Creation and Metaphysics: the Way of Aquinas' Thought

In Aquinas' philosophical theology, the doctrine of creation was not only held on faith but can also be proved by a demonstration. According to Aquinas, to be is to be in act, essence is what it is to be a thing, and to be is to be good. Aquinas emphasized the reality of being, the potency of essence and the priority of being to essence. He also insisted that to be is to be good and that all things get their good and being by participation. Aquinas's doctrine of creation was corresponding with his metaphysics. God, as to its essence, is nothing but pure act. Creating, as God's divine action, is but to give being. And the creatures, as to their existence, were created by God. Although things come from God absolutely, they have their own being. Based on his ontology, Aquinas deepened the Christian doctrine of Creatio ex Nihilo and established a new classical paradigm.