Lately, I have been thinking about the idea of divine creation. For centuries Christians—and most Jews and Muslims too—have asserted “creation from nothing” (creatio ex nihilo). The central point of this idea is that God required no building material out of which to make the universe. For, if God had needed anything other than God’s own power and will to create, we could not think of God as the absolute Lord of creation—a really scary thought! To accomplish this task God would require help from something else. The Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle understood that beings in the world are ever changing, coming into existence and going out of existence. But they also knew that something had to be eternal or nothing would exist, which would be inconceivable…because if nothing existed there would be no mind to conceive and no concepts to think. For them it was axiomatic that the eternal and unchanging world of intelligible forms and ideas exists necessarily. It deserves to be called divine precisely because it is self-sufficient and necessary. Aristotle was so clear that true being is eternal and unchanging that he declared that “from nothing, nothing comes into existence” (ex nihilio, nihil fit). Hence even matter is eternal and does not come into existence or go out of existence. It is always there to be shaped like the potter’s clay into different beings.
The Christian teaching of “creation from nothing” does not directly contradict Aristotle because it does not say that creation sprang into existence from nothing; existing things come from God and God is eternal. So Christian teaching agrees with Aristotle that “from nothing, nothing comes into existence.” Since God is eternal, there never was a time when there was absolutely nothing. But matter is not divine or eternal or necessary. Christianity asserts only one eternal being, God.
The idea of “creation from nothing” has profound implications in many areas of thought and life. I will mention only one. Everything, everyone, and every event that was, is and will be depends totally on God, and God alone, for its fundamental existence. Taking this truth seriously could change your life. Learn this skill: when you feel yourself relying on, serving, worshiping, working for, overvaluing, fearing or desiring anything in creation let it immediately trigger the realization that that creature also depends absolutely on God. Now let that thing direct you to its God and yours. God is the source of every good thing and the answer to every threat found in creatures, no matter how beautiful, powerful or good. If you learn this practice you might find yourself becoming a more thoughtful person, more aware of God than before. And in a world as beautiful and dangerous as ours that’s got to be a good thing.
I have found the works David Burrell, Robert Sokolowski, Michael Dodds, and Thomas Weinandy very helpful on the topic of creation.
rch
ifaqtheology 
Well done, brother.
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Ron,
So glad to see you beginning a blog. More than almost anyone I know (and I say that to be safe, not that I have anyone specifically in mind), you combine deep learning, serious thinking, transparent piety, and genuine love of God and humankind. This both equips and motvates you to be a theologian for the church, a man for his friends, an author for the reader. And, simply and directly stated, that makes you a blessing. As one of many whom God has blessed through you, I welcome your blog, will be recommending it to others, and look forward to reading it on a regular basis. God’s best to you and yours.
Cordially,
Edward
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Thank you, Edward! How long have you been writing your “Grace-Email”?
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This is now the sixteenth year . . . began informally and unstructured as lengthy daily comments on a scripture text or theme. Evolved into a structured column called gracEmail, normally 3-4 short paragraphs, 2 or 3 times per week. Free upon request to edward@edwardfudge.com . Or have a look at http://www.EdwardFudge/gracemail/ — God’s best to you and yours!
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Happy to see you blogging.
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John Mark: You, of course, are a very experienced blogger! I look forward to your comments and suggestions.
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I look forward to reading your blog Ron…..really appreciated your starting point
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Thank you Sue! As I said or implied in my introductory remarks, people can neither agree or disagree until they get clear about what they are saying. And, of course, sometimes people don’t even know what they themselves are saying until they attempt to understand others. Thanks!
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Dr. Highfield- it was great seeing you recently as we visited Malibu- looking forward to hearing your perspective. Your class was such a great experience (over 20 years ago- so that’s really saying something) and I am so glad you are continuing to share your thoughts with us!
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Thank you Emily! I look forward to hearing your thoughts. I don’t want this blog to be a one-way conversation.
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Looking forward to the blog and to referring brothers and sisters from church to it.
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Thank you Ron!
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Brother Ron,
I like the clarity and thought provoking style of your writing. I understand now why Edward Fudge highly recommended you and so will I.
Your scholarship, God and Grace focus draws me, like a moth to the flame, to read what you will be blogging. Eucharisteo brother.
My motto is: Jesus Focused, Grace Oriented, Love Motivated
Fraternally in Jesus,
Bobby Deason
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