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

A Comprehensive Answer to the Problem of Evil

Counterintuitively, love is the reason evil and suffering exist. More specifically, the prerequisites of timeless love are the reason evil and suffering exist. The The Advent of Time explains why.

Readers will learn:
• The reason God created man (to experience timeless love with God and one another).
• The five prerequisites of love.
• How these prerequisites allow for the possibility of evil and suffering.
• Why God created man as a timeless loving being.
• Why time itself is a product of man’s first unloving act (original sin).
• How man’s fall to time-bound existence reconciles direct creation with astronomy, evolutionary biology and all other fields of natural science.
• How man’s return to timelessness after death answers the problem of hell.
• Why God's pursuit of a timeless loving union with man ultimately explains every form of evil and suffering.

Grab a copy of The Advent of Time and discover how the existence of evil and suffering can be fully reconciled with the existence of an all-powerful and all-loving God.

Genres: Religion, Philosophy

168 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 14, 2024

Reviews

[Maven_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Olivia T · Rating 5 out of 5]

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'll give a few caveats to those debating whether to read this book:

First, this book is based on Christian tenets. This fact doesn't mean that it won't appeal to skeptics. On the contrary, it will probably appeal to any truly open-minded person who asks herself the "big" questions: Why is there something rather than nothing? Is there any intrinsic purpose or meaning to life? This book provides logic-based answers to these questions, but it does so by recognizing a rather obvious truth that some people nonetheless refuse to acknowledge: it is impossible to answer any of the "big" existential questions without making one or more assumptions. With respect to these questions, the key assumptions that this book adopts are that God exists and that there really is a difference between "right" and "wrong" (which is another way of saying that there really is such a thing as "sin"). If you cannot even entertain the possibility that these assumptions MIGHT be true, this book won't appeal to you.

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.

[Pierson James · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jodi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jessi Bone · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Indignus Servus, The Advent of Time explores the different modes of existence experienced between the pre-time humans and the post-time humanity in which we now exist. How time itself is a product of original sin and supplies the insights to reconcile the biblical account of direct creation and the well-established findings of natural science. The main premise is that the purpose of man’s existence is to live forever in a timeless, loving relationship with God and one another, and that explains 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.

A dear friend, Megan, recommended this book to me. She thought it would be a good read for the state of the current world, and I can say without ill will it does. In these one hundred and sixty-eight pages, you find some answers that are much needed in the current state of the world because perhaps they allow some explanation to the questions of the evil that surrounds us all. Now this book is not for everyone. I would be doing it a disservice to say it does, however, if you know of someone who is searching for answers to why and how, this may allow them some explanation and comfort in those answers outside of strictly religious text. Now I was able to pick up the Kindle version of this book, and it was worth the cost and made it easy to read outside, quite enjoyable. I do believe when you are reading this book, you allow your mind to digest as you read, so you can truly ingest all that is being said.

[Kathleen Gerard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Transcendent Examination of the Human Condition and Salvation

THE ADVENT OF TIME probes the age-old, existential question, ‘If God is a loving and all-powerful God why, then, does He allow for evil and suffering?’ Through a theological and philosophical lens, the author, Indignus Servus, judiciously frames his examination through Genesis 1-3, the Biblical story of the Garden of Eden, and how Adam and Eve were originally created by God as “timeless beings.” Because of their fall--the disobedience of their actions--the concept of time actually came into being (time became bounded) thereby fostering literal and figurative suffering, pain, and death. This comprehensively sourced narrative is based largely on the Catechism of the Catholic Church and braids the concept of “free will” into the more expansive belief that humans were made by God to enter into a “perfect, timeless” loving union with Him and with one another. In order for God to achieve this ultimate purpose in man’s creation, free will, faith, sacrifice, and selflessness--along with pain and suffering (even for the innocent)--all must work together to manifest intrinsic purpose and bring life meaning on the road to salvation. Indignus Servus perceptively unravels weighty subject matter that will deepen the Christian faith of those striving toward that “perfect, timeless union” with an infinitely just and wise--all-loving--God. — Kathleen Gerard, “Reading Between the Lines”

[Faith Ukaegbu · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Chaemin Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Katelynne Shepard · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Advent of Time: A Solution to the Problem of Evil Based on the Prerequisites of Love & an Analysis of Timeless Being is a demanding book, both in subject and in style. It doesn’t ease the reader into its ideas or try to soften the weight of the question it’s asking. From the beginning, it’s clear the author is deeply invested in working through the problem of evil in a serious, systematic way.

