Understanding "God's Actions"
To respond to the challenge of detecting God's actions scientifically, it is crucial to first clarify what is meant by "God's actions." According to Scripture, God's actions can be categorized into two primary types: natural and supernatural.
Natural Actions
Natural actions refer to God's continuous maintenance of the created order. After the initial act of creation, God sustains the universe and its inherent properties. Genesis 1:31 declares that God saw all He had made and it was "very good." This indicates that the natural world operates according to the properties and laws established by God, requiring no further supernatural intervention to maintain its functionality.
For example, apples taste good and nourish us because God maintains their properties. A soccer goalie deflects a ball because God sustains the properties of the ball, the air, and the goalie's body. Hebrews 1:3 confirms this continuous divine activity: "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power."
Supernatural Actions
Supernatural actions are those where God intervenes in the natural order in ways that exceed the capabilities of created things. These actions are often referred to as miracles, such as the virgin birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25) and His resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Both types of actions are divine, but they differ in their detectability through scientific means.
Defining "Science"
Science is the systematic study of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment. It relies on the regularities and laws of nature to make predictions and establish principles, such as Newton's laws of motion or the principles of thermodynamics.
Science also employs methods to infer causes from observed effects, much like detective work. Scientists investigate specific events and phenomena to understand their underlying mechanisms and causes. The scientific method involves forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and analyzing data to draw conclusions about the natural world.
Can Science Detect God’s Natural Actions?
God's natural actions, involving the ongoing maintenance of the world He created, are typically not detectable by scientific means. The regularities and laws of nature, which science studies, are themselves the results of God's sustaining activity. For instance, the reason an atom's electrons do not crash into the nucleus is due to the properties God instilled in atoms, not because of continuous supernatural intervention.
Genesis 8:22 underscores this continuous order: "While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease." These cycles and natural laws operate seamlessly without the need for detectable supernatural tinkering. Therefore, while God is actively maintaining creation, these actions conform to the established natural order and are not distinguishable through scientific investigation.
Can Science Detect Supernatural Actions?
The detection of God’s supernatural actions through science is more complex and context-dependent. Supernatural actions transcend the natural capacities of created things. Science can sometimes help identify these events by highlighting when known natural laws and processes are insufficient to explain an occurrence.
The Virgin Birth of Jesus
The conception of Jesus by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18) is a prime example of a supernatural event that defies natural explanation. Medical science can confirm that virgin births do not occur naturally in humans, thus underscoring the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth. As C.S. Lewis pointed out, modern gynecology only sharpens the understanding that a virgin birth is contrary to natural laws, highlighting its supernatural origin.
The Resurrection of Jesus
Similarly, the resurrection of Jesus is an event that transcends natural law. Dead bodies do not return to life by natural processes. The apostle Paul emphasizes the miraculous nature of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, describing it as a cornerstone of Christian faith. Scientific knowledge about death and decomposition reinforces the understanding that resurrection is beyond natural capability, requiring divine intervention.
The Role of Science in Detecting Supernatural Events
Science plays a crucial role in understanding the natural world, which in turn can help in detecting when an event exceeds natural capabilities. This detection is based on knowledge, not ignorance. It is not merely a matter of not knowing how something could happen but having every reason to believe that it cannot happen naturally. This understanding can point towards the necessity of a supernatural cause.
For example, the laws of thermodynamics, principles of biology, and established scientific understanding of life and death provide a framework within which we recognize the supernatural nature of events like the resurrection. When science reaches the limits of natural explanation, it can suggest the involvement of a supernatural agent.
Scriptural Examples and Scientific Inquiry
The Bible contains numerous accounts of supernatural events, many of which have been subjects of scientific and historical inquiry:
The Parting of the Red Sea
In Exodus 14, God parts the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to escape from the Egyptians. Scientific studies have explored natural explanations for this event, such as strong winds and tides. However, the timing and specificity described in the Bible suggest a supernatural element orchestrated by God.
The Sun Standing Still
In Joshua 10:12-14, the sun stands still to allow Israel to defeat the Amorites. This event defies astronomical understanding and suggests a miraculous intervention.
The Feeding of the Five Thousand
In John 6:1-14, Jesus feeds five thousand people with five loaves and two fish. This miracle transcends natural processes of food production and distribution, pointing to Jesus' divine power.
