What are "A-theory" versus "B-theory" of time in contemporary philosophy, and how does each affect our understanding of the relationship between God and time?

A-theory and B-theory of time are among the most important debates in contemporary philosophy of time, and they have a profound impact on how we understand God's relationship to time. This distinction, which began with McTaggart (1908) and developed with contemporary philosophers, has become central to discussions in philosophical theology.

Inadequate Responses to Avoid

From some defenders of theism: "B-theory denies free will and makes God passive." This is an oversimplification. Many theistic philosophers adopt B-theory without abandoning free will or God's agency.

From some naturalists: "Modern physics has proven B-theory." This is inaccurate. Special relativity supports B-theory but does not "prove" it — the philosophical debate continues.

A-Theory: Dynamic Time

A-theory (or the Tensed Theory) holds that:
- The present has a special, distinct reality
- There exists an objective "now" that moves through time
- The past no longer exists, and the future does not yet exist
- Temporal change is real and fundamental

Contemporary representatives: William Lane Craig, Quentin Smith, Dean Zimmerman.

B-Theory: Static Time

B-theory (or the Tenseless Theory) holds that:
- All temporal moments exist equally (Block Eternalism)
- There is no objective, distinct "now"
- Temporal relations (before/after) are fundamental, not tensed properties (past/present/future)
- Change is a subjective illusion resulting from our perspective

Representatives: J.E. Moore, Bertrand Russell, D.H. Mellor, Robin Le Poidevin.

Impact on Understanding God's Relationship to Time

Under A-Theory:

If time is truly dynamic, this presents several options for God's relationship to time:

1. God in Time (Temporal Theism). Craig argues that God is eternal without beginning but temporal since creation. This preserves God's real interaction with the world and our prayers.

Challenge: How can God change without losing his perfection? Craig answers: change in external relations, not in the divine nature.

2. God Outside Time but Acting Within It. Some philosophers attempt to combine: God is eternal in himself but his actions occur in time.

Challenge: How can a timeless being cause temporal events?

Under B-Theory:

If all moments exist equally, God's relationship to time becomes:

1. Classical Timeless Eternity. God sees all time "at once" from an eternal perspective. Boethius, Aquinas, and contemporary Stump-Kretzmann.

Advantage: Preserves God's simplicity, immutability, and complete foreknowledge.

2. God as Foundation of the Temporal Block. God sustains the existence of the entire four-dimensional block.

Challenge: Can God truly interact with humans if everything is "complete" eternally?

Contemporary Debate: Complexities and Developments

The Challenge from Quantum Mechanics. Some quantum interpretations (such as objective collapse) support A-theory, while other interpretations (many worlds) support B-theory.

The Problem of Prayer and Divine Providence. Under B-theory, how does my prayer "now" affect divine action if the future already exists?

Possible answers:
- God arranged events eternally taking prayers into account (Molinism)
- Prayer changes the one praying, not God
- Reject B-theory in favor of A-theory (Craig)

Freedom and Predestination. B-theory does not necessarily eliminate freedom (despite common belief). Compatibilists see that freedom is possible even if the future "exists" in the eternal block.

Emerging Middle Positions

Growing Block Theory. Past and present are real, future is nonexistent. Attempts to combine the advantages of both theories.

Presentism with Divine Eternity. Only the present is real for creatures, but God sees all time. This requires complex metaphysics for facts about the past.

Fragmentalism. Each reference frame has its own present — an attempt to reconcile relativity with A-theory.

Philosophical Conclusion

The debate between A-theory and B-theory is not merely philosophical technicality, but has deep theological implications:

- Under A-theory: God is either temporal (facing the challenge of change) or faces difficulty interacting with time
- Under B-theory: God is eternal smoothly, but divine interaction and freedom become problematic

There is no consensus. Serious theistic philosophers are divided, and each position has its strengths and weaknesses. What matters is recognizing that choosing a theory of time is not theologically neutral — it has implications for our understanding of God's nature and his relationship to creation.

For Advanced Reading

- Advanced level: The role of special relativity theory in the debate, and attempts at reconciliation
- Craig & Smith, Theism, Atheism, and Big Bang Cosmology (Oxford, 1993)
- Leftow, Time and Eternity (Cornell, 1991)
- Zimmerman & Dean (eds.), God and Time: Four Views (IVP, 2001)
- "Topic: Divine Temporality vs Atemporality" page on the website