Creation ex nihilo

Definition

Creation ex nihilo is a philosophical and theological concept meaning 'creation out of nothing.' This idea suggests that God created the universe without using pre-existing materials, emphasizing the power and sovereignty of the divine. In Jewish thought, this concept is crucial for understanding the relationship between God and creation, highlighting the belief in God's absolute authority over all that exists.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of creation ex nihilo sets Judaism apart from many ancient Near Eastern creation myths, which often involve creation from pre-existing chaos or material.
2. Major Jewish philosophers like Maimonides argued that creation ex nihilo underscores God's unique ability to bring something into existence without any prior substance.
3. Creation ex nihilo aligns with the Jewish understanding of God's omnipotence and transcendence, reinforcing the belief that everything relies on God for existence.
4. This idea is often connected with the first chapter of Genesis, where God speaks the world into being through divine command.
5. The notion has implications for ethics and morality in Judaism, as it emphasizes that humans have a responsibility to care for creation as stewards of what God has made.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of creation ex nihilo contrast with ancient Near Eastern creation myths?
  • Creation ex nihilo contrasts sharply with ancient Near Eastern creation myths that typically depict creation as emerging from pre-existing chaos or materials. In these myths, gods often shape or organize existing matter, whereas creation ex nihilo emphasizes that God created everything from nothing. This highlights God's unique power and authority in Jewish thought, setting it apart from other cultural narratives about origins.
• Discuss how major Jewish philosophers like Maimonides interpreted creation ex nihilo and its significance in Jewish theology.
  • Major Jewish philosophers such as Maimonides interpreted creation ex nihilo as fundamental to understanding God's nature and relationship with the universe. For Maimonides, this concept signifies God's absolute power to create without limitations or dependencies on pre-existing materials. This interpretation reinforces the idea of God's transcendence, suggesting that everything in existence is contingent upon God's will, which shapes core Jewish theological principles about divinity and creation.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of creation ex nihilo in relation to human responsibility toward the environment and society.
  • The ethical implications of creation ex nihilo are profound, particularly regarding human responsibility toward the environment and society. Since everything is viewed as a product of God's will, humans are seen as stewards of creation tasked with caring for and repairing the world. This notion is reflected in concepts like Tikkun Olam, emphasizing social justice and ecological stewardship. As a result, understanding creation ex nihilo invites a moral obligation to honor and protect what has been created, fostering an attitude of respect and responsibility toward both nature and fellow humans.

Related terms

Cosmology: The study of the origin, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe, often intertwined with philosophical and theological inquiries about creation.

Theism: The belief in the existence of one or more deities who actively engage with and govern the universe.

Tikkun Olam: A Hebrew phrase meaning 'repairing the world,' which reflects a Jewish value emphasizing social justice and responsibility for improving the world.