Theological Implications
The ability to detect God's actions scientifically has significant theological implications. It reinforces the belief in a God who is both immanent, sustaining His creation, and transcendent, capable of intervening supernaturally. Understanding that natural laws are themselves sustained by God encourages a view of science and faith as complementary rather than conflicting. Science explores the regularities of the world that God has created and sustains, while faith acknowledges the potential for God to act beyond these regularities when it serves His purposes.
Responding to the Challenge
When faced with the challenge to prove God's actions scientifically, Christians can:
Clarify Definitions
Explain the distinction between natural and supernatural actions. Natural actions conform to established scientific laws, while supernatural actions transcend them.
Present Evidence
Highlight instances where science recognizes the limits of natural explanations, suggesting the necessity of a supernatural cause. Use examples like the virgin birth and resurrection of Jesus to illustrate events that defy naturalistic explanations.
Integrate Knowledge
Emphasize that scientific understanding of the natural world can enhance our appreciation of God's sustaining activity while acknowledging that certain events require divine intervention.
Appeal to Reason
Use logical and philosophical arguments to complement scientific evidence, demonstrating the coherence of belief in God within a scientific framework.
By addressing these points, Christians can engage meaningfully with those who demand scientific proof of God's actions, presenting a well-rounded case that integrates scientific knowledge with theological understanding.
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Additional Scriptural Considerations
The Bible offers numerous insights into the relationship between God’s actions and the natural world, as well as the limitations of human understanding:
The Limits of Human Understanding
Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." This verse reminds believers that human understanding, including scientific knowledge, is limited compared to God's infinite wisdom.
God’s Sovereignty Over Creation
Psalm 104 provides a poetic description of God’s continuous involvement in sustaining creation: "He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst" (Psalm 104:10-11). This passage underscores God's active role in maintaining the natural order.
The Role of Faith
Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Faith involves trust in God's actions and promises, even when they cannot be empirically verified. This principle is crucial when discussing the detectability of divine actions through science.
Historical and Philosophical Perspectives
Throughout history, many theologians and philosophers have explored the relationship between divine action and scientific inquiry:
Thomas Aquinas
Aquinas argued that natural law and divine providence are not mutually exclusive. He believed that God works through secondary causes (natural laws) to achieve His purposes. This view aligns with the understanding that God's natural actions are undetectable by science because they are embedded in the regular functioning of the world.
Isaac Newton
Newton, a devout Christian, saw his scientific work as uncovering the principles by which God governs the universe. He did not see a conflict between his faith and his scientific pursuits, illustrating that scientific inquiry can coexist with belief in divine action.
Modern Scientific Perspectives
In contemporary discussions, some scientists acknowledge the limits of scientific explanations and the possibility of divine action:
John Polkinghorne
Polkinghorne, a physicist and theologian, argues that science and theology address different aspects of reality. Science explains the mechanisms of the natural world, while theology addresses questions of purpose and meaning. He suggests that acknowledging the limits of scientific explanations opens the door to recognizing divine action.
Francis Collins
Collins, a geneticist and the director of the National Institutes of Health, sees his scientific work as compatible with his Christian faith. He believes that studying the natural world can lead to a greater appreciation of God's creativity and sustaining power.
Practical Applications for Believers
Understanding the relationship between God's actions and scientific inquiry has practical implications for Christians:
Strengthening Faith
Recognizing that God's sustaining activity underlies natural laws can strengthen believers' faith, fostering a deeper trust in God's providence.
Engaging in Dialogue
Christians can engage in meaningful dialogue with those who challenge the existence of God based on scientific grounds, presenting a well-reasoned case that integrates scientific knowledge with theological insights.
Pursuing Scientific Careers
Believers can pursue careers in science with the conviction that their work is an exploration of God's creation, contributing to a greater understanding of the natural world while maintaining their faith in divine action.
Conclusion
The interplay between God's actions and scientific inquiry is a rich field of exploration that encourages believers to appreciate the complexity and beauty of God's creation. By recognizing the limitations of science and the potential for divine intervention, Christians can present a coherent and compelling case for the detectability of God's actions. This understanding fosters a deeper faith, meaningful engagement with skeptics, and a commitment to pursuing scientific knowledge in harmony with theological truths.
About the Author
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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