Creation out of Nothing: A Biblical, Philosophical, and Scientific Exploration

Praise for the Print Edition

Few classical Christian doctrines have been subjected to as much criticism in the past two hundred years as the claim that God created the world ‘out of nothing.’ In this brilliant book, Copan and Craig rehabilitate the doctrine. With wide learning—the authors pass skillfully among biblical, philosophical, theological, and scientific issues—and carefully constructed arguments, the authors clearly show that creation out of nothing can be defended against its critics. They also compellingly show why the doctrine is essential to believing Christians. I recommend this badly needed book with great enthusiasm.

—Stephen T. Davis, Russell K. Pitzer Professor of Philosophy, Claremont McKenna College

An excellent account of why [creatio ex nihilo] matters.

—Books & Culture

Takes a look at the various approaches on [the question of ex nihilo creation] and comes away with a clear word on the matter. . . . Copan and Craig dive into one of the tough questions facing anyone trying to make sense of the world. . . . While this particular question may not arise in every conversation, this book will help with a well reasoned response when someone wonders ‘how did it all begin.’

—Creation Research Society

A well-arranged tour de force on creatio ex nihilo, the classical Christian doctrine of creation out of nothing. Resurrecting what theologians had neglected, Copan and Craig present the biblical, philosophical, and scientific support that underpin this doctrine.

—Science & Theology News

In Creation out of Nothing, Paul Copan and William Lane Craig have written an outstanding guide to this doctrine that belongs in the personal library of anyone who cares about the foundations of his or her faith. Replying to those who have argued that creation ex nihilo is not biblical and that the idea was imported late into Christian theology, Copan and Craig make a compelling case that the Bible teaches unmistakably that only God himself is eternal (eternality is an essential aspect of his nature) and all else that exists depends on God for its origin and being. . . . This book is well-written, but while the prose is lucid, the issues raised are profoundly difficult. Don’t expect to be able to read it while watching an NFL game, but do expect to be amply rewarded with a much better grasp of a foundational Christian doctrine.

—Christian Research Journal