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Definition:
The Latin term ex nihilo literally means "out of nothing." It is used to refer to the
Christian doctrine that God created the universe and all of reality "out of nothing" -
there was no prior existing substance besides God. Although it was employed by
Augustine and widely accepted by most Christian churches by the end of the second
century, it was not formally defined by the Roman Catholic Church in 1215.
One of the consequences of the doctrine of ex nihilo creation is that God is not required to conform to any standards of goodness, reason or logic. If all substance and form is a creation of God, then so are all standards - thus, if God conforms to any standards at all, it is only because God chooses to do so.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Christianity?
What are the various Christian groups, denominations, sects and heresies? What are some key concepts in Christian theology? What are some of the most important events in Christian history? All of this and more are covered in the Christianity FAQ.What is the Philosophy of Religion?
Sometimes confused with theology, the Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. The line between theology and the philosophy of religion isn't always sharp, but the primary difference is that theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions, whereas Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion.What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear. Read more about how dictionaries, scholars and others have tried to define and explain religion.
