Essays: The concept of time

By admin · Thursday, July 9th, 2009

Time is relative. “Relative to what?” begins the journey on what is the concept of time. Time is irrelevant if their is no consciousness to perceive its passing. It is of no consequence to geology as a rock has no perception. To a geologist however, it is a map of creation. The same applies to all the sciences. Animals and plants have no intellect and the passing of time just happens. Their self awareness has no need of a concept of time other than the fact that certain cycles naturally occur and their instincts are aligned to these. These can be measured by an observer with intellect, humanity.

Time therefore, is a concept created so that humanity can better describe their surroundings and gain a better understanding of it. It is through this, that humanity builds a working relationship with the reality around them. By its very nature, it needs a beginning and an end. Time becomes the measure of that period in between. Various values are given to that measure so that they become relative to the passing of our own lives. Hence the creation today of seconds, minutes, hours, days, years, aeons etc. History has provided different terms but their purpose was the same.

Time has particular importance in the sciences as it becomes nothing more than a measure. Its relevance is how it interacts and affects various observations, equations, formula and their outcomes. It becomes somewhat sterile and clinical. It is perceived as a constant. It is somewhat disconcerting to the scientific community when their equations and observations indicate the contrary. Increasingly, there is acceptance that time is not constant. Black holes pose puzzling anomalies and it is becoming obvious that time is relevant to the reality around it. When that reality and environment is affected by other realities and environments, time itself is affected.

It appears that science due to its exploration of the physical is now approaching the metaphysical due to its focus and dependence on time. Timeless states are being theorized and hypothesized. Did time exist before the “big bang” or was there that metaphysical state of no beginning and no end? Is that why the Church has been so opposed to Science. Is Science now truly threatening the Church by questioning their God who states, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end”.