Ford, Lewis S.  "Contrasting Conceptions of Creation."  The Review of Metaphysics (Sept. 1991): 89-109.

Abstract

While Alfred North Whitehead's own position is diametrically opposed to the traditional doctrine of 'creatio ex nihilo', there are other considerations and modifications which could draw the positions closer together.  Whitehead's doctrine of concrescence, the growing together of past causal factors into a new actuality, can be conceived as a form of creation, one which is pluralistic, temporal, and immanent in contrast to traditional creation.  Using some of the notions of Robert C. Neville, we may modify Whitehead in the direction of the creation of form 'ex nihilo'.  He argues for the creation of form out of pure formlessness, which could fit a process orientation dispensing with the uncreatedness of the eternal (atemporal) forms.  On the other hand, Neville's view proposes divine unilateral creation which poses problems, particularly with human freedom.  [Abstract from The Philosopher's Index]