In what ways do beliefs about creation impact the rest of theology?

TL;DR:

Theology is the study of God, and creation is crucial for understanding key attributes of God as well as the purpose of humanity. Creation tells us the eternal God exists, that He spoke the universe into existence, and that God is the source of everything, including humanity.

what does the bible say?

Believing the creation account in Genesis is foundational for theology, which is the study of God based on the Bible. Creation provides the basis for a biblical worldview, giving us a framework for a life of meaning, purpose and value. Here are some ways creation impacts theology: Genesis 1 tells us that God exists, that God is the eternal Creator, and that God is distinct from His creation. Genesis 1:27 clearly indicates that God is a person and not a force. God is a triune fellowship of Father, Holy Spirit and Son, according to Genesis 1:1, 1:2, 1:26, and John 1:1. Genesis tells us God has a goal in creation, namely that the earth was specifically designed as a home for human beings. The special creation of Adam and Eve is the foundation for redemptive history throughout the rest of the Bible. In Genesis 1:3 we learn that God creates by His spoken word ("And God said...") and that God is the source of light, physically and spiritually. Genesis 1 tells us about the goodness of God's creation. Finally, creation introduces God's rest that is available to all believers (Genesis 2:2-3; Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 4:9-10).

from the old testament

Genesis 1:1 tells us that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. This verse establishes the fact that the eternal God exists, and that He created the material universe out of nothing.
Genesis 1:2 tells us the Holy Spirit was present and active during creation (Psalm 104:30).
Genesis 1:3 tells us God creates by His spoken word, and that God is the source of light (John 1:1-5).
Genesis 1-2 gives the history of creation. This text tells us about the miracle of how God created the earth and life. Genesis 1:27 tells us God created humans in His own image. The days of creation could be literal 24-hour days, or much longer periods. The text does not explicitly prove or disprove either view. The important thing is the facts of God's creative acts.
Genesis 2:2-3 establishes God's rest, the Sabbath, when we take time to worship the Creator.

from the new testament

Jesus also proclaimed this rest (Matthew 11:28-30) that is available to all believers (Hebrews 4:9-10).
Jesus confirmed the creation of humankind in Matthew 19:4-6 when He told the Pharisees that from the beginning God created humans male and female. Jesus referred to Adam and Eve as literal people.
John 1:1-5 establishes that Jesus, called the Word, is also God. Not only was Jesus with God before the beginning of creation, but all things were made through Jesus (Colossians 1:16-17). Jesus is the source of light for our life.
Without a literal Adam, there is no literal sin and no need for a literal Savior (Romans 5:12). The parallel of Adam and Jesus in Romans 5:15-17 does not allow an interpretation of Adam as merely symbolic or hypothetical. If we affirm Jesus as one, real historical man, we must also take Adam as one, real historical man.

implications for today

The doctrine of creation (in various young earth or old earth forms) is the view that the universe and everything in it was caused by the creative will of God (Hebrews 11:3). On the other hand, theology means the study of God as He is revealed in Scripture. The verses above focus on how beliefs about creation inform theology. Attention is given to theological aspects of creation that have been broadly embraced by Christians throughout the centuries rather than those areas where Christians disagree. Obviously, there is no current agreement as to the time of creation because the Bible does not explicitly tell us. Believers even differ as to how much God used His designed natural laws to accomplish His purposes. But the fact that God created the universe and everything in it is far more important than when or exactly how creation occurred. The debate between young earth and old earth views is a matter of biblical interpretation and not of biblical authority.

The Bible is our ultimate guide for what we believe and how we live. As the authoritative record of God's spoken word, the Bible is a far more reliable guide than man’s authority, church tradition, or even our own opinions. This should lead to caution in discussions about the details of creation. There are many ways to interpret the Bible from a “creationist” perspective which may not align with traditional or literalist views. On a deeper level, there is great danger in looking for ways to dismiss God’s miraculous involvement in the universe. If we cannot rationally accept the miracle of creation, why is it rational to accept the miracle of Jesus' resurrection, or the new creation in Revelation 21? The creation account is the foundation for Christian theology, and it starts by believing Genesis 1:1.

understand

Creationism asserts that God is the eternal, distinct Creator who spoke the universe into existence.
The creation account establishes that humans are made in God’s image, setting the stage for the doctrines of original sin and the need for a Savior.
Creationism impacts much of our theology, especially our theology on God, humanity, and God’s redemptive plan.

reflect

How does believing in God as the Creator influence your purpose and value?
How does the belief that humans are made in God's image affect your view of human dignity and relationships?
How do the truths about creation impact other aspects of your theology?

engage

How does a biblically valid view of creation support key doctrines like sin and redemption?
How do New Testament teachings about Jesus and creation affect your view of God’s role in the universe?
How might excessive skepticism about God’s involvement in the universe impact faith in other biblical miracles, such as the resurrection? Why is it important to believe that God is the Creator?