This book delves into the doctrinal, social, and spiritual significance of the concept of creation “from nothing.” Brian D. Robinette presents an original study that meditates on this idea, addressing not only the problem of God but also Christology, soteriology, and ecology. He argues that creatio ex nihilo is not merely a speculative doctrine about cosmic origins; rather, it is a foundational insight into the God-world relationship, influencing the entirety of Christian thought and practice. It serves as a grammatical framework for all discussions regarding this relationship. In part 1, Robinette addresses objections to creatio ex nihilo, defending it as essential for understanding the gifted nature of creation. The second chapter emphasizes the contemplative aspects of theological inquiry through “unknowing.” Part 2 utilizes mimetic theory to examine the dual potential of human desire for creation and destruction. Part 3 draws from the Christian contemplative tradition to illustrate how the “dark night of faith” offers a spiritually discerning approach to experiencing divine absence in today’s post-religious context. The final chapter presents creatio ex nihilo as a manifestation of divine love for finitude, relationship, and existence. Robinette engages with a range of sources, including biblical, patristic, and contemporary theological and philosophical works.
