That which hath been is now; and that
which is to be hath already been.
Many years ago, I was asked to present Augustine’s account of time to philosophy students in an upper-division class. Since then, I have often reflected on Augustine’s thoughts to integrate them into my own comprehensive theological/scientific grip on time and mortality versus God’s omniscience. The nature of time has long fascinated philosophers, theologians, and scientists. One of the most profound and enduring contributions to this discussion comes from Saint Augustine, whose meditations on time offer a theological perspective deeply intertwined with the concept of God. Augustine’s insights on time, God’s omniscience, and human free will present a framework that remains rich for exploration. In this paper, I aim to refine and expand upon Augustine’s account, emphasizing the relationship between linear time, as perceived by mortals, and the circular, all-encompassing perspective attributed to the Unmoved Mover—a concept resonating with both classical theology and contemporary cosmology.
This exploration is particularly relevant today as it addresses enduring philosophical questions about the nature of existence, human autonomy, and the compatibility of science and faith. By bridging ancient insights with modern discoveries, this paper offers a framework for understanding time and reality that speaks to both believers and skeptics.
Augustine’s Account of Time
Augustine posited that time is a construct tied to creation, emerging alongside it, and does not exist independently. In Confessions, he reflected on the elusive nature of time, noting that while we speak of past, present, and future, only the present truly exists: the past is retained in memory, and the future exists in anticipation. This understanding underscores his belief that time is an inherent feature of the created world and not of God, who exists outside of time. Augustine’s argument challenges the human tendency to project our temporal experience onto the divine, suggesting instead that God’s perspective transcends such constraints.
This conceptualization of time as a creation-specific phenomenon underscores a profound and foundational distinction: humans, bound by sequential time, experience reality through memory, perception, and anticipation, whereas the divine, existing outside of time, perceives all moments as an eternal and simultaneous present. By existing outside time, God perceives all moments—past, present, and future—as an eternal now. Augustine’s insights thus open the door to reconciling divine omniscience with the linear human experience of time, a pivotal theme that underscores the theological distinction between Creator and creation.
The Unmoved Mover and Time as Self-Contained
Building upon Augustine’s foundation, the concept of the Unmoved Mover—often associated with Aristotle and adapted in theological discourse—provides a useful lens for understanding the nature of divine omniscience. The Unmoved Mover, as the origin of all that exists, embodies a perspective where time is not linear but self-contained, meaning that all moments of existence are simultaneously present and interconnected within the divine perception. This self-contained nature of time implies a complete and unified awareness, where events are not experienced as sequential occurrences but as a cohesive whole, much like a vast tapestry in which every thread contributes to the total image at once.
Unlike mortals, whose perception of time is confined to sequential moments, the Unmoved Mover’s awareness transcends linearity, encompassing all temporal moments in a simultaneous and unified vision. For example, divine perception can be compared to an observer looking at a completed puzzle, where every piece is simultaneously visible and interconnected. This conception aligns with the theological assertion that God does not “foresee” in the sense of prediction but rather “knows” as an eternal witness to all of creation’s unfolding.
Reconciling Divine Omniscience and Human Free Will
A critical question arises from this framework: how can human free will coexist with divine omniscience? If the Unmoved Mover is aware of all events, does this not render human action predetermined? The resolution lies in distinguishing between knowledge and causation. Divine omniscience implies that God knows the outcome of all actions, but this knowledge does not necessitate divine interference or deterministic control.
Free will operates within a complex matrix of influences, including genetics, environment, education, and cognitive heuristics. These factors shape but do not eliminate human autonomy. From a linear perspective, mortals perceive themselves as choosing between alternatives in real-time. However, from the perspective of the Unmoved Mover, these choices exist eternally within the self-contained continuum of time. This view suggests that human decisions are not predetermined but rather pre-known—a subtle yet crucial distinction that preserves the integrity of free will while affirming divine omniscience.
An analogy with quantum mechanics, where outcomes appear probabilistic until observed, further clarifies this point. In quantum physics, the outcome of a particle’s state appears probabilistic to an observer. Yet, once measured, the state is definitive. Similarly, human choices unfold in real-time for mortals but exist eternally known to the Unmoved Mover without necessitating coercion or loss of autonomy. This analogy underscores the harmony between divine foreknowledge and human agency while offering a modern, scientific perspective that resonates with the theological claim of omniscience.
Analogies with Modern Cosmology
The theological perspective of time as self-contained finds a compelling parallel in modern cosmology, particularly in the concept of spacetime. The Big Bang, often described as the singularity from which all physical dimensions, including time, emerged, provides an intriguing analogy for the Unmoved Mover. Just as spacetime can be modeled as a four-dimensional manifold where past, present, and future are interwoven, so too can divine omniscience be understood as an awareness of the totality of time, unrestricted by linear progression.
Moreover, physicists such as Albert Einstein have demonstrated that time is relative, further supporting the idea that linear time is a human construct rather than an absolute feature of reality. This scientific insight reinforces the theological claim that God’s perspective on time transcends human limitations, offering a bridge between faith and reason. The principles of relativity provide a tangible framework for understanding how an entity outside spacetime might perceive it as a unified whole.
Simultaneously, modern cosmology raises profound questions that deepen the theological discussion. For example, if time and space emerged together, could the act of creation itself imply a timeless origin that parallels theological views of God’s eternal nature? Additionally, theories of a multiverse or the cyclical nature of universes could suggest new ways of thinking about divine interaction with creation. This intersection of cosmology and theology enriches the discourse, suggesting that metaphysical and scientific perspectives can offer complementary insights into the nature of existence.
Implications for Human Understanding
This refined account of time and divine omniscience invites profound reflection on human existence. It suggests that while mortals are bound by their temporal and cognitive limitations, they participate in a reality far greater than they can perceive. This perspective fosters humility and wonder, encouraging individuals to view their choices as part of a vast, interconnected whole. It also underscores the compatibility of faith and reason, demonstrating that theological and philosophical insights can coexist with scientific understanding.
Furthermore, understanding time as self-contained and God as existing within the totality of creation may have practical implications for how humans approach morality, purpose, and destiny. By recognizing their actions as part of a divinely sustained order, individuals may find renewed motivation to act in alignment with higher principles and values, appreciating the eternal significance of their temporal choices. This understanding fosters a greater sense of purpose and connection to a universal narrative, inspiring ethical and meaningful living.
Conclusion
Augustine’s account of time and the concept of the Unmoved Mover together provide a framework for understanding the interplay between divine omniscience and human free will. By understanding time as a self-contained continuum and recognizing God as transcending yet intimately connected to the totality of creation, we can reconcile the linear, fragmented experience of mortals with the omniscient, unified perspective of the divine. This approach not only deepens our appreciation of Augustine’s insights but also bridges the gap between ancient theological thought and contemporary cosmological models, offering a unified vision of time, existence, and the divine.
Thanks for the read,
Eldon Taylor, PhD
NY Time Bestselling Author of Choices and Illusion