Difference Between Eternity And Immortality (With Table)

Eternity means the infinite existence of time. Also, some philosophies identify Eternity as something that exists beyond or outside time. Eternity is a concept that grants the Gods eternal life in different religions. Moreover, Eternity is also defined as the state after death or afterlife where every being enjoys endless existence.

Immortality is the state where a being is exempt from death and relishes a never-ending existence. In some contexts, Immortality is explained as indefinite existence even after death. For example, some animal species possess the ability of immortal existence as they don’t age with time and hence never die.

Comparison Table Between Eternity And Immortality

What is Eternity?

Eternity is the unending existence of time with no beginning and no end. However, according to the definition provided by classical philosophy, Eternity refers to the matter that isn’t bound by time and exists outside it. Alternatively, Eternity is also defined as the state of timelessness.

The concept of Eternity is so overwhelming that no one can fully fathom the depth of this subject. Everyone who tries to study deeper about Eternity ends up amazed and weary because it is hard to grasp this topic using a human brain.

Almost every religion has tried to explore Eternity, and the religious texts provide various viewpoints and definitions of what Eternity is. In Christianity, Eternity is defined as the existence of the soul and life past death. As told in the Christian texts, God provides eternal life to the deserving according to the rules of Jesus Christ. In Hinduism, each body contains a soul or atman, which is eternal and isn’t bound by time laws.

Many philosophers have tried to establish a meaningful definition of Eternity. For example, according to Aristotle, the world has existed eternally for all time. He talked about his views in his books and tried to explain the concept using Physics.

What is Immortality?

Immortality is a unique state where beings don’t experience death. However, sometimes Immortality is also defined as the infinite existence of body and soul in the afterlife (after death). In many religions, Immortality is defined as the existence of the soul after the physical death of the body.

The word “Immortality” originated from the Latin word immortalis, which means “deathless” or “undying,” and the English word mortal. Immortalis was made by joining two Latin words: in- and mortalis. In- meant “not,” and mortalis meant “mortal,” essentially meaning “not mortal.”

Some organisms like Hydra and Sturdy Turtles aren’t affected by age and can, theoretically, live forever if they aren’t susceptible to diseases and predators. However, scientists have argued that humans can achieve biological Immortality by using technologies like mind uploading and cryopreservation.

Different religions share different viewpoints on the concept of Immortality. Christians believe that everyone would be resurrected from the dead and then enjoy the perks of Immortality. However, in Hinduism, the belief tells that after the body’s physical death, the soul travels and is reincarnated into another being, hence suggesting spiritual Immortality. In Taoism, if the mortal beings have done a significant amount of good work, they are granted spiritual Immortality.

Main Differences Between Eternity And Immortality

1. Eternity refers to the infinite existence of time. On the other hand, Immortality means the persistent presence of life.
2. The word “Eternity” originated from the Latin word aeternus, meaning “without beginning or end.” On the other hand, the word “Immortality” derives from the Latin word immortalis, which means “not mortal.”
3. Eternity is defined as something that has no beginning and no end. On the other hand, Immortal beings have a defined beginning but don’t have an end.
4. According to Science, there are no eternal beings. But, theoretically, some species are immortal like Hydra, Regenerating Flatworms, Tardigrade, etc.
5. The classical philosophical definition of Eternity says that Eternity is the existence of material outside of time. On the other hand, the classical philosophical purpose of Immortality is that Immortality is the prolongation of mind, body, or soul past physical death.

Conclusion

The concepts of Eternity and Immortality are closely related and very intimate. The thin line of difference between the two topics is explained in this sentence: Everything that enjoys Eternity enjoys Immortality. But, everything that enjoys Immortality doesn’t necessarily have Eternity. Both these topics are so interlinked that it is almost impossible to talk about one subject without talking about the other. However, their likeness doesn’t make them equal, and they share their differences which makes them unique and unequal. Therefore, it is wrong to use one in the place of the other as they provide different meanings in various contexts.

To summarize, Eternity is an undying time with no beginning or end. It is ever-present and will continue to be, with or without the interference of anyone.
On the other hand, Immortality refers to either the never-dying nature of a being or the resurrection of the soul after the materialistic death of the physical body.

References

1. https://www.jstor.org/stable/2026047
2. https://www.brianrwright.com/Coffee_Coaster/03_Book_Reviews/2007/Books_PDF/070926_ProspectImmortality.pdf