All creatures (Cells, Rocks, Animals and Planets) are *like* God in that they exist (He exists of Himself, they exist by His gift). God is *above* things in excellence but *in* things as their cause. The relation of the creature to the Creator is that of the effect to its cause.

Aquinas says we can even speak of touch - since causes touch their effects. Likeness should be distinguished from whatness - creatures can be like God but they remain creatures, they do not share in what He is.

Creation is a *coming forth* from God but does not share God’s nature as God; God Himself remains intact and uncommunicated. Creation was made *good* but not good as God is God. Scripture gestures towards this in the two words: “I AM THAT I AM” and “let there be!”