Time and eternity /

Differing from those who believe a living, loving, biblical God must be conceived as temporal, Leftow (Fordham University) describes and defends the view that God is eternal or timeless, existing and acting but only in eternity. The main focus of this study concerns the relation of eternity and God's being to time and temporal beings. Leftow examines and revises the historical positions of Augustine, Boethius, and Anselm in particular in the light of contemporary thought, using the tools of analytical philosophy. He concludes that eternity is like a supertemporal dimension or "reference frame" in which time and the temporal exist so that "we are always present with God in eternity"; and he believes this view is compatible with human freedom and God's traditional attributes of omniscience, omnipresence, and perfection. This is a highly creative, challenging, and valuable study. In spite of his precise, cautious, and occasionally humorous style of expression, this well be most accessible to those with a strong background in logic and philosophical theology. Recommended for large libraries, especially those serving graduate students and faculty. Includes notes, references, and index.-L. J. Putnam, Heidelberg College