What Does it Mean for God to Create?

In theology, we often hear the statement: “God is the Creator.” This seems simple enough, but the question that naturally follows is, **what is creation**? What does it really mean to say God created everything? This article explores the profound implications of creation and reality, delving into both the physical and abstract realms that God is said to have brought into existence.
We will examine the philosophical and theological views on creation, including the nature of time, space, abstract objects, and the difference between what truly exists and what might be considered fictional.

The Source of All Reality

The doctrine of creation asserts that **God is the source of all reality** outside of Himself. Everything that exists owes its existence to God. This concept is central to understanding creation in religious philosophy. It means that apart from God, nothing exists independently; God is the ultimate cause and sustainer of everything.
But what does “everything” include? Reality encompasses more than just the physical objects we encounter daily. It extends to everything in the universe—**time, space, energy**, and all spiritual realms, such as the existence of angels or other spiritual beings. If these spiritual entities exist, they too are creations of God.

Creation of Abstract Objects

A particularly intriguing aspect of creation is the existence of **abstract objects**. These include things like numbers, propositions, and mathematical truths. In philosophy, abstract objects are non-physical entities that exist outside space and time. Some philosophers argue that these objects are independent of God’s creation, while others believe that abstract objects are grounded in the **mind of God**.
For example, numbers like **2+2=4** or concepts like **justice** and **truth** may seem eternal, but in this theological view, their existence depends on God’s creative power. Even **logic and causation**, which govern how we think and reason, are believed to originate from the mind of God. This means that God is not only the creator of the physical universe but also the source of the principles and laws that underpin existence.

The Temporal Aspect of Creation

An important and often misunderstood element of creation is its **temporal nature**. When people think about God creating the world, they often imagine a static moment, a time when God simply brought everything into existence. However, creation is deeply tied to the concept of time.
The philosopher in this discussion explains that God did not just create the world and leave it; He brought everything into being at a **specific moment in time**. This implies that the universe and everything in it have not always existed. Before the act of creation, only God existed in a timeless state. The universe and all forms of reality—both physical and abstract—came into being when God willed them to exist.

Time and Space as Creations

Interestingly, **time and space themselves** are creations of God. In modern cosmology, scientists often discuss the origins of the universe in terms of the **Big Bang**, a moment when time and space first came into existence. This aligns with the theological view that God created time and space at a particular moment. Time did not exist before the creation of the universe; it was brought into being along with the physical world.
This concept of creation also extends beyond just the physical aspects of the universe. It includes the idea that **causation**, the relationships between cause and effect, are part of what God created. Everything that exists, whether in the physical realm or abstract concepts, comes from God’s creative act.

Fictional Entities and Non-Existence

One of the distinctions that philosophers make when discussing creation is the difference between **what truly exists** and what might be considered fictional or imaginary. For instance, characters like **Sherlock Holmes** are fictional entities. They do not exist in the same way that physical or abstract objects do. God did not create Sherlock Holmes as a real being; he only exists within the stories written about him.
The philosopher explains that some thinkers might argue that fictional characters like Sherlock Holmes could be abstract objects, existing in some conceptual way. However, the more common view is that these fictional characters do not have independent existence; they are simply ideas formed in the minds of people.

Existence Dependent on God

Ultimately, what exists **outside of God** depends entirely on His creative power. Whether we are discussing the physical universe, spiritual beings, or abstract objects, **all existence owes itself to God**. Even time and space, which seem so fundamental to our reality, were brought into existence at a specific point, emphasizing that creation is a temporal act.
This view radically contrasts with ideas that suggest the universe or reality has always existed. In the theological framework, nothing existed before God’s creative action. The universe is not eternal, and neither are the laws and principles that govern it.

Creation and Reality: The Bigger Picture

By exploring what God has created, we gain a clearer understanding of the **scope of creation**. God’s creative power extends far beyond the physical world. It encompasses everything, from the material universe to abstract concepts, and even the fabric of time and space. This view of reality shows how deeply intertwined creation is with every aspect of existence.
For those who accept this theological perspective, **everything in existence depends on God**. There is no realm, no principle, and no entity that exists outside of His creative will. This understanding invites us to consider the vastness of reality, from the largest galaxies to the smallest numbers and the deepest spiritual truths.

Conclusion: Creation is All-Encompassing

Understanding the nature of creation reveals how vast and all-encompassing God’s role is in bringing about reality. God is not only the creator of the **physical universe**, but also the **sustainer of all existence**, including abstract entities like numbers and logic. This concept of creation emphasizes that nothing exists apart from God’s creative power, whether it be in the material world or the abstract realms.
If this topic of creation and reality intrigues you, I encourage you to explore more in the full discussion available here: William Lane Craig – What Things Really Exist?.