The difference between indivisible and eternal time and the time of long dominion from the perspective of Saint Augustine

Abstract

The article explores the theme of time through the human concern that arises when one’s life is drawing to a close, prompting the question of whether one’s time will end forever with this life, or whether there is a possibility of attaining eternity. To understand the difference between the present time and eternity, we turn to St Augustine, one of the thinkers who has explored this subject most deeply, studying it not in an abstract manner but from a human perspective. St Augustine conducts his study of time by dividing it into a period known as ‘pre-cosmic’ or ‘creation before creation’, in which the celestial hierarchy is situated and where Lucifer rebels against God and seduces a third of the angels, thereby bringing about the origin of evil. On the other hand, he speaks of the ‘present time’ which begins with the creation of the universe. It is in this phase of time that the seduction and fall of Adam and Eve and their expulsion from paradise take place, and it is also the time when the Messiah is sent to save humanity from original sin and to restore it once more to the lost paradise.