ABSTRACT

Humans have long wondered about the origin of the universe. And such questions are especially alive today as physicists offer metaphysical theories to account for the emergence of creation. Theists have attributed the universe’s origin to divine activity, and many have said God created something from absolute nothingness. The venerable doctrine of creatio ex nihilo especially emphasizes God’s initial creating activity. Some contributors to this book explore new reasons creatio ex nihilo should continue to be embraced today. But other contributors question the viability of creation from nothing and offer alternative initial creation options in its place. These new alternatives explore a variety of options in light of recent scientific work, new biblical scholarship, and both new and old theological traditions.

chapter |6 pages

Creatio ex Nihilo

An Introduction

chapter 1|10 pages

Myth and Modern Physics

On the Power of Nothing

chapter 3|10 pages

“Nothingsomething” on My Mind

Creatio ex Nihilo or ex Profundis?

chapter 4|14 pages

The Fecundity of Nothing

A Proposal of Creatio ex Potentia in Conversation with Quantum Cosmologies

chapter 7|8 pages

Creatio ex Deo

Incarnation, Spirituality, Creation

chapter 8|12 pages

Creatio ex Nihilo

It's Not about Nothing

chapter 9|9 pages

Creatio ex Amore!

Michael Lodahl

chapter 10|14 pages

God Always Creates Out of Creation in Love

Creatio ex Creatione a Natura Amoris