Introduction: What Is Creation?

The concept of creation often seems straightforward—God created everything. However, when we dive deeper into what this actually means, we encounter profound questions about the nature of reality and God's relationship with the world. What did God create? What realms of reality exist, and how does God interact with them? In this article, we will explore the doctrine of creation, how it relates to physical, spiritual, and abstract realities, and what it truly means for something to exist.

Creation and Reality: What Did God Create?

When we speak of creation, we refer to the idea that God is the source of all reality outside of Himself. Everything that exists, in every possible realm, owes its existence to God's creative power. But what does "everything" include?
It encompasses all physical and concrete objects—everything we can touch, see, or interact with in the physical universe. This includes the matter and energy that make up planets, stars, and even the smallest particles in existence. Beyond that, God also created time and space, making Him not only the source of all material things but also of the very framework within which they exist.

Spiritual Realities

Beyond the physical realm, many believe in the existence of spiritual realities. These could include angels, other spiritual beings, and even realms of existence that we cannot perceive with our senses. According to the doctrine of creation, these spiritual realities also owe their existence to God. God brought them into being, just as He brought the physical world into existence. While we may not fully understand the nature of these spiritual entities, they are still a part of the totality of creation.

The Question of Abstract Objects

One of the more challenging aspects of creation is the existence of abstract objects. Abstract objects are things like numbers, propositions, and mathematical truths. These things are not physical, nor are they spiritual in the traditional sense. So, did God create abstract objects like He did the physical and spiritual world?
This is a debated topic in philosophy and theology. Some argue that abstract objects exist independently of God, while others believe they are grounded in the very mind of God. For example, mathematical truths such as 2+2=4 are not "created" in the way physical objects are, but they still hold true universally. Many theologians suggest that these truths, along with logic and causation, are part of God's eternal nature.

Logic and Causation as Part of God's Nature

One compelling idea is that principles like logic and causation are not external to God but are grounded in His very nature. This means that God didn't create the laws of logic or the principle of cause and effect—they simply reflect His mind and character. In this view, logic is not something separate from God but an expression of how His mind works. Therefore, everything that exists—whether physical, spiritual, or abstract—derives its being from God.

Fictional Entities and God's Creation

While we can understand how God created physical and spiritual realities, and even abstract objects, what about fictional entities like characters in books or movies? Does Sherlock Holmes, for instance, exist?
From a theological standpoint, fictional entities do not "exist" in the same way that physical or spiritual beings do. Sherlock Holmes, while a vivid creation of the mind, does not exist in any real sense outside of imagination and literature. God, as the creator of reality, does not bring such fictional entities into existence. However, some philosophers suggest that even fictional characters could be seen as abstract objects, though this is a minority view.

Creation and Time: Temporal Considerations

A key aspect of creation is the concept of time. Time itself was brought into existence by God, which means that creation is not just about the existence of objects but also about their temporal nature. This implies that before creation, time did not exist. The universe, including time, space, matter, and energy, was brought into being at a specific moment by God's will.
Understanding that creation is inherently bound up with temporal considerations is crucial. It means that the universe has not always existed. There was a point in the distant past where nothing but God existed. Time, as we know it, began with creation, and everything that exists within time is contingent on God's creative act.

Does Creation Have a Purpose?

One important question to consider is whether creation serves a purpose beyond merely existing. From a theological perspective, creation reflects God's will and character. Everything that exists does so because God willed it into being. But more than that, many believe that creation serves a higher purpose, allowing creatures to come into relationship with their Creator.
The physical universe, with its intricate laws and vast complexity, is seen as a stage where God's creatures, both physical and spiritual, can exist and thrive. The beauty and order of creation point to a divine intelligence behind it all. God's creation is not random but intentional, with a plan and purpose woven into its very fabric.

Our Place in Creation

As humans, we are a part of this grand creation, occupying a unique position as beings who can reflect on our own existence. We are not only created beings but also participants in the ongoing story of creation. Our ability to understand, question, and explore the universe is part of what makes us special within creation.
Humanity’s ability to reason, engage with abstract concepts like logic and mathematics, and consider spiritual realities suggests that we are deeply connected to the broader creation in a way that goes beyond mere physical existence. Our search for meaning and understanding in this vast universe points us back to the Creator, who made all things for a purpose.

Conclusion: God's Role as Creator

In conclusion, the doctrine of creation encompasses much more than the physical world. It includes all aspects of reality—physical, spiritual, and abstract. Everything that exists owes its being to God, the Creator. Whether we are discussing the tangible objects we interact with, the spiritual beings that exist beyond our perception, or the abstract truths that govern logic and mathematics, all these realms reflect God’s creative power.
The idea that God is responsible for the existence of all things helps us better understand our place in the universe. Creation is not random or purposeless but a deliberate act of grace, bringing everything into existence with a purpose. If this topic resonates with you and you would like to explore it further, I encourage you to visit this video link for a more detailed discussion on the topic of creation and reality.