PhilokaliaKnowledge Map

Theology & Dogma

Creation & Cosmology

God created the world ex nihilo (from nothing) as a free act of love, not necessity. Creation is inherently good (Genesis 1:31) but not divine: it is distinct from God, yet sustained by His uncreated energies. The material world is not evil (contra Gnosticism). The whole cosmos is destined for transfiguration, not destruction.

Sources

  • Genesis 1-2 the Septuagint
  • St. Basil the Great, Hexaemeron (Six Days of Creation) NPNF
  • St. Maximus the Confessor, Ambigua 41

Connections

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