90.01 Mainstream (p.56)

hard cover page 56

Most mainstream theistic philosophies posit God’s eternity. One example from the Jewish tradition is the oft-cited phrase from the Adon Olam prayer (author unknown), “He [always] was, He [always] is, He [always] will be.”¹⁹⁷ Inasmuch as these matters are beyond our comprehension, it is argued, further attempts at explication are not deemed necessary or possible, however desirable.The Pentateuch commences with the creation of the world as we know it. The question of God’s origins is not addressed.

¹⁹⁷ “Lord of the World” is a rhymed liturgical hymn. The author is unknown, although the hymn has been attributed to Solomon ibn Gabirol (1 1 th cent.). See Encyclopaedia Judaica, vol. 2, col. 295.