The Word and the Hands of God in Creation

The Word and the Hands of God in Creation

Authors

  • Fr. Paul Ngo Dinh Si Catholic Institute of Vietnam

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54855/csl.25532
Citations

Keywords:

Word of God; Hands of God; Creation; Incarnation; Inculturation

Abstract

The paper explores the mystery of creation through the two Genesis accounts (Gen 1:1–2:3 and Gen 2:4–25), showing that God creates not only through His powerful Word but also through His “hands” in concrete action. By examining the contrasts and complementarities of these narratives, the author highlights the continuity and theological depth of God’s creative work, which is both revelatory and salvific. Building upon the Old Testament foundation, the study connects to the New Testament, especially the mystery of the Incarnate Word and the saving work of Christ, who fulfills and renews all creation. This reflection offers Christians a renewed vision of humanity’s vocation: created in the image of God, entrusted with stewardship over creation, and called to embrace the Gospel as the seed of salvation sown into human cultures and history.

Author Biography

  • Fr. Paul Ngo Dinh Si, Catholic Institute of Vietnam

    Fr. Paul Ngo Dinh Si is a professor of the Catholic Institute of Vietnam.

References

Duffy, Eamon (1997), Saints and Sinners, A History of the Popes, Yale University Press, 241.

Follo, F. (2010), Inculturation and interculturality in John Paul II and Benedict XVI, Oasis, 31/10/2023.

Genesis: A Commentary [Philadelphia: Westminster, 1972], 76.

J. Smit, Pope Pius XII, New York, 1950, 186–187.

Ratzinger, Joseph Cardinal (2004), Truth and Tolerance: Christian Belief and World Religions, San Francisco: Ignatius Press.

Walker, C. (2009). Missionary Pope: The Catholic Church and the Positive Elements of Other Religions in the Magisterium of Paul VI. IVE Press, New York.John Paul II, encyclical Slavorum Apostoli, June 2, 1985, No. 21: AAS 77 (1985), 802–803; Address to the Pontifical Council for Culture plenary assembly, Jan. 17, 1987, No. 5: AAS 79 (1987), 1204–1205.

Wenham, Gordon J., Genesis 1–15, V. 1, Word Biblical Commentary, published by Zondervan, ePub edition August 2017: ISBN 978-0-310-58585-5, “Genesis in Recent Research”.

Published

22-08-2025

Issue

Section

Research Articles

How to Cite

Ngo, D. S. (2025). The Word and the Hands of God in Creation. Catholic Science & Life, 5(3), 24-36. https://doi.org/10.54855/csl.25532