Q&A: Prime Matter
Prime Matter
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I understood from the booklet on the cosmological argument that the Rabbi accepts the Greek concept of “prime matter” (as I understand it, the meaning of this concept is that it refers to the fundamental non-material source of the physical). From what I understand, it always existed and was not created.
My first question:
Isn’t that the definition of “God”?
When I say “God” I mean “the thing that matter comes from” — is that basically a mistake?
And a second question: was my spirit created, or is it eternal, similar to prime matter?
I’d be glad for a little order in these concepts.
Thank you.
Answer
Prime matter is an amorphous substance without intellect or will. It is simply matter without properties. I don’t know what is meant by saying that I “accept” this. I understand the definition, but I don’t know whether it ever really existed or whether it is an abstraction.
God is a being with intellect and will. Therefore the two should not be identified.