created to reflect God's attributes, and humanity was created to know and worship Him. The teachings emphasize that creation is eternal and that human life is a stage in the soul’s eternal journey towards God.    Bahá'u'lláh, Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh
Confucianism:  While Confucianism does not focus on cosmology or creation myths, it acknowledges the role of Heaven (Tian) as the moral force that governs the universe. Confucius emphasized harmony between Heaven, Earth, and humanity, with the moral order being a reflection of the divine order established by Heaven.  The Analects, Doctrine of the Mean
Cao Dai:  Cao Dai cosmology blends elements of Eastern and Western religions. The supreme god, referred to as Cao Đài, created the universe and sent divine spirits to guide humanity. Creation is seen as an unfolding of divine will, and humans are tasked with aligning themselves with Cao Đài to return to the divine realm after death.  Cao Dai Scriptures
Jainism:  In Jainism, there is no creator god. The universe is eternal and self-sustaining, going through cycles of creation and destruction. Everything is governed by cosmic laws, with karma playing a central role in shaping the destinies of living beings. The universe is made up of six substances, including soul (jiva) and matter (ajiva). Tattvartha Sutra
Shinto:  In Shinto, the creation story involves the gods Izanagi and Izanami, who stirred the primordial waters with a jeweled spear to create the islands of Japan. They gave birth to other kami (gods), including Amaterasu, the sun goddess. The creation of the land and its people is seen as divinely ordained, with the emperor traditionally viewed as a descendant of Amaterasu.  Kojiki, Nihon Shoki
Cheondoism (Korean Religion):  Cheondoism teaches that humans and the world were created by Hanulnim (the Heavenly Way), and that humanity's purpose is to realize divinity within the natural world and society. It emphasizes the immanence of divinity in the world and the interconnectedness of all beings.  Cheondoist Scriptures
Tenrikyo:  In Tenrikyo, the world was created by Tenri-O-no-Mikoto, who is the divine parent of humanity. Creation is part of the divine plan to nurture humans toward spiritual maturity, and followers believe that the world is fundamentally good, as it reflects the divine will.  Ofudesaki
Yazidism:  In Yazidism, the supreme being, God, created the world and entrusted it to the care of Melek Taus (the Peacock Angel), who governs the universe on behalf of God. Yazidis believe that humans were created to live in harmony with nature and the divine order.  Yazidi Scriptures
Rastafarianism:  Rastafarians believe in Jah, the supreme creator, who created the earth and all its inhabitants. Creation reflects Jah’s divine wisdom, and humans, especially descendants of Africa, are seen as the chosen people of God. The world is viewed through the lens of divine justice and spiritual liberation.  The Holy Piby, The Bible
Zunism: In Zunism, the Sun God Zun is believed to be the source of life and creation. The religion, practiced by the Zunbils of ancient Afghanistan, held that the sun was the ultimate force governing existence, providing warmth, light, and life to all beings.   Zunist Oral Tradition
Zoroastrianism:  In Zoroastrianism, Ahura Mazda, the supreme god, created the world in seven stages: sky, water, earth, plants, animals, humans, and fire. The creation is part of the cosmic struggle between good (Ahura Mazda) and evil (Angra Mainyu), with humans tasked with choosing good to help bring about the eventual triumph of light over darkness.  Avesta, Yasna 30

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Christianity: According to the Book of Genesis, God created the universe and all life in six days. On the first day, God created light and separated it from darkness. Over the next five days, God created the sky, land, seas, plants, sun, moon, stars, animals, and finally humans (Adam and Eve) in His own image. God rested on the seventh day. This account is found in Genesis chapters 1-2 of the Bible.
Islam: The Islamic creation story closely follows the Judeo-Christian account. Allah (God) created the universe, Earth, and all life in six days. Humans were created from clay. The Quran does not specify the exact order of creation, but emphasizes Allah's power as the sole Creator. This account is found in various surahs of the Quran, including 7:54, 10:3, 11:7, and 41:9-12.
Hinduism: Hindu creation stories vary, but a common account involves Brahma (the creator) emerging from a lotus flower growing from the navel of Vishnu, who was sleeping on the cosmic ocean. Brahma then creates the universe and all life. This cyclical process of creation, preservation, and destruction repeats endlessly. This story is found in various Hindu scriptures, including the Puranas and Upanishads.
