Good morning, Betty Boop.
At my present level of understanding, I can't see how creation could be anything other than that. Even man himself, created in the image and likeness of God is a projection of the thoughts of God. And how could that projection become substantial (individualized and seemingly separate) except in a time/space continuum?
He images us. Imagines us, therefore we reside in His mind in a time environment in order that we, as individuals, have a linear direction in which to understand God and our relationship with Him, precept upon precept.
In a sense, could we say that time is an aspect of the Grace of God? For without it we would not be 'individuated' ( Is that a word?) -- having the sense of 'becoming.' Seems that He imagined us first, then gave us time to become in His 'likeness', according to the speed of the trial and error process of how we refine our choices and desires -- as we journey toward the 'likeness' stage.
Yes Eastbound, I think in a certain sense we can say that time -- and space -- are "aspects of the Grace of God." I think this is what Newton was driving at, with his idea of sensorium Dei, that “God constitutes space and time through his eternity and omnipresence.” These, of course, are constituents of a universal field.
In Christian thought, man is imago Dei -- made in the image and likeness of God. This is a profound, world-transforming step "up" from the Platonic idea that man is "microcosm," the image of the Cosmos. It had to wait for the Incarnation of Christ, Who is both God and Man, for such an idea to become intelligible.
I admire your profound insight: "Seems that He imagined us first, then gave us time to become in His 'likeness', according to the speed of the trial and error process of how we refine our choices and desires -- as we journey toward the 'likeness' stage." And He gives us the great help of the power of the Holy Spirit to facilitate this process, this journey.
Thank you so much, Eastbound, for your perceptive and beautiful reply.