Biblical-studies Quote by Terence E. Fretheim
![“[C]reation" is not simply viewed as a matter of origination or a divine activity chronologically set only "in the beginning.” quote by Terence E. Fretheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a0d/terence-e-fretheim-34120_biblical-studies_c-reation-is-not-simply-viewed-as-a-matt_244109.jpg)
““[C]reation" is not simply viewed as a matter of origination or a divine activity chronologically set only "in the beginning.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Unfolding Drama of the Old Testament, Terence E. Fretheim, 1998
Creation is an ongoing, relational process, not a one‑time event confined to a distant past.
In simple terms: God’s work continues beyond “the beginning.”
Key Takeaway
Recognize continual divine activity.
Themes
theology
creation
process
Mood
thoughtful
hopeful
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- faith formation
- environmental stewardship
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
Covenant theology
relational ontology
Questions to Reflect On
- In what ways do you see ongoing creation today?
- How does this view shape your stewardship?
A Different Perspective
Viewing creation as static can limit ecological responsibility.
![“God works creatively with already existing realities to bring about newness. This understanding also entails the idea that the present (and future) is not wholly determined by the past; God does bring the "new" into existence. [...] God also creates in and through creaturely activity.” quote by Terence E. Fretheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4c6/terence-e-fretheim-34120_biblical-studies_god-works-creatively-with-already-existi_231398.jpg)
![“[T]he creativity of the human creature is such that genuinely new realities are regularly brought into being.” quote by Terence E. Fretheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c27/terence-e-fretheim-34120_biblical-studies_t-he-creativity-of-the-human-creature-is_3076685.jpg)
![“[T]hese people lived close to the ground, if you will, and the natural world filled their lives. Creation was a lived reality for them prior to the development of specific ideas about creation.” quote by Terence E. Fretheim](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1a0/terence-e-fretheim-34120_biblical-studies_t-hese-people-lived-close-to-the-ground_3106359.jpg)
