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