The argument is built squarely on Christian assumptions, especially the idea that love requires real freedom and that freedom carries real consequences. Much of the book is spent carefully layering that premise, including some unconventional ideas about time and human existence. It’s not light reading, and it’s definitely not meant to persuade through storytelling or emotional appeal. You’re asked to follow the reasoning step by step and decide whether you’re willing to accept its foundations.

I didn’t find this to be a book you simply agree or disagree with in passing. It’s more like entering a long conversation that expects patience and focus. Readers who enjoy philosophical theology and are comfortable engaging arguments rooted in Scripture will likely find a lot to sit with here.

[Curious First time Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[IG | TorturedHeroesDept · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Advent of Time takes on one of the most challenging questions in philosophy and theology: how evil and suffering can exist alongside a loving and all powerful God. Indignus Servus approaches this topic with depth and originality, weaving together metaphysical reasoning and Christian theology to present a thoughtful framework centered on love, free will, and the nature of time itself. The book does not shy away from complexity, instead inviting readers to slow down and seriously engage with ideas that are often oversimplified or avoided altogether.

What makes this work stand out is its willingness to wrestle with difficult concepts while remaining purposeful and reflective. Rather than offering quick answers, the author encourages deeper consideration of timeless being, human agency, and the prerequisites of love. While some sections may feel dense for casual readers, those interested in philosophical theology or apologetics will find the arguments stimulating and rewarding. Overall, The Advent of Time is a compelling and intellectually ambitious read that leaves a lasting impression and sparks meaningful reflection.

[Kat Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up The Advent of Time out of intellectual curiosity, not faith, and I want to be clear up front: this book did not convert me. I’m not religious, and I didn’t come away suddenly persuaded of Christian doctrine. What I did find, however, was one of the more rigorous and imaginative biblical examinations of the problem of evil I’ve encountered.

As a reader who enjoys philosophy and systems-level thinking, I appreciated how methodically the author laid out the prerequisites of love and followed their implications all the way through questions of free will, suffering, hell, and divine hiddenness. I found the central idea—that time itself is a consequence of original sin—unexpectedly bold, and I was surprised by how carefully the argument was constructed. I never felt preached at; instead, I felt invited to follow a line of reasoning and see where it led.

I didn’t agree with every conclusion, but I respected the internal consistency and clarity of thought. Even as a skeptic, I found the book intellectually stimulating and genuinely worth my time. I expect you will too.

[LEA Milner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Indignus Servus has created a masterpiece of a book that beckons readers to explore goodness, evil, and our eternal relationship with God's love, even when it's hard to conceptualize. What started as a complex concept turned into a transformative book for me and a tool to carry with me in my spirituality journey. I have a lot of trouble reflecting on evil's place in our world, but this read helped me see at as part of a deeper picture that even my own religious roots never explained with such clarity--or compassion, frankly.

Additionally, Servus artfully addresses both religion and science as a means to delve deeper into the themes, never diminishing one ideology for the other. While there is no comfort in knowing evil exists, I am hope-filled that no matter what, God's divine narrative still strums on.

I closed "The Advent of Time" feeling God's love embracing me in this imperfect world and beyond. This book deepened my faith and eased some of my fears or at least made me feel much less alone in them.

[Chad RoqRic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading The Advent of Time, and it really made me think. The author takes on the age-old question of why there is suffering in the world if a loving God exists--and offers an answer that feels both thoughtful and grounded. What stood out to me was how the book ties together ideas about timelessness, love, and human nature without feeling heavy or overly academic.

It’s clear the writer respects both Christian tradition and scientific insight, which makes the book accessible even if you’re not deeply religious. I appreciated that the writing stayed clear and engaging, never getting bogged down in jargon. The chapters flowed nicely, and I found myself reflecting on the ideas long after I put the book down.

If you’re curious about theology, philosophy, or just enjoy books that explore big life questions in a fresh way, this is worth your time. It doesn’t preach or oversimplify. Instead, it invites you to look at something familiar in a new light. A meaningful and uplifting read.

[JO · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly impressed by Indignus Servus’s The Advent of Time. I do not typically enjoy books about religious philosophy, but I found this to be written such that I did not feel excluded from it. Servus makes an explicit effort to write for a broader audience while still remaining focused and nuanced. The book presents a well-researched argument reconciling the nature of evil with the Christian understanding of God, explaining why it remains a troubling mystery despite the many efforts to resolve it. The author weaves in historical commentary with their own, engaging in conversation with commonly held Christian beliefs to explain why most answers to this paradox feel unsatisfying, all while presenting an alternate explanation based on love. The framework and logic of the book are explained clearly in the introduction, making it easy for potential readers to know where the book will take them. You don’t have to be religious to follow the book’s argument. Anyone with an interest in philosophy or the question this book seeks to answer should give it a try.

