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The concept of Eternal knowledge in Christianity

Eternal knowledge, as interpreted by various Christian traditions, signifies God's perfect and timeless understanding of all existence, unaffected by change or time. In Protestantism, it refers to God's omniscience, knowing all things from an eternal perspective. Eastern Orthodoxy views it as the divine wisdom surrounding God, while Catholic teachings emphasize a constant, unchanging characteristic of God's knowledge. Early Christianity portrays eternal knowledge as an invitation to grasp divine truths, highlighting God's supreme wisdom and power.

Synonyms: Infinite knowledge

In Dutch: Eeuwige kennis; In Finnish: Ikuinen tieto; In Spanish: Conocimiento eterno; In German: Ewiges Wissen; In Swedish: Evig kunskap; In Malay: Ilmu yang abadi; In French: Connaissance Ă©ternelle

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Eternal knowledge'

Christianity Books

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Existence and Attributes of God

(1) God's perfect and ceaseless understanding of all things, not subject to change or enhancement over time.[1] (2) The trait of God that implies He knows all things eternally and does not gain new knowledge, peering into all events as if they are present.[2] (3) God's understanding that exists outside of time, allowing Him to know all things before they come into being.[3]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) This refers to the perfect knowledge that is in beatitude, the angels are always exercising this type of knowledge and love and are not able to have any natural knowledge.[4] (2) The timeless understanding of God that encompasses all existence, not limited to the temporal experience of creatures.[5]

From: Works of St. Anselm

(1) Eternal knowledge and intelligence is a constant and unchanging characteristic that always considers what it knows and conceives of as present.[6]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Eastern Orthodoxy (or the Eastern Orthodox Church):
Eastern Orthodoxy Books

From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite

(1) This is a phrase referring to the state of being, the knowledge of good, and it is the knowledge of the ever memorable, and the practise of the Good, which conscious transgressors lack.[7] (2) The first rank of the Heavenly Beings which encircle and stand immediately around God; and without symbol, and without interruption, dances round His eternal knowledge in the most exalted ever-moving stability as in Angels; viewing purely many and blessed contemplations, and illuminated with simple and immediate splendours, and filled with Divine nourishment.[8]

Eastern Orthodoxy, or Byzantine Christianity, is one of the three main branches of Christianity. It consists of independently governed churches with strong cultural ties to Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Eastern Orthodox theology focuses on the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Believers strive for theosis, or becoming closer to God, through grace and spiritual practices.  

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) Eternal knowledge is something that the Sovereign Lord wishes people to taste, suggesting an understanding of lasting or divine matters.[9] (2) The text says that God is eternal knowledge, everlasting sight, and untaught wisdom, showing his power.[10]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.