Creation ex nihilo

Definition

Creation ex nihilo refers to the concept of creation 'out of nothing.' It asserts that the universe and all that exists were brought into being by a divine act, without pre-existing materials. This notion highlights the omnipotence of the creator and distinguishes it from other forms of creation, such as those that involve shaping or transforming existing matter.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Creation ex nihilo is a fundamental concept in many religious traditions, emphasizing that God created the world freely and intentionally.
2. This idea contrasts with other ancient Near Eastern creation myths that often describe creation as an order from chaos or transformation of pre-existing elements.
3. In literature, creation ex nihilo is reflected in works that explore themes of origin, existence, and the relationship between creator and creation.
4. The concept has philosophical implications regarding the nature of existence and non-existence, raising questions about why anything exists at all.
5. In Caedmon's Hymn, the idea is evident in the praise for God as the ultimate creator who formed the earth and heavens from nothing.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of creation ex nihilo shape our understanding of the relationship between God and the created world?
  • Creation ex nihilo shapes our understanding by presenting God as an omnipotent being who brings forth existence without any pre-existing materials. This highlights God's sovereignty and intentionality in creation, implying that everything that exists depends on God for its existence. It fosters a view of a purposeful universe where every element has been deliberately designed by its creator.
• Discuss how creation ex nihilo contrasts with other ancient creation narratives found in literature.
  • Creation ex nihilo stands in stark contrast to many ancient creation narratives where gods create from chaos or reshape existing matter. In those stories, creation often involves conflict or collaboration among deities, whereas creation ex nihilo emphasizes a singular, powerful act of will by a single creator. This distinction influences how we interpret themes of order versus chaos in various literary works.
• Evaluate the implications of creation ex nihilo for philosophical discussions about existence and non-existence.
  • Creation ex nihilo prompts significant philosophical inquiries into why anything exists rather than nothing. It challenges thinkers to consider the nature of existence itself, raising questions about causality and the necessity of a first cause. By asserting that everything stems from an initial divine act, it reshapes debates surrounding materialism, existentialism, and metaphysical concepts of being.

Related terms

Theology: The study of the nature of God, religious beliefs, and the divine, often exploring concepts like creation and existence.

Cosmogony: A branch of mythology or philosophy that studies the origins of the universe, explaining how it came to be.

Divine Command Theory: An ethical theory which posits that what is morally right is determined by God's commands, often linked to discussions about creation and morality.