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The Advent of Time: A Solution to the Problem of Evil Based on the Prerequisites of Love & an Analysis of Timeless Being

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A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF EVIL THAT ALIGNS WITH SCIENCE
If God is all-loving and all-powerful, why do evil and suffering exist?

The Advent of Time begins with the premise that the purpose of man’s existence is to live forever in a timeless, perfectly loving relationship with God and with one another. It then identifies and examines the prerequisites of relational love (faith, free will, selflessness, and two others) to explain why God’s pursuit of a timeless reciprocal loving relationship with man necessitated that he create the very conditions that allow for the possibility of evil and suffering.

With this conceptual framework in place, the book explores the different modes of existence experienced by pre-fallen humanity, who existed in a transcendent state of being where time itself did not exist (a realm of “non-time”). It then analyzes the relationship between the timeless pre-fallen realm and the time-based post-fallen realm, explaining how a single self-centered decision made by a timeless, transcendent human being could simultaneously alter every point within linear time. This analysis—which centers on the assertion that time itself is a product of original sin—supplies the insights necessary to reconcile the biblical account of direct creation with the well-established findings of natural science.

The analysis of how the prerequisites of love intersect with the differences between finite being and timeless being also provides the insights necessary to answer the theological difficulties raised by the existence of hell. In so doing, The Advent of Time provides a comprehensive solution to the problem of evil and pain, one that strictly adheres to Christian orthodoxy.

A WORK OF THEOLOGY AND PHILOSOPHY, NOT A SELF-HELP BOOK
The Advent of Time is not written to provide emotional or pastoral counsel to those who are suffering. Its sole purpose is to provide a logic-based answer to the problem of evil. It is best suited to readers interested in theology and philosophy, but it is written to be accessible to a general audience.

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2024

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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
1 review1 follower
January 6, 2026
This book provides a bold and comprehensive solution to the problem of evil. As the book's subtitle indicates, the author's argument is constructed around two main pillars:

(1) An analysis of timeless existence versus time-bound existence.

(2) The identification of five prerequisites for the experience of relational love, together with an in-depth examination of how these prerequisites necessitate that God allow for the possibility of evil if mankind is to have the opportunity to experience timeless love with God and one another.

Because this book adheres to Christian orthodoxy, the 'fall of man' described in Genesis 1-3 is a key part of the answer that it provides to the problem of evil. The author maintains that the fall of man should be understood as an actual event, but he asserts that Genesis 1-3 can only be properly understood if one recognizes that Adam and Eve were created as timeless beings at the outset of their existence, like God himself. (Genesis asserts that man was made in God's "likeness". The Advent of Time takes this assertion at face value.)

Because there is no endpoint to timelessness, and because Adam and Eve were timeless beings at the outset of their existence, they could not die as long as they remained in such a state. However, as God warned in Genesis 2:16-17, if they chose to commit sin, they would die. So, as a practical matter, how did death enter into Creation?

The book's answer to this question is that the act of original sin caused the timeless pre-fallen Creation to transform into a time-based, or spacetime Creation. This transformation of Creation from timelessness to time-bound encompassed all matter, including all matter-based lifeforms, everywhere and all at once. In other words, time itself is a consequence of the fall of man. Hence the book's title, "The Advent of Time".

With this foundation, the book explains why God made man, as well as the conditions/prerequisites that are necessary for this creative objective to be fulfilled.

So why did God make man? Unlike other books on the problem of evil, many of which claim that God made man for the sake of giving us free will, The Advent of Time maintains that God made man for the sake of allowing us to enter into a perfect, timeless loving union with God and one another.

But if God made man for this purpose, why do evil and pain exist? This is where the preconditions of love come into play. The author identifies five different "prerequisites" of love, then bases his answer to the problem of evil around the need for these prerequisites to exist in order for God's ultimate purpose to be achieved. "Free will" is one of the prerequisites of love. "Faith" is another. "Selflessness" is a third.

Proceeding in an easy-to-follow but meticulous manner, the author explains exactly how and why these prerequisites necessitate that God allow for the possibility of evil if man is to have the ability to enter into a perfectly loving timeless relationship with God and one another. It's a brilliant argument that provides a clear answer to every facet of the problem evil, including the problem of hell and the suffering of those who have committed no wrong (i.e., "the suffering of innocents").

I will give a few caveats to those debating whether to read this book:

First, this book is based on Christian tenets. If you hate the very idea of monotheistic belief and somehow already "know" that it is false, don't waste your time with this book; it isn't for the close-minded.

