Gift: Creation

by Kenneth L. Schmitz

An ancient Christian creed "We believe in the Fatheralmighty, creator of heaven and earth. . . ." To the Biblical religionsof Judaism, Christianity and Islam the creation of the world is not asimple statement of fact; it is above all an acknowledgement of theLordship of God. So that the energy of faith is rooted not inadmiration for a miraculous fact, but in wonder before the CreatorHimself. In recent times scholars have collected hundreds ofancient myths of origin from other religions, living and dead,myths told among different peoples, in every part of the world, in averitable Babel of tongues. And so we can speak of widespreadmemory of origins deeply rooted in the human heart and mind. Andyet, what is there to remember? Were you there when the Lord laiddown the foundations of the universe? More than one ancient "Before there were animals and men. . . ." How, then, canwe speak of memory? Is there, perhaps, within each of us apresence that draws us towards some great founding event? What isthis ''beginning" of which, in their different ways, the Bible and theancient myths of origin speak, when they begin with the words

Genres: Theology

142 pages, Hardcover

First published February 19, 1982

Reviews

[Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterful. This book is a work of sustained attention to the Christian idea of creation, gifts/giveness, and creation ex nihilo. Schmitz shows how creation ex nihilo answers, rather than creates, atheistic objections to God’s work of creation and the absolute dependence of creatures that such a work entails. His section on Aquinas’ understanding of act and esse (being) was very dense, but the work is worth every effort.
“Receptivity is the continuing opportunity in which the creature finds the integrity already given to it to be realized in its career, and by the human creature in his biography and history. The generosity of the creative giver grounds the absolute character of the act that is given.”

[Riley Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

2025: Very good. I find Schmitz’ argumentation convincing and illuminating regarding the concepts of gift and creaturely dignity. It’s dense but worth the effort if you desire to more deeply consider the logic of the Christian doctrine of creation.



2024: Really impressive and helpful in ways. I will definitely return to these lectures in the future.

[Lauren Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

most of the time I was reading this, my brain actually hurt.

but then, every once in a while, I was struck by the meaning of Gift and it felt like being overcome with gratitude for the world and God and my Being!

[Jake Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are wanting a ‘theological’ account of creation as gift, I’d go to John Webster. But, if you enjoy philosophy and are willing to venture into complex discourse, then this little book could be rewarding. I admittedly got lost at times in his argumentation, yet thankfully he provided clearer summary statements that were very profound.

[Matthew Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few good takeaways, but mostly deeply philosophical machinations that are way above my pay grade and really stretching the bounds of relevancy for a lay person like myself.

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts strong (first 60 pages), slacks off (next 50), finishes strong (last 20).