Introduction
The debate between Biblical Creation and Greek Philosophy has shaped much of our understanding of the universe.
From the Christian perspective, God created the universe ex nihilo (out of nothing), whereas Greek philosophers like Plato proposed the idea of a demiurge, a creator who formed the universe from pre-existing matter.
This post explores these differing worldviews and seeks to understand God’s creative power through a biblical lens.
God vs. Demiurge: The Origin of the Universe
Human curiosity about the universe (kosmos) has led to both myths and philosophical inquiries.
French philosopher Blaise Pascal famously spoke of the awe he felt when contemplating the vastness of the universe. Despite this, he emphasized that human reason is superior because it can seek answers to both the mysteries of the stars and the nature of human existence.
Throughout history, scientific understanding has evolved, from the Ptolemaic Earth-centered model to the Copernican heliocentric system.
Kepler‘s laws of planetary motion and Newton‘s law of universal gravitation provided a framework for understanding the cosmos. Later, Einstein’s theory of relativity reshaped this understanding.
Despite these advances, Max Planck noted that science cannot fully solve the ultimate mystery of nature, hinting at the necessity of turning toward the Creator.
The Biblical View of Creation: Creation Ex Nihilo
In contrast to Greek Philosophy, which posits that the demiurge shaped the universe from pre-existing matter, the Bible teaches that God created the universe out of nothing (creatio ex nihilo).
The biblical account emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty over creation. All things—visible and invisible—were made through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16).
As noted by theologian Herman Bavinck, the Bible stands alone in declaring the creation of all things by God’s omnipotent hand.
Matter itself is not independent or eternal, as the Greek dualistic worldview might suggest. Instead, it was created by God and is fully subject to His will (Nancy Pearcey, Total Truth).
Greek Philosophy vs. Biblical Creation: A Contrast
The difference between Plato’s Demiurge and the God of the Bible lies in their views of matter.
In Greek philosophy, matter is somewhat resistant to divine will, while in biblical creation, matter was spoken into existence by God and submits entirely to His commands.
This is the essence of the doctrine of creation ex nihilo—everything originates from God and is subject to His control.
Plato’s Timaeus suggests that the demiurge worked with pre-existing materials, but this contradicts the biblical narrative, which teaches that
God created everything with intentionality and purpose. This distinction underscores the Bible’s revelation of God’s power and sovereignty.
God’s Creative Purpose and Humanity’s Role
We are not accidents but intentional creations of God, made for the purpose of knowing Him and fellowshipping with Him.
As Alister McGrath states, nature testifies to the wisdom and power of God (Glimpsing the Face of God). The Apostle Paul echoes this in Romans 1:20, noting that God’s invisible qualities are clearly seen in creation.
Despite the clear evidence of God’s creative power, John Calvin observed that many people suppress this truth. He noted that while creation testifies to God’s existence, humanity often turns to idolatry, replacing the glory of the incorruptible God with the corruptible things of the world (Institutes of the Christian Religion).
The Chasm Between God and Man
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin creates a deep chasm between humanity and God, making it impossible for sinful beings to approach a holy and righteous Creator.
However, through Jesus Christ, God has revealed Himself and provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him.
Karl Barth described this divide as an uncrossable gulf between God and man—one that only God Himself can bridge (Karl Barth’s Theological Meditations). Through His revelation in Christ, God shows us His desire to be known by us.
Conclusion: Worshiping the Creator
The Biblical Creation narrative calls us to worship God, the Creator of all things. Unlike the dualistic views of Greek Philosophy, which saw matter as inherently flawed, the Bible teaches that everything was created good by God and is subject to His will.
As Jonathan Edwards put it, all of God’s works are ultimately for His glory (The End for Which God Created the World).
Nature itself, with its complexity and order, reveals the power and wisdom of God. By studying the creation account, we are reminded of God’s sovereign purpose in creating the universe and humanity’s role in glorifying Him.
The search for the origin of the universe ultimately leads to the recognition of God’s creative power, as revealed through the Scriptures and embodied in the person of Jesus Christ.