Second, this isn't a self-help book. We all suffer, sometimes terribly. In the midst of difficult experiences of pain and suffering, a theological explanation of the reasons for suffering isn't likely to help. This is a book about WHY we suffer; it's not a book about how to endure suffering.

Third, this is a work of theology and philosophy. I personally think it is very well-written and surprisingly easy to follow given the weightiness of the subject matter. Nonetheless, it isn't a light read. If you're conditioned to reading novels, history books, or 'how-to' nonfiction works, this book is going to require you to shift to a higher gear. There are good reasons why the problem of evil is widely considered to be one of the most difficult problems in theology. Some of the greatest thinkers in history have wrestled with it. This book tackles this problem head-on, so you'll need to be in the right mindset before delving in.

With those caveats in mind, if you're looking for a serious answer to the problem of evil, I could not recommend this book enough.
1 review1 follower
January 5, 2026
Simply fantastic. The Advent of Time provides an answer to the problem of evil that aligns with both Christian orthodoxy and natural science. It does so by examining Genesis 1-3 through a unique lens, assuming that the first two humans existed in a "timeless" state of being prior to their fall (a state of being in which time does not exist). It further asserts that a single decision made by a timeless being can simultaneously affect all points in linear time. According to the author, this is precisely what happened at the instant of original sin. Specifically, the effect of original sin was to cause the timeless pre-fallen existence to transform into a time-based existence, where physical death occurs. Original sin also caused the material order itself--as well as all physical creatures, at all points in linear time--to mirror the self-centeredness and indifference that constituted the essence of the first humans' original sin. [This sin consisted of favoring a self-centered end (the acquisition of knowledge of good and evil) over their loving relationship with God, while remaining indifferent to the negative effects of this self-centeredness on God.] This is the starting point for an amazing exploration of the reasons why an all-powerful and all-loving God allows evil.
Profile Image for Maven_Reads.
1,577 reviews45 followers
October 10, 2024
Indignus Servus' The Advent of Time is a philosophical exploration of the age-old problem of evil. The author presents a unique and thought-provoking perspective that challenges traditional theological and philosophical approaches.

Servus begins by examining the prerequisites of love, arguing that a truly loving relationship requires freedom and choice. He contends that a world without evil would be a world without genuine love, as love can only exist in the context of free will. This radical assertion sets the stage for the rest of the book.

The author then delves into the concept of timeless being, arguing that God must exist outside of time in order to be truly omnipotent and omniscient. He posits that time is a creation of God and that evil is a necessary consequence of the temporal dimension. Servus suggests that evil is a byproduct of the struggle between good and evil within the confines of time.

This perspective offers a novel solution to the problem of evil, as it reconciles the existence of a benevolent God with the presence of suffering in the world. Servus argues that evil is not a reflection of God's malevolence but rather a necessary component of the grand cosmic drama.

While some readers may find Servus' arguments challenging to grasp, his philosophical acumen and clarity of thought make his ideas accessible to those with a keen interest in theology and metaphysics. The book is filled with insightful observations and thought-provoking questions that will keep readers engaged.

The Advent of Time is a significant contribution to the ongoing debate about the problem of evil. Servus' innovative approach offers a fresh perspective on a timeless question, and his exploration of the prerequisites of love and timeless being is both fascinating and enlightening. This book is highly recommended to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the relationship between God, time, and evil.
1 review1 follower
January 5, 2026
A deep and thought-provoking read, yet very easy to follow. The writing is superb.

The book argues that love is the primary purpose for which God created man (page 19). It then argues that there are several prerequisites that must be met for a loving relationship to exist (pages 24-29). One is that each person in a loving relationship must place faith/trust in the other. Love is therefore not possible without faith. This explains the Bible's emphasis on faith/trust as the means to reaching God.

The author defines "evil" as "any willful choice to pursue an objective that can only be acquired or experienced at the expense of love." (page 47) Thus, the essence of "evil" (which the author says is synonymous with the word "sin") is that it exists in opposition to love. Importantly, "evil" (or "sin") is defined as a choice.

The author argues that the first two humans made such a choice when they decided to place their loving relationship with God second to their self-centered desire to acquire knowledge of good and evil. The result of this choice was that they did indeed acquire knowledge of good and evil, but it came at the expense of their perfectly loving relationship with God.

But that's not the half of it. Because God is an infinite being who supersedes time, the first humans' relationship with God also superseded time. In other words, their loving relationship with God took place in a timeless state of being. The effects of their choice to undermine this timeless loving relationship therefore also superseded time. More to the point, it caused the timeless Creation to change into a time-based Creation. In addition, the selfishness and indifference that constituted the root of original sin was imprinted onto the entirety of the material order, at all points. This, then, is the scope of the Fall. It was the cause of time itself, according to the author.