Buddhism: Buddhism does not have a specific creation myth, as it considers the universe to be without beginning or end, in a constant cycle of destruction and renewal. The Buddha taught that it is not important to know how the universe began, but rather to focus on ending suffering. This view is expressed in various Buddhist texts, including the Agganna Sutta.
Sikhism: Sikhism teaches that the universe was created by Waheguru (the Wonderful Lord) through His hukam (divine order). Before creation, everything was in a state of sunn (void). Waheguru spoke a Word, causing the universe to come into existence. This account is found in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.
Mormonism: According to Mormon teachings, God the Father, Jesus Christ, and other divine beings organized pre-existing matter to create the universe and Earth. Humans are spiritual children of Heavenly Parents, sent to Earth to gain physical bodies and be tested. This doctrine is found in the Book of Abraham and other Mormon scriptures.
Spiritism: Spiritism, as codified by Allan Kardec, does not have a specific creation myth. It teaches that the universe and spirits have always existed, with spirits evolving through multiple incarnations. This view is presented in Kardec's "The Spirits' Book."
Judaism: The Jewish creation story is the same as the Christian account found in Genesis, with God creating the universe and all life in six days, and resting on the seventh. This forms the basis for the Sabbath observance. The account is found in the Torah, specifically in the Book of Genesis chapters 1-2.
Taoism: Taoist creation myths vary, but a common narrative describes the universe beginning as a cosmic egg. When it split, the lighter parts rose to form the heavens (yang), while the heavier parts sank to form the Earth (yin). The first being, Pangu, emerged from the egg and separated heaven and earth. This story is found in later Taoist texts like the Huainanzi.
Shinshukyo (New Japanese Religions): Creation stories vary among different Shinshukyo movements. For example, Tenrikyo teaches that the universe was created by God the Parent for human beings to live the Joyous Life. This account is found in Tenrikyo's scripture, the Ofudesaki.
Bahá'í Faith: The Bahá'í Faith does not have a specific creation myth, but teaches that the universe has always existed in some form, though it has been shaped by God. The Faith emphasizes the spiritual evolution of humanity rather than a literal account of physical creation. This view is expressed in various Bahá'í writings, including those of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
Confucianism: Traditional Confucianism does not have a creation myth, focusing instead on ethics and proper social relationships. However, some Confucian texts reference the concept of Tian (Heaven) as the source of all things. This idea is found in classical texts like the I Ching and the Doctrine of the Mean.
Cao Dai: Cao Dai teaches that the Supreme Being (Cao Dai) created the universe through the interaction of Yin and Yang energies. The religion incorporates elements from various traditions, including Taoism and Buddhism. This syncretic view is expressed in Cao Dai scriptures and teachings.
Jainism: Jainism holds that the universe is eternal and uncreated, without beginning or end. It goes through cycles of progress and decline. Jains do not believe in a creator god, but in the eternal nature of souls and matter. This cosmology is described in various Jain texts, including the Tattvartha Sutra.
Shinto: Shinto creation myths, as recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, describe the formation of Japan by divine beings. The gods Izanagi and Izanami created the Japanese islands and many deities. Humans are seen as descendants of these kami (gods or spirits).
Cheondoism: Cheondoism, a Korean religion, teaches that the universe was created by Haneullim (God or Heaven). Humans have a divine nature and the potential to become one with Haneullim. This doctrine is found in the writings of Choe Je-u, the founder of Cheondoism.
Tenrikyo: Tenrikyo teaches that God the Parent created the world and humans as instruments for the divine joy of seeing human beings live the Joyous Life. This account is found in Tenrikyo's scripture, the Ofudesaki, written by the founder Nakayama Miki.
Yazidism: Yazidi creation myths describe God creating the world and entrusting it to seven angels, chief among them Melek Taus (the Peacock Angel). Yazidis believe they are descended from Adam but not Eve. These stories are part of Yazidi oral traditions and hymns called Qewls.
Rastafarianism: Rastafarianism does not have a unique creation story, generally accepting the biblical account. However, it interprets this account through an Afrocentric lens, emphasizing the divine nature of black people and their Ethiopian heritage. These interpretations are found in Rastafarian teachings and writings.
Zunism: The Zuni people of New Mexico have a creation story involving the emergence of people from underground through four colored caves, representing the four cardinal directions. This story is part of Zuni oral tradition and ceremonial practices.
Zoroastrianism: Zoroastrian creation myths describe Ahura Mazda creating the spiritual and material worlds in six periods. The material world was created as a battlefield between good and evil forces. This account is found in Zoroastrian scriptures, particularly the Bundahishn.
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