The Study on the Creation Theory of the Mar Jacob of Sarug

Abstract

This thesis makes a preliminary exploration of the creation theory of Syriac Church Father Mar Jacob of Sarug based on the original texts of Mar Jacob’s metrical homilies such as On The Six Days of Creation and On The Chariot which the Prophet Ezekiel Saw, et cetera. Firstly, this thesis emphasizes that Mar Jacob distinguishes between “to create (brā) something from nothing” and “to make (ʿbad) something from something”. Jacob believes that God first created various natures and elements out of nothing, and then used these natures and elements to make all creatures and build the entire created world. Secondly, this thesis points out that Mar Jacob believes that God not only relies on his “divine will” (remzā) and “power” (haylā) to complete the entire creation, but also relies on the two to maintain the existence of all creatures. Jacob also attaches great importance to the creation of angels, so this thesis also analyzes Jacob’s view of angels in his creation homilies. In addition, Jacob thinks that the “rūḥā” in Genesis 1:2 is regarded as the wind created by God, not the Holy Spirit, which is also analyzed in this thesis.