Ep. #78 – Creation Ex Nihilo & Simplicity w/ Chance Juliano

Summary

Are there any arguments for divine simplicity that don’t depend on Aristotelian or neo-platonic metaphysical principles? Chance Juliano answers in the affirmative. In this episode, he walks us through the argument in his master’s thesis that creation ex nihilo requires divine simplicity.

Guest Bio

Chance Juliano is a Ph.D. student in theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical studies from Lubbock Christian University, and a Masters Degree in Theology from Abilene Christian University (Abilene, Texas). He lives with his wife, Desiree in Dallas. Since he is a classical theist with training in analytic theology, he has an interest in making the doctrine of divine simplicity more palatable to folks in other theological circles (e.g. analytic theology & liberation theology).

Show Outline

In the first segment, Chance explains how he became interested in the philosophy of religion. Also, he gives us an overview of the structure of his master’s thesis.

In the next segment, he explains the terms of his thesis: divine simplicity and creation ex nihilo. He walks through a defense of each premise. I pose follow-up questions along the way.

In the final segment, Chance discusses the implications of his thesis. Also, he addresses two common objections to divine simplicity. Chance closes with an outstanding list of resources (linked below).

Chance Juliano’s Main Argument

1. If God’s creative action must be derived from something that is not-God, then God cannot create ex nihilo.
2. If God is composed of parts, then God’s creative action must be derived from something that is not-God (i.e., from at least one of God’s parts).
3. God does create ex nihilo.
4. Therefore, it is not the case that God’s creative action must be derived from something that is not-God.
5. Therefore, God is not composed of parts.

Structure of Chance Juliano’s Argument [Parodies]

Generic Parody

1. If A, then B.
2. If B, then C.
3. Not C.
4. So, Not B.
5. So, Not A.

Parody with Steve’s Umbrella

1. If it is raining, Steve carries an umbrella. 
2. If Steve carries an umbrella, he won’t have two hands free. 
3. Steve has two hands free. 
4. So, Steve is not carrying an umbrella. [from 2 and 3]
5. Therefore, it is not raining. [from 1 and 4]

Resources Mentioned

Divine Simplicity as a Necessary Condition for Affirming Creation Ex Nihilo (Chance Juliano’s Master’s Thesis)

The Simplicity of Divine Ideas by Michelle Panchuk

Engaging the Doctrine of Creation by Matthew Levering

God Over All by Dr. William Lane Craig

God and Necessity by Brian Leftow

De Artifice Divino: A Thomistic Account of God’s Creative Act by Dwight Stanislaw

Related Episodes

Ep. #64 – Absolute Divine Simplicity w/ Dr. Dolezal

Ep. #66 – Simplicity & Modal Collapse w/ Christopher Tomaszewski