LessonsDivine Will: Eternity, Specification of Possibilities and Free AgencyQuiz

One objection takes the form of a dilemma: will must be either eternal or originated. If originated, a new attribute would arise in the divine essence; if eternal, the effect must also have existed eternally.

The dilemma combines two premises: an originated divine attribute would violate transcendence, and an eternal attribute necessarily entails an eternal effect. The first reflects a theological principle; the second is precisely what is contested.

The response must show how eternal will can specify the temporal beginning of an act. The mere eternity of the attribute does not entail eternity of its object.

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The objection to an eternal will

Divine Will: Eternity, Specification of Possibilities and Free Agency

One objection takes the form of a dilemma: will must be either eternal or originated. If originated, a new attribute would arise in the divine essence; if eternal, the effect must also have existed eternally.

The dilemma combines two premises: an originated divine attribute would violate transcendence, and an eternal attribute necessarily entails an eternal effect. The first reflects a theological principle; the second is precisely what is contested.

The response must show how eternal will can specify the temporal beginning of an act. The mere eternity of the attribute does not entail eternity of its object.