creatio ex nihilo
[kray-aw’-tsee-o eks nee’-uh-lo]
(Latin, “creation out of nothing”)
Describes the shared theistic worldview which believes all of creation was created by God out of non-existent matter. This belief is extremely important and foundational to the Christian belief in a transcendent God. God’s nature transcends time, space, and matter. Therefore, all that exists outside of God is dependent upon Him for its existence. This belief is contrasted with the worldviews of Mormons and other polytheists who believe that matter is eternal and God created the present universe from this pre-existing matter (creatio ex materia). It is also to be contrasted with the worldview of pantheists and panentheists who believe that creation came from God’s essence (creatio ex deo).
“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” (Hebrews 11:3)
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