Faith clearly teaches that this world did not exist from all eternity, but was created in time, i.e.,a measurable span of time has elapsed since the world came into being. Saint Thomas and Suarez deny that we can prove from reason that eternal creation was impossible, that this world could not have existed from all eternity. Many modern philosophers think we can prove it. The difference is only apparent. The former spoke of a priori arguments, of which there are none; the latter speak of arguments drawn from experience, e.g., the transformation of energy, or radioactivity.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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