The Paradox of Time in Augustine’s Theology: A Case Study on the Explanation of Creation Based on the Book of Wisdom and the Book of Genesis

Document Type : علمی - پژوهشی

Author

PhD in Islamic Philosophy and Theology, university of Zanjan. Zanjan. Iran. Visiting Professor at University of Shahid Motahari, Tehran, Iran.

10.48308/kj.2026.242751.1389

Abstract

Time is among the themes that have been extensively discussed in the Christian theological tradition. Augustine, as one of its foremost theologians, likewise offers a detailed treatment of time in his works. He structures his inquiry around two scriptural passages—one from the Book of Wisdom and the other from Genesis—the former emphasizing instantaneous creation and the latter highlighting creation as gradual. The literal sense of these verses presents two seemingly irreconcilable approaches to creation in which time plays a central role. Employing a descriptive-analytical method and drawing upon Augustine’s texts, the present study seeks to answer two main questions: first, how Augustine explains creation in light of these two passages, and second, what conception of time emerges from his interpretation of them. The findings suggest that Augustine resolves the problem of instantaneous creation by appealing to the doctrine of rationes seminales (“seminal principles”), while simultaneously accounting for the gradual unfolding of creation by invoking “time” as the arena in which these seminal principles become manifest. Ultimately, however, because he denies time any external or ontological reality, Augustine faces a serious difficulty in explaining gradual creation; thus, due to his unresolved account of time, his explanation of creation remains inconsistent and ends in contradiction.

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References

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History

  • Receive Date: 02 December 2025
  • Revise Date: 18 December 2025
  • Accept Date: 07 February 2026

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