[C. Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and found it genuinely interesting from start to finish. It explores questions about faith, suffering, and God in a way that feels careful and well thought out. What I appreciated most is that the book doesn’t brush off hard questions but takes them seriously and looks at them with patience and clarity. The ideas about time, love, and human choice gave me a new way to think about familiar Christian beliefs without feeling confusing or overwhelming.

The writing is clear and organized, which made it easier to follow along even when the topic became more serious. I liked that the book focuses on reasoning and explanation rather than emotional arguments. It feels intentional and grounded, and the ideas connect well as you move through the chapters.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy Christian nonfiction and like thinking about faith on a deeper level. It’s a solid read for anyone who enjoys books that explain ideas clearly and leave you with something meaningful to reflect on afterward.

[Mb · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Binita Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clear, faith-based answer to one of theology’s hardest questions
The Advent of Time is an intellectually rigorous exploration of one of theology’s most enduring questions that still invokes great anxiety: how can evil exist if God is both all-loving and all-powerful? Indignus Servus approaches this problem with a bold philosophical clarity and solid theological grounding, framing love as that which necessarily requires freedom, faith, and selflessness; it, therefore, requires risk.
The book’s treatment of time itself as a consequence of original sin, a concept that is provocative as well as carefully reasoned, makes it hugely compelling. The discussion of timeless versus finite being offers fresh insight while remaining firmly rooted in Christian orthodoxy. This is not light reading, but it is immensely rewarding. A thoughtful, challenging work for readers interested in Christian apologetics, philosophy, and the deeper logic of faith.

[Janelle Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Servus writes, “If we could provide a comprehensive and conclusive answer to every challenge that is given to our belief, we would have no ability to exercise faith, and therefore no ability to experience love with God. Faith is the continuance of belief in the face of the uncertain and the unknown." This is just one of the highly thought-provoking points made in The Advent of Time by Indignus Servus.
This book expertly navigates the existence of evil within the realm of an all-powerful, all-loving, all-just, and all-wise God. Why would an omnipotent and omnibenevolant God allow, for example, needless suffering when he could create a hedonistic Heaven-on-Earth existence for all to enjoy? Servus explores the subject, piece-by-piece, with profound clarity while exploring related tangents of faith, relationships, and purposeful existence. He presents his perspectives in a way that isn't preachy or pretentious and simultaneously encourages an interactive experience full of thought and reflection. Reading this book was a delight as I took advantage of the opportunity for spiritual growth.
It is important to note that while this book is categorized as Christian Theology, please anticipate a book more closely aligned with theological philosophy. While it stands on its own as far as originality, Servus introduces findings of Greek philosophers which support his own theories. Readers, both new and familiar to philosophy, who seek opportunities to dig deep into their own belief systems will particularly benefit from reading The Advent of Time. I look forward to reading more of his thought-provoking work in the future!

[Bree Costa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"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."

[Kim Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Advent of Time by Indignus Servus is such a thought-provoking read for anyone who has ever questioned how God’s love and the world’s evil can coexist. The well-written chapters cover themes ranging from free will and faith to suffering and sacrifice. One of the most interesting aspects of this book was the concept of time and how it relates to our understanding of the fall of man when sin entered this world. Was time itself affected by the fall? Definitely not something I had considered before. The author did a great job taking complex topics and presenting them in an understandable and engaging way. Overall, this book takes some mental effort to wade through the heady ideas but the work is well worth it. Anyone interested in philosophy, theology or studies in belief would benefit from this book.

[Kimberly Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Advent of Time offers a compelling and intellectually grounded response to one of theology’s hardest questions: why evil and suffering exist if God is all-loving and all-powerful. Rooted firmly in Christian orthodoxy, the book argues that true relational love, requiring free will, faith, and selflessness, necessarily allows for the possibility of suffering.

Its most intriguing idea is that time itself is a result of original sin, proposing that pre-fallen humanity existed in a timeless state and that a single self-centered decision altered all of linear time. This framework helps reconcile biblical creation with modern science while remaining theologically consistent.

Challenging yet rewarding, The Advent of Time is best suited for readers who enjoy deep theological and philosophical exploration and are seeking a thoughtful, cohesive answer to the problem of evil.