From there, the book explores why God allowed the Fall to happen (part of the answer is that free will is also a prerequisite of love, but free will cannot exist in the absence of a genuine opportunity to choose between love and its opposite).

After that, the book explores the nature of finite, time-based existence, and how man will once again experience a state of timeless existence following death. Hell is discussed in this context. The solution to the problem of hell is remarkable, as are so many other aspects of this book. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the problem of evil.
Profile Image for Faith Ukaegbu.
76 reviews2 followers
March 13, 2025
Ever catch yourself wondering why no amount of success—money, status, or distance climbed—ever feels like enough? Or why, even with everything you could want, there’s still an itch for something bigger? The Advent of Time by Indignus Servus digs into those restless questions with a fresh twist. This isn’t your typical Christian read—it’s more like a deep, winding conversation about why we’re here. The author unpacks God’s reason for making us, tying it to that command to love each other, and throws in some hefty philosophy about creation’s start and what God was after.

What hit me hardest was how Servus pulls from all corners—scriptures, other beliefs, you name it—to show that love’s not just a word but the key to getting God. He’s saying we can’t know the guy upstairs without cracking what love means, and he doesn’t skimp on the details, giving every doctrine its due. That’s the good stuff. The downside? It’s slow, almost too dense—like wading through mud sometimes. Still, it’s spotless, with no typos or slip-ups, so you can tell it’s been polished.

I’d give this 4 out of 5 stars. It’s smart and deep and could shift how you see faith, but that soggy pace docks it a point. It's perfect for anyone chasing a richer spiritual path, especially if you’re ready to wrestle with the big ideas.
4 reviews
May 14, 2025

The Advent of Time: A Solution to the Problem of Evil Based on the Prerequisites of Love & an Analysis of Timeless Being by Indignus Servus is a thought-provoking philosophical and theological exploration, which I would rate 3 out of 5 stars. The book delves into the enduring question: "If an omnipotent and benevolent God exists, why does evil persist?"

One of the book's notable strengths is its innovative approach to age-old theological discussions, linking the creation of time with humanity's fall and attempting to align traditional interpretations with contemporary scientific views. It intriguingly examines how a timeless God interacts with a temporal world, crossing the boundaries between philosophy and theology. The book is well-edited, free from grammatical errors and typos, enhancing the reader's engagement with its logical arguments.

However, the content can be challenging for those not well-versed in philosophy, theology, or metaphysics. Abstract concepts such as the essence of a timeless being and the prerequisites of love may require deep reflection. Additionally, the explanation of how the creation of time is related to humanity’s original sin and its reconciliation with modern science may be difficult for the average reader to grasp.
65 reviews1 follower
July 4, 2025
Mind Blowing 👌

This book gives a clear and thoughtful answer to one of the hardest questions in life: If God is loving and all powerful, why do evil and suffering exist? The Advent of Time does not offer comfort for those who are hurting. Instead, it offers a logical and faith based explanation for why suffering is possible in a world created by a good God.

One of the most powerful ideas in this book is that time itself began with the Fall. Before sin, humanity existed in a state the author calls “non-time.” In this timeless state, people were in perfect relationship with God. But when sin entered, time began. This shift from timelessness to time is key to understanding why we live in a world full of change, pain, and death.

What I liked most is how simple and clear the writing is. The author avoids hard language and long arguments. Every idea builds on the last. Even though the topic is deep, the book is easy to follow.

This book helped me think in a new way about suffering, love, and the nature of time. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a serious answer to the problem of evil.
50 reviews
December 17, 2025
In this book, the author presents a solution to the problem: if God is powerful, loving, just and wise, why is there so much evil in the world and why is there so much pain? The author draws from passages in the Bible. He also presents the views of some theologians.

It is a well-researched book. I loved the author’s insistence on the importance of relationships and friendships and the futility of worldly acquisitions.

However, I noticed one drawback in the book. The author mentions that before the fall of man, Adam and Eve resided in the eternal realm. He asserts that we, the residents of a temporal realm, cannot fully comprehend what life in the eternal realm entailed. This forms an important premise of many of his explanations. This does not allow for disagreement or discussion. Anyone who doesn’t understand or agree with the book's concepts could be told that this is because eternity is beyond their comprehension.
Profile Image for Bree Costa.
4 reviews1 follower
July 16, 2025
"Love, Free Will, and the Problem of Evil: 'The Advent of Time' Dares to Reconcile Timeless Divine Love with Human Suffering."

