Eternal Matter Matters

Most ancient myths and philosophies, and not a few modern scientific and philosophical theories, posit or assume that matter is eternal. Does that matter? Yes.

If matter is eternal, then creation can only be control, limitation, ordering. If matter is eternal, creativity can only be negative.

If matter is eternal, creation cannot be gift. If matter is eternal, creation cannot be bestowal of existence, a grant of being. 

If matter is eternal, creation cannot be a free act of love.

If matter is eternal, can there even be such a thing as a free act of love?

And insofar as some metaphysics of substance are also metaphysics of eternal matter (Aristotle), the same applies.

Next
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

Natural Law Needs Revelation

Peter J. Leithart

Natural law theory teaches that God embedded a teleological moral order in the world, such that things…

Letters

Glenn C. Loury makes several points with which I can’t possibly disagree (“Tucker and the Right,” January…

Visiting an Armenian Archbishop in Prison

Joel Veldkamp

On February 3, I stood in a poorly lit meeting room in the National Security Services building…