[Kammi Wofford · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Advent of Time includes an exploration of time and the power of a loving God. As a Christian myself, I believe there is power of life and death in the tongue- while the author expresses thoroughly why one may struggle to believe that God is all loving when evil exists. While I typically enjoy books that express this thoroughly, this is not a particular favorite of mine as someone who has studied theology(some forms of theology are not all the same depending on where one studied).

I do believe God is all loving even though evil exists, but this just wasn’t my favorite read as someone who prefers more of a personal approach rather logic. Simply because God is unfathomable. We walk by faith and not by sight. And this is where choosing to believe God is all loving even though evil exists comes to place. it’s simply faith. I do appreciate the author attempting to respect those who took a chance to learn and be mindful of those who read this book who may not know God or have ever heard of Him.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking to be challenged! The author provides great perspective for readers who are looking to learn and are open minded.

[Anissa Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you believe in God, you have been asked “if God is good, why do bad things happen?” If you do not believe in God, you have likely asked that question yourself. In “The Advent of Time” the author invites the reader to explore this question, and other big ones, not necessarily to convert or convince, but to have a broader understanding of life and religion’s role. The author writes from an academic voice, with gentle nods to philosophy and science and how they coincide with, not contradict, faith. This read offers a fresh perspective on hard questions regarding hell and evil, how humanity’s free will plays a part, and theorizes how the concept of time began in connection to Adam and Eve’s fall from grace. If you want a relatable read that also presents both logical and biblical answers to the questions mankind has asked for millennia, this book is worthwhile.

[Jaz V · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Brittney Wolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes on one of the biggest faith questions out there—why evil and suffering exist if God is loving and all-powerful—and does it in a thoughtful, surprisingly clear way. The author explains that real love requires things like free will and selflessness, and that those same conditions make suffering possible. What really stood out was the idea that time itself began after humanity’s fall, and that one decision could affect all of history at once. It’s deep, but written in a way that invites reflection rather than confusion. If you enjoy big spiritual questions and don’t mind stretching your thinking, this book gives a lot to consider and stays grounded in Christian beliefs throughout.

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Advent of Time by Indignus Servus offers an ambitious and deeply thoughtful exploration of one of theology’s most enduring questions: why evil and suffering exist in a world created by an all-loving, all-powerful God. The book stands out for its structured, philosophical approach, carefully building from the foundations of relational love, faith, free will, selflessness, and other essential prerequisites into a sweeping framework that connects timeless existence, the origin of time, and humanity’s fallen condition.

Its concept of a “non-time” pre-fallen reality is especially striking, presenting a creative yet systematic way of examining how a single self-centered act could affect all of linear history. The author also tackles complex issues such as the relationship between biblical creation and natural science, as well as difficult doctrines surrounding hell, with clarity and doctrinal consistency. Thought-provoking and comprehensive, this work will resonate strongly with readers seeking a rigorous, orthodox Christian perspective on suffering, love, and eternity.

[Jessica Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time and Meaning
“The Advent of Time” by Indignus Servus explores one of faith’s hardest questions: if God is loving and powerful, why does suffering exist? What sets this book apart is its bold idea that time itself began after humanity’s fall, making time a consequence of broken relationship rather than just life’s backdrop. As someone who has wrestled with faith during seasons of loss and uncertainty, I found this perspective thoughtful and surprisingly comforting. The book doesn’t offer easy answers, but it treats suffering seriously, placing it within a framework of love, free will, and purpose. By thoughtfully bridging faith and reason, “The Advent of Time” invites readers to reflect deeply on pain, time, and the nature of God’s love.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great read for anyone who has ever wrestled with the big “why” questions. It’s especially great for students or those who are naturally curious and want more than surface-level answers. This book is very much a deep dive into theology, and you can tell it’s written from a highly analytical, research-driven perspective. It doesn’t try to simplify the questions or rush the answers, which I found to be nice.

This isn’t an emotional or inspirational-style read—it’s structured, logical, and clearly designed for people who want to understand the reasoning behind faith, suffering, and existence on a deeper level. If you enjoy unpacking big concepts, thinking critically, and exploring theology beyond the basics, this book is a really strong resource.

[Caleb Willis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The problem of evil is one that rarely gets a satisfactory answer. And this is true for both sides. Atheists cannot get away with waving off Christianity over the issue if the atheists themselves do not have a good answer to the problem. Indignus Servus provides a unique answer that is easy to follow and that purposefully avoids falling into the same pitfalls that many Christian writers end up in when tackling the dilemma. Servus’ argument builds in a way that is impossible to summarize in a short review. Suffice it to say that any honest reader – Christian, atheist, or otherwise – will be challenged in their preconceived notions and encouraged by the love of God when they read this book.