Prof. Simon Oliver: What is Creation and How Do We Know About It?

Creation, Nature and Grace: Catholics and Reformed in Dialogue Conference
This presentation will examine the difference between the philosophical and scientific category of ‘nature’ and the theological category of ‘creation’. The doctrine of creation ex nihilo establishes the radical asymmetry between God and creation, yet also the analogical relation of creation to God. Whilst this points to the apophatic character of the doctrine of creation and the importance of the real distinction between essence and existence in creatures, it is also the basis for understanding the deepest truth of creation, namely that it is gift.