ON THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING CREATED AND HAVING STARTED ON TIME

AN INTRODUCTION

Abstract

Aquinas affirms that every being is created by God. However, he does not accept that it is possible to demonstrate that the world has a beginning. Therefore, even if the world was created, it is possible that the world has always existed. This is the subject addressed in this paper. It is intended to explain some concepts involved in order to clarify the main topics of the study. Throughout this paper, the ordered series of efficient causes are distinguished (per se and per accidens), the concept of participation is introduced and, finally, some differences between creating and generating are highlighted, establishing some characteristics of eternity.