Here we dive into metaphysics, whether elements, substance, energy, consciousness is eternal or not, - whether 'God' uses substances already eternally existing or actually creates them out of nothing (ex nihilo) -
You may be aware that LDS theology holds to the
eternally existing substance view, with 'God' or 'gods/goddesses' creating out of...or 'with' that eternal substance, various worlds, universes, offspring, etc. - the 'gods' are creating out of what already always IS.
I usually hold 'creation' and 'evolution' to be the same thing, since 'creation' is ever 'evolving', unfolding its creative potential exploring all possibilities. We assume 'God' is unborn, undying, eternal, immortal, unchanging
in essence,
but ever changing in creative expression as we see in the
movement of creation. The eternal essence, substance, consciousness has always existed, while appearances change and elements are trans-formed in the
play of consciousness. Creation is merely the creativity of Mind expressing itself in form.
See
here.
pj