The difference between Open theism and the other three isms is due to their different understanding of time. Arminianism, Calvinism and Molinism all begin with a B-Block or B-theory of time, whereas Open Theism begins with an A-Block or A-theory of time. Applying these different theories to the Bible produces different understandings of God and the way He interacts with His creatures.
This is what Google AI summarises as the A-theory vs. the B-theory of time.
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The A-block view of time, often called "A-theory," holds that the present is a special, unique moment, while past and future are secondary or even nonexistent. In contrast, the B-block view, or "B-theory," treats all moments equally, with the past, present, and future existing on the same footing. The A-theory emphasizes the dynamic, flowing nature of time, while the B-theory views time as a static, four-dimensional block.
A-theory (A-block view):
- Emphasizes the present:
The present is considered the only moment that genuinely exists, with past and future being either illusions or not existing at all.
- Focuses on temporal passage:
A-theorists believe in the "becoming" and "progressing" of time, where the present is constantly changing.
- Often associated with presentism:
Presentism, a specific version of A-theory, argues that only the present exists, with the past and future having no ontological reality.
- May be more intuitive:
The A-theory's emphasis on the present aligns with our everyday experience of time.
B-theory (B-block view):
- Treats all moments equally:
The past, present, and future are all considered to exist on the same plane.
- Views time as a static block:
Time is seen as a four-dimensional block of space-time, with no privileged moment.
- May be seen as less intuitive:
The B-theory's static view of time can be counterintuitive to our everyday experience of time flowing.
- Often associated with eternalism:
Eternalism, a specific version of B-theory, argues that all times exist equally. "
T=Open Theists consider the A-theory to correspond with the perspective of time held by the Old and New Testament writers.