Biblical-studies Quote by Terence E. Fretheim
![“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)
““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.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Theology of God, 1999, Chapter 3
God's creative action works within existing reality, introducing novelty while not being fully determined by the past.
In simple terms: God creates new things within what already exists.
Key Takeaway
Embrace openness to new possibilities.
Themes
theology
creativity
divine action
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- spiritual reflection
- creative endeavors
- ethical decision‑making
- personal transformation
Key Concepts
Process theology
free will
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect your sense of agency?
- What role does tradition play in new creation?
A Different Perspective
Human agency may be overstated, limiting divine sovereignty.
![“[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)
![“[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)
![“[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)
