Ian McFarland: Creation Out of Nothing #BarrelAged
Dec 18, 2019
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Ian McFarland, a prominent theology professor, delves into the intriguing concept of creation out of nothing. He reflects on his journey from practical ministry to academia, detailing the influence of key theologians in his life. The conversation uncovers the connections between divine creativity, human relationships, and liberation theology. McFarland also addresses the complexities of grief and divine providence, emphasizing compassion over explanation. He critiques traditional views of God’s relationship with evil, offering fresh perspectives on sustaining creation and the intrinsic value of all beings.
The doctrine of creation out of nothing asserts God's sovereignty, emphasizing that creation is independent of pre-existing materials or conditions.
Understanding creation out of nothing promotes human equality and diversity, affirming each individual's intrinsic worth as part of God's plan.
The theology of creation out of nothing recontextualizes the problem of evil, framing it as a reality that God continuously seeks to overcome.
Deep dives
The Importance of Creation Out of Nothing
Creation out of nothing is a fundamental theological concept that underscores the relationship between God and all non-divine reality. This doctrine emphasizes that God's act of creation does not depend on pre-existing materials or conditions, asserting God's sovereignty and omnipotence. It serves as a corrective to the view that creation could stem from chaos or pre-existing substances, which is more consistent with a Trinitarian understanding. Consequently, creation out of nothing affirms that God is actively involved in sustaining creation and empowers creatures to fulfill their intended purposes.
Anthropology and the Doctrine of Creation
The connection between anthropology and the doctrine of creation is pivotal for understanding human equality and diversity. It posits that all individuals are equally valued by God, irrespective of their differences, which complicates the tendency to prioritize one group over another based on human attributes. Each person's distinctiveness is affirmed as part of the divine plan, allowing for a rich dialogue between respect for individual uniqueness and shared human dignity. This theological framework encourages a view of interdependence among all creatures, fostering a sense of responsibility toward one another.
Addressing Evil Through Creation Theology
The doctrine of creation out of nothing offers a framework for understanding the problem of evil in the world. It proposes that evil cannot be seen as part of God's will or creation, thereby dissociating it from divine intent. Instead, evil is viewed as a reality that God continually works to resist and overcome as part of one's existence. The theology encourages a perspective that recognizes suffering while upholding the belief that God's ultimate plan is for creation to flourish free from evil's influence.
Trinitarian Insights and Creation
A Trinitarian framework enriches the understanding of creation by emphasizing the relational aspect between God and creation. God’s relationship with the world manifests in ways that do not suggest dependency or competition, highlighting God's ongoing presence and support within creation. The involvement of the Trinity speaks to a divine essence of community that informs how humans interact with one another and with nature. This perspective fosters a more holistic view of God's creative work as encompassing and sustaining all aspects of existence.
Theological Implications for Justice
The discussion of creation out of nothing inherently addresses issues of justice by establishing the equality and worth of all creatures. Since every creature exists independently of others due to God's creative act, no being can be viewed merely as a means to an end. This approach fosters a commitment to justice and liberation, affirming that each creature, including marginalized and oppressed individuals, holds intrinsic value in God's eyes. Engaging with creation theologically encourages actions that reflect respect and dignity towards all living things, aligning with broader liberation theology principles.
Ian McFarland has recently returned to Candler School of Theology after a few years at Cambridge. Since Candler sponsored the podcast this week I figured it was a good time to bring Ian's first visit to the podcast out of the barrel for your listening pleasure.
Candler offers 16 graduate degrees, including a Master of Divinity with a focus on Justice, Peacebuilding, and Conflict Transformation, plus a new program in Chaplaincy Ministries. 100% of Mdiv students get a 50% scholarship and all certified candidates for ordination in the United Methodist Church get their full tuition covered. So go check it out.