Salvation in the Block Universe | Ian Ramsey Centre Science Lecture

Lecture Title: Salvation in the Block Universe: Exploring the Relationship between Time and Soteriology

Abstract: Time is often underrepresented in conversations between religion and science. When it is discussed, the discussion tends to be dominated by God’s relationship to time. In this lecture, Dr Qureshi-Hurst will present the main argument from her recent book Salvation in the Block Universe: Time, Tillich, and Transformation, which was recently awarded the 2025 ISSR Book Prize in the academic category. Her aim is to move beyond standard debates about divine temporality. Instead, she wants to examine the extent to which specific theological doctrines, in particular the Christian doctrine of salvation, should be shaped by insights from the physics and metaphysics of time. She will argue for a block universe, or a B-theory of time, which appears to be hostile to robust ontological change. The problem is, the doctrine of salvation seems to require the reality of change. If individuals are to be truly transformed from being ‘fallen’ to being ‘saved’, then robust change must be possible. But physics and metaphysics favours a block universe, which problematises robust change. Therefore, there exists a tension between the physics and metaphysics of time on the one hand, and the doctrine of salvation on the other. The philosophical question at the heart of this is: can sinners really change?

About the Speaker: Dr Emily Qureshi-Hurst is a Teaching Associate in Theology and the Natural Sciences in the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge. Her research focuses on the philosophical questions raised by interactions between science and religion, particularly physics and Christianity.

Event Details:

📅 Date: Friday, 14 November 2025

🕓 Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (GMT)

📍 Venue: Third Floor, Faculty of Theology: Room 30.301, Schwarzman Centre, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford

🍷 Wine reception for attendees.

This event, open to all, is supported by the Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion, based in the Faculty of Theology, University of Oxford. Please register on this Eventbrite to confirm your attendance.

Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion

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