Understanding the Doctrine of God's Time by C. Robert Line

by C. Robert Line

The nature of time in God s sphere greatly differs from the nature of time we mortals experience here on earth. And the more we come to understand God s time, the more we come to understand God and our relationship to Him. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell perceptively observed, Time is clearly not our natural dimension. . . . Whereas the bird is at home in the air, we are clearly not at home in time because we belong to eternity. In this insightful book, you will explore the concept of time as it relates to the Creation, the Atonement, and the Resurrection. Using scripture, quotes from General Authorities and prophets, and powerful personal insights, author C. Robert Line helps clarify the concepts of time, clearly identifying what is speculation and what is doctrine. This book examines three fascinating aspects of First, the concept of God s time and its impact on agency and other vital doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Second, the nature and importance of time as it relates to us in our temporal existence. And third, doctrines and principles that clearly demonstrate that God s course is truly one eternal round. Gaining insight about God s time in relation to ours allows us to better understand His omniscience and our agency and how they go hand in hand. Even a limited understanding of these principles gives us a greater appreciation for God and the vastness of His creations and leaves us in awe of His knowledge and power.

Genres: Religion

Paperback

First published August 1, 2015

Reviews

[Paul Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really appreciate the first part in Line's first essay, Section 1 — "All Is As One Day with God:" Reflections on God's Time. It brought together many scriptures and prophetic statements. "God's Time and Its Relationship to Agency and the Foreknowledge of God" helped me feel more peace about moral agency (free will) and God's omniscience. The second one about how understanding God's time reinforces other doctrine was gratifying, too. The third essay on Christ's Atonement and other worlds did not resonate with me.

I found Section 2 — "God's Timing:" Reflections on Time in Our Temporal Existence — uplifting and strengthening, too. I didn't care for Section 3. The essay on Eternities Past was repetitive at best. The essay on the chiasmus of 2nd Nephi 2 didn't fit in the book at all. Yes, it was interesting to delve into the structure of chapter 2 and understand the doctrinal contrasts that our inspired translation of Lehi's record embodied. But I don't think it goes with the title of the book. I think Line got excited about this wonderful discovery, and it ended up here.

Read Section 1, essays 1 and 2. Read Section 2. Read the first essay in Section 3 if you want. I cannot recommend the other parts.

[Jeff Birk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book by this author (his temple-themed book "Endowed with Power" is excellent). I was intrigued by the title and wasn't disappointed. His thoughts on God living in an "eternal now" and the concept/possibility of different Christs for other worlds are certainly mind stretching but in a safe way. He talks about repentance in the pre-mortal life. He shares a great quote by Richard G. Scott about after repenting that we should never consider ourselves second-hand citizens in God's kingdom. Also a very powerful quote from Elder Holland on how our most important priority (he lists five) is to take care of our physical and spiritual selves. He also has an excellent final chapter on chiasmus, particularly 2 Nephi 2. This chapter is well worth further study. Far too much to share further. All of my notes are in my Evernote account. I'll need to peruse them from time to time. Truly inspirational.

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book really needed some additional editing before it was published, but it still had some good things. The first section of the book had some really great insights about the doctrine of time and how that interacts with our understanding of several other key doctrines of the gospel, and the second section had some really good parts of time management, priorities, repentance. The third section was about chiasmus in the Book of Mormon and was a much weaker section than the other two.

I am glad that I read this book for the first section alone. The second section was also good. The third section really needed some more work. I did not find it particularly helpful or insightful, and only somewhat interesting. It felt really dry and academic and had far less in the way of spiritual insights than the first two sections.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are some really awesome and thought-provoking topics discussed in this book, but the writing is just not super reader-friendly, though it's definitely not badly written at all. And the last third (about BOM chiasmuses (is that the plural?), though fascinating, seems totally out of context and probably should have been its own book.

I got this because I went to a related BYU Education Week class taught by Brother Line. The class was amazing, and the whole topic of how time is different for God than for us, and the implications of that, are really interesting, and important to understand. So it's still worth a read, especially since it's not overly long.

[Catherine Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating concepts of how a correct understanding of God’s time (as based in scripture) allows us great understanding in living fulfilled lives. Also, there’s a deep dive into the chiasmus of 2 Ne 2, and a few other chiastic structures.

[Stacey Turner · Rating 1 out of 5]

It felt more like a bunch of essays linked tenuously by the concept of "time." Some was interesting. Some would have been interesting if I enjoyed speculating on deep doctrine, which I don't really. 🤷

[Amy S · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had some interesting parts. Not sure it flowed together very well for me.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first part of the book. I find the idea of "time" fascinating, and I was glad he included the quote from the talk "Continually Before the Lord". I look forward to the day when more is revealed. The middle part started to drift from the topic of God's time, but still discussed some significant doctrinal ideas. As a parent I found the chapter on Joel 2 to be eye opening and comforting. The last part discussing chiasmus in 2 Nephi 2 was moderately interesting, but it abandoned all pretense of addressing God's time. It devolved into a "cheer leading" session, to use Bro. Lines term, for his discovery of chiasmus in that chapter without giving more than passing reference to the doctrinal truths it contains. The first part of the book was so good that it felt a little like he pulled a "bait and switch" on me. Overall, I am glad I read this book. Some of it I think is profound, and the parts that don't exactly ring true to me still provide food for thought.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of the book was a concept I hadn't focused too much time to, but it got me thinking. Glad I read it. The second half of the book was way over my head. Hate to admit that, but it let me know I still have way too much to learn.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was interesting. It was different than I was expecting but still good.