On the Non-Linear Origins of Consciousness Part II: Infinity versus Eternity

Eternity is a key concept in religious thought, infinity a key concept in scientific thought, and it is a common thing for people to equivocate between them. In particular scientists have the idea that consciousness is because of its attachment to the body and the born of finite extent, which is to be contrasted with the orthodox Christian view that consciousness can exist independently of the brain, and is of infinite extent. Both parties see infinite consciousness as something that starts at some point on a time line and extends for an interminably long period, with scientists typically denying that consciousness has this property, and Christians and others affirming it. Here we carefully define eternity, and the notions of infinity in common usage by mathematicians scientists, and explain why they are not the same.