"The Advent of Time: The Solution to the Problem of Evil" by Indignus Servus offers a thought-provoking exploration of one of philosophy's most enduring dilemmas. The book begins with the premise that the purpose of human existence is to live forever in a perfectly loving relationship with God and one another. The author identifies and examines the prerequisites of relational love, such as faith and free will, to explain why God's pursuit of a timeless, loving relationship with humanity necessitates the existence of evil and suffering. This ambitious work challenges readers to rethink traditional notions of evil and suffering within the context of divine love."
Profile Image for Jaz V.
2 reviews
July 4, 2025
The Advent of Time offers a unique and deeply thoughtful take on why God created humanity, grounding everything in the idea that love—not justice—is God’s ultimate priority. Indignus Servus blends theology, philosophy, and even science in an attempt to solve the problem of evil through the lens of love’s prerequisites.

While the book’s emotional and spiritual insights are powerful, it occasionally overlooks key biblical elements (like the serpent in Genesis) and makes bold claims about suffering and evolution that aren’t fully supported by scripture or science.

Still, it’s a refreshing, challenging read for anyone seeking more than surface-level theology. A must-read for those curious about the intersection of creation, love, and divine purpose.
Profile Image for Alan Fuller.
Author 6 books35 followers
January 28, 2025
The author looks at the problem of evil and whether or not there is a loving God. He examines the issue down to the bare bones. Man is limited because of sin. He comes to the surprising conclusion that this is the advent of time!

"When Adam and Eve decided to prioritize a selfish objective over love, they suffered spiritual death."
loc. 879

11 reviews
July 4, 2025
Good book

This was a good book, with great argument in terms of an academic journal. There seems to be a need from the author to over cite the sources used, but other than that, this would be great for students in school.
Profile Image for Quanta Pellerin.
1 review
August 8, 2025
cool

I really enjoy the book, I would be very interested in reading the book again. The author really had some very interesting ideas about the book.
Profile Image for GRivera23.
259 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2025
This book attempts to explain why there is evil in the world. It is very slow to start but part 2 brings it all together. An interesting read.
Profile Image for Jason.
123 reviews47 followers
September 10, 2025
“The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive but concise answer to the problem of evil that aligns with Christian orthodoxy, without violating any formal rule of logic or denying the well-established findings of natural science.”

The above is a direct quote from “The Advent of Time,” written by Indignus Servus. This is a book that, I feel, raises more questions than it provides answers. Although it’s a short book about weighty topics like God’s love and the problem of evil, I finished it feeling more confused than when I started.

I have always felt that a good book is written at a 4th-grade level - easy to read and comprehend. In this case, the author wanted to showcase their extensive vocabulary, thereby confusing this reader.

For example, they write “non-time, …since it is outside of time, is equally close to every time.” I have no idea what that means. I walked away feeling that my public education mind had failed me. I read that line several times and still don’t get it.

I consider myself an open-minded reader, and I want to believe what was written in this book, but it seems like it was written as an echo chamber. I felt this was a book written for Christians who just want reassurance that they are on the right path with a loving God.

If the reader is Hindu, Buddhist, or an agnostic, the teachings here will most likely not apply to them. Even though one of the main points is that God loves you and wants you to be part of him when you pass to the other side, he writes, “Man has been made as a timeless being for the purpose of joining to God in a timeless loving union.” But take some time to learn about Moksha in Hinduism, and the reader will see the parallels in that statement and what Hindus believe.

The author goes on to state, “If there is no God, then everything that exists is here through some incredible series of happenstance events. If everything in existence is here as the result of pure happenstance, originating from a principal cause that itself occurred for no explicable reason, then nothing has any intrinsic meaning, value, or purpose.”

Maybe it’s not happenstance events, maybe Brahma created everything. But the reader wouldn’t know that through this book. They only see one side of the issue when it comes to God’s love and will for humankind.

It seems that the views held in this book are directed towards Christians and no one else. To me, that doesn’t reflect a very loving God—one who only allows believers into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Overall, this is a decent book (3 out of 5 stars). Although the grammar, punctuation, and editing were excellent, the text is written in a dry tone and is overly complex in many sections. Ultimately, it only focuses on people who already believe in Christianity and excludes non-believers and believers of other religions. This could be a good book for a book discussion group for deep thinkers of the Christian faith.
1 review
August 5, 2025
Amazing Read

Such a great book. The author does a great job at giving a theological explanation as to why pain and suffering exists in this world by using multiple references, including that of the Bible. I would suggest approaching this with an open mind, because regardless of religious beliefs there’s something that everyone can gain from this book.
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