From the MetaLibrary:

Creatio Continua
Latin: ‘Continuous Creation’

This is a concept within the Christian doctrine of creation, specifically within the Eastern Orthodox tradition and some Process Theologies. It refers to speaking of God’s action in relation to the world.

According to this idea, we are to envisage this not as a single act in past, but as a continuing presence here and now, hence it is legitimate to speak of a continuing creation. Historically, it is an approach located in the writings of Maximus, Hildegard of Bingen and Gregory Palamas. It is not a past event, but a present relationship, an initial act that constitutes a starting point. In spite of the different ways this phrase is put to use, it need not be seen as in opposition to the classical position of creatio ex nihilo.

Well, yes. And no.

I suppose one reason why creatio continua seems so diametrically opposed to creatio ex nihilo (”creation from nothing”) is that the constructs of our American Christianity have forced them to be so. To reappropriate the concept put forth by Rob Bell, creatio ex nihilo is one of the bricks that has contributed to the wall of American Evangelicalist theology. To accept that creation was not a one-time event six thousand years ago, then, seems to undermine the ex nihilo layer. That’s unfortunate.

I believe there is a “middle way” that can accept both science and God without bending science and without relegating God only to the gaps in our knowledge.

Here’s to finding that way.