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Salvation in the Block Universe | Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion Lectures
Time is often underrepresented in conversations between religion and science. When it is discussed, the discussion tends to be dominated by God’s relationship to time. In this lecture, Dr Qureshi-Hurst will present the main argument from her recent book Salvation in the Block Universe: Time, Tillich, and Transformation, which was recently awarded the 2025 ISSR Book Prize in the academic category. Her aim is to move beyond standard debates about divine temporality. Instead, she wants to examine the extent to which specific theological doctrines, in particular the Christian doctrine of salvation, should be shaped by insights from the physics and metaphysics of time. She will argue for a block universe, or a B-theory of time, which appears to be hostile to robust ontological change. The problem is, the doctrine of salvation seems to require the reality of change. If individuals are to be truly transformed from being ‘fallen’ to being ‘saved’, then robust change must be possible. But physics and metaphysics favors a block universe, which problematizes robust change. Therefore, there exists a tension between the physics and metaphysics of time on the one hand, and the doctrine of salvation on the other. The philosophical question at the heart of this is: can sinners really change?
Date:
14 November 2025, 16:00
Venue:
Third floor (30.301)
Speaker:
Dr Emily Qureshi-Hurst (University of Cambridge)
Organiser:
Ian Ramsey Centre for Science & Religion
Organiser contact email address:
ianramsey.admin@theology.ox.ac.uk
Part of:
Science and Religion Lecture Series | Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion
Booking required?:
Required
Booking url:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/salvation-in-the-block-universe-ian-ramsey-centre-science-lecture-tickets-1964220498386?aff=oddtdtcreator&utm-source=cp&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-m
Audience:
Members of the University only
Editor:
Arunima Cheruvathoor
