Exploring God’s Relationship with Time

One of the most perplexing questions in philosophy and theology is the relationship between God and time. How can an eternal being interact with a world bound by time? Does God exist outside of time, or is He somehow within it? These are deep questions that challenge both our understanding of time itself and our conception of God. In this article, we will explore the intricate connection between God and time, focusing on two distinct views of time that shape how we understand this relationship.

What is Time?

Before diving into God’s role in time, it’s essential to understand what time itself is. Philosophers have long debated the nature of time, with two primary theories emerging: **the dynamic theory of time (also called the A-theory)** and **the static or tenseless theory of time (also called the B-theory)**. These theories offer radically different perspectives on how we perceive the past, present, and future, which in turn affects how we think about God’s relationship with time.

The Dynamic (A-Theory) View of Time

The **A-theory of time**, also known as the dynamic theory, holds that time is divided into three real and objective categories: **past, present, and future**. According to this view, the past is no longer real, the future is not yet real, and only the present truly exists.
In the A-theory, time flows like a river. Moments come into being as the present moves forward, and they disappear as soon as they pass into the past. This concept of time is known as **temporal becoming**, where things and events come into existence and then cease to exist. It’s the common-sense view of time that most people naturally subscribe to.
This view resonates with many because it aligns with everyday experiences. We see the past as gone, the present as fleeting, and the future as an unknown potential. But when we start to ask how God fits into this understanding of time, things get more complex.

The Static (B-Theory) View of Time

The **B-theory of time** offers a different, more challenging perspective. In this view, time does not flow. Instead, **all points in time—past, present, and future—are equally real**. There is no coming into being or passing away; rather, all moments in time coexist in what can be thought of as a **four-dimensional block**.
To put it simply, while we experience events sequentially—birth, childhood, adulthood, etc.—the B-theory posits that all these events exist simultaneously from a “God’s-eye view.” In this view, time is like a **block** where every moment is equally real, and the flow of time is merely an illusion created by human consciousness.

God and Time: Which Theory Fits?

When we consider these two views of time, the question arises: **How does God relate to time?** Does He experience time as we do, in a flowing present, or is He outside of time, seeing all moments at once?

God in the Dynamic View of Time

If God exists in the A-theory of time, then He experiences the world much like we do. In this case, **God would experience temporal becoming**—meaning He would know what is happening now, what has already happened, and what is yet to come.
In this view, **God can act in the present** and intervene in human history, but He would also be aware of the past and the future. This raises the question: **Did God create time?** If God exists within time, how can He be the creator of it? This view suggests that **God initiated time at the moment of creation** and now interacts with it as we do, yet in a more perfect and comprehensive way.
However, the A-theory has its challenges. For example, if God is bound by time, does He change over time? Does He grow in knowledge or change in response to events, and if so, what does that mean for His eternal and unchanging nature?

God in the Static View of Time

The B-theory offers a different approach. In this view, **God exists outside of time** altogether. He would not experience events as sequential but would see the entirety of time—the past, present, and future—**all at once**.
This fits well with the idea of an eternal, omniscient God. Since all moments in time are equally real, God does not need to wait for events to unfold. He already knows everything that has happened and will happen because He sees the full “block” of time. This view suggests that **God created time as a part of the universe** but is not bound by it.
The static theory allows for a God who is not subject to change, who does not experience time in the way we do. For example, God does not wait for the future to occur because, from His perspective, the future already exists.

Theological Implications of God and Time

Both views of time bring up fascinating theological questions about God’s nature. In the dynamic theory, God’s involvement with the world feels more immediate, but it also implies that He exists within time. The static theory preserves God’s transcendence but makes His relationship with the unfolding events of history seem more distant.
One significant question is **whether God can act within time** if He exists outside of it. In the static view, **God’s eternal nature** would seem to be removed from the day-to-day flow of time. However, this does not necessarily mean He is distant. Instead, His actions could be understood as part of the entire block of time that He created and sustains.

Creation and the Beginning of Time

In either case, the doctrine of **creation ex nihilo** (creation from nothing) teaches that **God created not only the universe but also time itself**. Time began at the moment of creation, making God its ultimate source. If God exists outside of time, then time is simply one of His creations, much like space and matter.
If God exists within the A-theory, then time is something He governs from within. He may have created it, but He also participates in its flow. In the B-theory, time is part of the four-dimensional structure that God holds together, and He sees all of it simultaneously.

Conclusion: Time and the Eternal Nature of God

The relationship between God and time remains one of the most complex topics in theology and philosophy. Whether you subscribe to the **dynamic A-theory** or the **static B-theory**, both present thought-provoking views on how God interacts with His creation. In the dynamic view, God shares in the present moment with us. In the static view, God stands above time, seeing all moments at once.
In the end, these perspectives remind us of the mystery of God’s nature. Whether He exists within time or outside it, **God’s role as the creator of time** emphasizes His omnipotence and eternal nature. For a deeper dive into this discussion, be sure to check out the full video here: William Lane Craig – Did God Create Time?.