Question of the Week #914: God’s Decision and Act of Creation
Nov 21, 2024
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Delve into the intriguing relationship between God's timeless decision to create and the actual moment of creation. The discussion reveals how this eternal choice set the stage for time itself to begin. Listeners gain insight into the philosophical implications of creation as a unique event, rather than just an extension of divine will. This exploration promises to challenge and expand one's understanding of the nature of existence and the cosmic timeline.
God's eternal decision to create highlights His omniscience and nature, contrasting with the specific moment of the actual act of creation.
The act of creation, marked by God's libertarian free will, represents a unique starting point in time, distinct from His timeless decision.
Deep dives
Distinction Between God's Decision and Act of Creation
The concept of God's creation involves a distinction between His eternal decision to create and the actual act of creation itself. God's decision is seen as timeless and eternal, reflecting His omniscience and nature, which prevents any notion of indecision. In contrast, the act of creation is not timeless; it occurs at a specific moment, marking the beginning of time. This separation ensures that while God's decision is eternal, the event of creation is a distinct starting point in time.
Libertarian Free Will in God's Creation
God's act of creation is described as an exercise of His causal power at the moment the universe began, representing the first event in time. This act is characterized by libertarian free will, indicating that it is not subject to prior determining conditions. This notion aligns with philosophical arguments that emphasize God’s freedom in creation without necessitating a continuous process of creation. Thus, the creation process is a one-time event, reinforcing the idea that while God is timeless before creation, He exists in time from the moment creation occurs.
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The Timeless Decision and Temporal Act of Creation