SWINBURNE

What type of view does Swinburne hold on God?

An everlasting view

how does God exist according to Swinburne ?

within time

Does Swinburne believe that God knows the future?

No- He is experiencing time at the same time as us

Why does Swinburne argue God doesnt know the future?

God only knows what is logically possible

Why does Swinburne argue that an eternal God would not be sufficient ?

A God outside of time could not interact with humanity/respond to prayers

How does Aquinas counter-act the belief that an eternal God cannot respond to prayers making him inadequate?

Prayers aren’t responded to by God in real-time, however. Thought prayer we “only obtain what God has decided will be obtained through prayer”. The function of a prayer is to make people feel psychologically closer to God.

How does Swinburne respond to Aquinas?

An eternal god would be “lifeless” and we would be unable to form a relationship with him as he is unchanging .

What does a loving relationship with God require according to Swinburne and what would Aquinas reply?

God responding to us which is only possible if he is within time - Aquinas- a perfect God has to be unchanging