Creation ex nihilo

Definition

Creation ex nihilo is a theological concept that means 'creation out of nothing.' It asserts that God created the universe without using any pre-existing materials, emphasizing His omnipotence and sovereignty. This idea underlines that everything that exists owes its existence solely to God's will, which has profound implications for understanding divine attributes and the nature of creation itself in Christian belief.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Creation ex nihilo contrasts with other creation views that suggest God shaped pre-existing materials, highlighting the uniqueness of God's creative act.
2. This concept emphasizes God's sovereignty, meaning He is the ultimate authority over all creation and is not bound by any external constraints.
3. Creation ex nihilo has been a fundamental doctrine in mainstream Christianity since the early Church, influencing various theological discussions about the nature of God and creation.
4. It affirms that the universe is contingent, meaning its existence depends entirely on God's ongoing creative action and will.
5. The doctrine also raises important questions about the nature of evil and suffering, as it posits a good and all-powerful Creator responsible for a world that includes both good and evil.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of creation ex nihilo reflect God's divine attributes?
  • Creation ex nihilo showcases God's omnipotence by illustrating His ability to bring forth everything from nothing. This act of creation emphasizes that God does not require pre-existing materials to create but instead acts solely based on His will. It also highlights God's sovereignty, demonstrating His supreme authority over all creation, as everything that exists comes into being through His decision alone.
• In what ways do Christian creation narratives support the idea of creation ex nihilo?
  • Christian creation narratives, particularly in Genesis, depict God creating the world through His command alone, with phrases like 'Let there be light' illustrating His creative authority. These narratives show that God spoke creation into existence without utilizing any prior materials. By presenting God as an active creator who brings order out of chaos, these stories reinforce the belief in creation ex nihilo and its theological significance in understanding God's role as Creator.
• Evaluate the implications of accepting creation ex nihilo for understanding the problem of evil in relation to God's goodness.
  • Accepting creation ex nihilo implies that God, being all-powerful and good, is responsible for creating a world that includes both good and evil. This raises critical questions regarding why a good God would create a world where suffering exists. The doctrine suggests that while God is sovereign over creation, He permits free will and the potential for evil as part of a greater divine plan. This understanding can lead to deeper theological discussions on human responsibility, divine providence, and the nature of evil within a world created by an all-good Creator.

Related terms

Omnipotence: The attribute of God that signifies His unlimited power and ability to accomplish anything according to His will.

Genesis:

The first book of the Bible, which includes the creation narrative and describes how God created the world and all living things.

Theological implications: The effects or consequences that a particular belief or doctrine has on understanding God, humanity, and the relationship between the two.