Dr. Craig, a renowned philosopher and theologian, delves into profound concepts of time and eternity, drawing insights from his acclaimed book. He discusses God's relationship with time, using the Kalam cosmological argument to argue that time had a beginning, influencing our understanding of divine existence. The conversation also covers A and B theories of time, shedding light on how they affect the perception of God's nature. Additionally, Dr. Craig reflects on the impact of academic friendships and collaborations in his philosophical journey.
Dr. Craig proposes a model where God is timeless before creation and becomes temporal after, enriching our understanding of divine interaction with time.
The discussion highlights the tension between A-theory and B-theory of time, impacting philosophical theology and God's attributes in relation to temporal existence.
Deep dives
Exploring Divine Eternity
The relationship between God and time forms the crux of divine eternity, a topic that invites complex philosophical inquiry. The discussion centers on whether God is timeless, everlasting, or omnitemporal, emphasizing that the Bible does not provide a definitive stance on this matter. The speaker articulates a unique model where God exists in a timeless state before creation, yet becomes temporal once the world is created, allowing for a nuanced understanding of divine interaction with time. This approach reflects years of research and offers a blend of scholarly insight while remaining accessible to readers through engaging visuals.
Kalam Cosmological Argument and Time Theory
The Kalam cosmological argument plays a pivotal role in understanding God’s relationship to time, as it suggests that time must have had a beginning, contradicting the notion of an infinite past. The speaker notes that this argument underlies the A-theory of time, where past, present, and future are substantial realities that assert temporal becoming. In contrast, the B-theory posits that all moments exist equally, as mere perspectives, allowing for a conception of God that transcends the timeline. Acknowledging both theories opens up broader discussions on how they relate to divine attributes and the implications for philosophical theology.
Current Philosophical Views on Time
The landscape of modern philosophy regarding time is influenced significantly by naturalized epistemology, which prioritizes scientific understandings over metaphysical explorations. The speaker critiques this trend, arguing that physical time is a mere measure created by humans, rather than a true representation of metaphysical time. Interestingly, ideas such as the hourglass model of time provoke thought about time's directional qualities, highlighting the complexity of temporal theories. Ultimately, discussions around absolute time, as envisioned by figures like Newton, reveal the tension between temporal theories and the inherent nature of divinity.