Creation ex nihilo

Definition

Creation ex nihilo is the theological concept that asserts God created the universe out of nothing, without any pre-existing materials. This idea highlights God's omnipotence and the fundamental belief that all things are contingent upon God's will. It contrasts with creation from pre-existing chaos, emphasizing a purposeful act of divine will that initiates existence itself.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of creation ex nihilo is primarily rooted in Judeo-Christian theological traditions, especially in interpretations of the Genesis creation narrative.
2. This idea asserts that before God's creative act, there was no matter, energy, or space; God alone existed.
3. Creation ex nihilo emphasizes God's sovereignty and authority over all creation, suggesting that everything owes its existence to God's will.
4. In contrast to other ancient Near Eastern creation myths, which often depict gods forming order from chaos, creation ex nihilo introduces a radical notion of divine creativity.
5. Philosophically, creation ex nihilo raises questions about causality and existence, influencing discussions on ontology and the nature of being.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of creation ex nihilo differ from other ancient creation narratives?
  • Creation ex nihilo differs significantly from other ancient narratives by positing that God created the universe from nothing rather than shaping it from pre-existing chaotic materials. In many ancient Near Eastern myths, such as those from Babylon or Egypt, creation often involves gods bringing order to chaos or fighting for supremacy over primordial substances. In contrast, creation ex nihilo emphasizes a singular divine act where God's will alone brings forth existence without reliance on any existing matter.
• Analyze the implications of creation ex nihilo on the understanding of God's nature in relation to the universe.
  • The doctrine of creation ex nihilo has profound implications for understanding God's nature. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence, suggesting that He is not bound by any external constraints or materials. This means that everything within the universe is contingent on God's will, reinforcing the belief that He is actively involved in creation. Moreover, it highlights God's aseity, as He exists independently from His creations and does not require anything outside Himself to sustain His being.
• Evaluate the philosophical challenges posed by the idea of creation ex nihilo in relation to ontology.
  • Creation ex nihilo raises several philosophical challenges within ontology, particularly regarding concepts of causality and existence. It prompts questions about how something can come into existence from absolutely nothing and what it means for something to be contingent upon an external cause. Additionally, it challenges traditional notions of being by asserting that before God's creative act, there was no 'being' at all. Philosophers grapple with these ideas as they explore the implications of divine creativity on our understanding of existence and reality.

Related terms

Cosmology: The study of the origins and eventual fate of the universe, including the nature and organization of its components.

Theism: The belief in the existence of a God or gods, particularly in relation to the creation and governance of the universe.

Aseity: The attribute of God whereby He exists independently and does not require anything external to Himself for His existence.