The 13 Principles of Faith #4: God is Eternal

Noahide Radio

Introduction:

Welcome to the podcast "G-d is Eternal." In this episode, we will delve into the fourth principle of faith according to the Rambam (Maimonides) and explore the concept of G-d's preexistence. We will examine the Rambam's use of the word "kadmut" instead of "nitzchi" to describe G-d's nature and discuss the prooftext he provides from Deuteronomy 33:26-7. Additionally, we will distinguish between the notions of first cause and eternity, highlighting their relationship to time. Join us as we explore these philosophical and theological concepts, drawing insights from the Rambam's teachings and their alignment with scientific discoveries such as the Big Bang theory.

Episode Highlights:

1. The Rambam's Fourth Principle of Faith: The Rambam refers to G-d as "kadmut" rather than "nitzchi" to convey the concept of preexistence. We explore the meaning of "kadmut" as the absence of anything existing before G-d.
2. The Prooftext from Deuteronomy: We analyze Deuteronomy 33:26-7 and its interpretation in relation to G-d's preexistence. Depending on the understanding of the verse, either G-d is a refuge within His creation, implying His preexistence, or the heavens symbolize the spiritual realm beyond the world, signifying G-d's transcendence.
3. First Cause versus Eternal: We differentiate between the notions of first cause and eternity. While a first cause initiates a series of events, eternity refers to existing without a beginning or end. We examine how something can be a first cause without being eternal and vice versa, using examples from philosophical arguments and cosmological models.
4. The First Cause Argument: We discuss the philosophical history of the first cause argument, dating back to Plato and Aristotle. Plato viewed the first cause as a transcendent entity directly involved in creation, while Aristotle's concept allowed for multiple prime movers with indirect ties to creation. We highlight the distinction between these perspectives and the Rambam's Torah-based understanding of G-d's preexistence.
5. Rambam's Teaching: We explore the Rambam's concept of G-d as the First Being and the fundamental differences between his view and Aristotle's Prime Mover. Unlike Aristotle's non-interventionist Prime Mover, the Torah portrays G-d as actively involved in the world, exercising providence and responding to human actions.
6. Creation ex Nihilo and the Big Bang Theory: We examine the Torah's belief in creation ex nihilo, meaning "something from nothing," and its alignment with scientific discoveries, particularly the Big Bang theory. The singularity of the Big Bang resembles the Torah's assertion of creation from absolute nothingness, highlighting a convergence of scientific and theological perspectives.
7. G-d's Eternality: We explore the concept of G-d's eternality, emphasizing its significance in Jewish belief. The prayer "Adon Olam" describes G-d as "without beginning and without end," reflecting the understanding that G-d exists beyond the limitations of time. We discuss how modern physics views time as a physical dimension within the fabric of spacetime and why G-d must transcend it.

Conclusion:

In this episode, we delve into the Rambam's fourth principle of faith, exploring the concept of G-d's preexistence. We discuss the distinction between first cause and eternity, examining the philosophical perspectives of Plato and Aristotle and contrasting them with the Rambam's Torah-based understanding. Additionally, we highlight the convergence between the concept of creation ex nihilo and scientific discoveries such as the Big Bang theory. Finally, we emphasize the eternal nature of G-d, who exists beyond the boundaries of time. Join us as we contemplate G-d's essence of existence and reflect on the profound implications of His eternal nature.