Reflection on God
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Grand Canyon University *
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Apr 3, 2024
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Reflection on God's Freedom and Goodness in His Act of Creation
Oliver A. Escobar M. College of Science, Engineering & Technology, Grand Canyon University
CWV-109HN-TR900A: Christianity: Story, Theology and Mission
Professor Christina Larsen
February 1st, 2024
Introduction
Reflecting on God's freedom and goodness in His act of creation reveals profound theological insights into divine sovereignty and benevolence. Drawing from seminal texts such as Genesis, Thomas Aquinas's work, and Augustine's writings, this paper embarks on an exploration of the intricate tapestry of God's creative work and the goodness in them.
God's Freedom in Creation
Reflecting on God's freedom and goodness in His act of creation unveils profound theological insights into divine sovereignty and benevolence. In Genesis, God's freedom is evident as He speaks the cosmos into existence, accompanied by declarations of goodness, emphasizing His sovereignty. Each element of creation is a testament to His unfettered power and authority. Aquinas further elucidates God's freedom, attributing it to His intellect and will, thereby affirming that creation is not a mere accident but a deliberate expression of God's wisdom and goodness. That everything he did was with a purpose and with humanity in mind. This perspective reveals creation as an expression of God's boundless goodness, harmonized with His perfect nature, illustrating His desire for relationship and communion with His creation. Through
these lenses, we glimpse the intricate tapestry of God's creative work, reflecting His sovereign will and benevolent intentions toward His creation, inviting us to marvel at the depth of His love and care.
God's Goodness in Creation
Augustine's exploration of God's goodness in creation underscores the primacy of love as the driving force behind God's creative act. According to Augustine, God's decision to create and sustain His creatures emanates from His boundless love—a love that transcends human
understanding and endures despite humanity's fall from grace. Augustine's theological perspective emphasizes God's unfathomable mercy and grace, which permeate His redemptive plan for humanity. Through Augustine's lens, we perceive God's creative work as an expression of His enduring love and His relentless pursuit of redemption for His beloved creation. Despite what we have done and the evil we let in; he still loves us. This perspective invites us to contemplate the depth of God's love and His commitment to restoring our relationship with Him,
despite our shortcomings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our reflections on God's freedom and goodness in His act of creation reveal a divine tapestry woven with threads of sovereignty, benevolence, and purpose. From the majestic narrative of Genesis to the philosophical insights of Aquinas and Augustine, we encounter the transcendent beauty of God's creative work—a symphony orchestrated by His sovereign will and
infused with His boundless love. These theological reflections invite us to contemplate the profound mystery of God's creative power and to marvel at the depth of His goodness towards His creation.
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References
Aquinas, T. (n.d.). Of God and His Creatures
. St. Thomas Aquinas: Of god and his creatures - christian classics ethereal library. https://www.ccel.org/ccel/aquinas/gentiles.toc.html
St. , A. (n.d.). Handbook on Faith, Hope, and Love
. St. Augustine: Handbook on faith, hope, and love - christian classics ethereal library. https://www.ccel.org/ccel/augustine/enchiridion.toc.html
The story: ESV bible
. (2013). . Crossway.