The creation objection against timelessness fails

International Journal for Philosophy of Religion 93 (3):169-188 (2022)
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Abstract

In recent years Mullins and Craig have argued that there is a problem for a timeless God creating, with Mullins formulating the argument as follows: (1) If God begins to be related to creation, then God changes. (2) God begins to be related to creation. (3) Therefore, God changes. (4) If God changes, then God is neither immutable nor timeless. (5) Therefore, God is neither immutable nor timeless. In this paper I argue that all the premises, (1), (2), and (4) are false, and then provide a revised formulation of the argument which more clearly represents what Mullins and Craig wish to argue, given the explication and commentary they give when discussing this objection to timelessness. I then call into question this argument, and conclude by stating what I think Mullins and Craig should really be arguing given the specific views they have about creation ex nihilo and in virtue of what timelessness requires.

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Ben Page
Pembroke College, University of Oxford

Citations of this work

Presentism, Timelessness, and Evil.Ben Page - 2022 - TheoLogica: An International Journal for Philosophy of Religion and Philosophical Theology 7 (2).
The Classical Doctrine of the Eternal Processions and Creation ex nihilo.Andrew Hollingsworth - 2024 - Neue Zeitschrift für Systematicsche Theologie Und Religionsphilosophie 66 (1):5-24.

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References found in this work

Grounding in the image of causation.Jonathan Schaffer - 2016 - Philosophical Studies 173 (1):49-100.
On the Plurality of Worlds.David Lewis - 1986 - Revue Philosophique de la France Et de l'Etranger 178 (3):388-390.
Metaphysical Causation.Alastair Wilson - 2018 - Noûs 52 (4):723-751.
Grounding Entails Counterpossible Non‐Triviality.Alastair Wilson - 2018 - Philosophy and Phenomenological Research 96 (3):716-728.
The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy.Edward Craig & Simon Blackburn - 1996 - Philosophical Review 105 (2):250.

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