John Walton's theory on creation ontology is that existence is based on being separated out with a distinct name and a particular function. This is what he calls a function-oriented ontology. This helpfully explains what it means to create something out of nothing. That statement should not be understood materialistically. Instead, imageries like being given a name is the more appropriate imagery for the idea of coming into being. Source: [[Tim Mackie]], [[BP Heaven and Earth]] Reference: John Walton