Providence and Science

As a Christian studying in a secular University I find that one of the most frequently occurring issues used to undermine the validity or even feasibility of Christianity is Science (by Science I mean the natural sciences). My previous program of study was Life Science at UofT, so I am slightly familiar with the terrain. Though I did not finish the program I was there long enough to bask in God’s glory demonstrated in the awesomeness and intricacies of nature. Analyzing anatomical systems, cellular structures, and complex chemical reactions just increased my awe before God. "Our God designed all of this!!!" I could not help but be amazed. Though I am astonished at the feats man has created (transportation, internet, architectural marvels), they all pale in comparison to the natural wonders we see around us. As a Christian I do not see Science as incompatible with Christianity. For some odd reason many people do.

One issue that has somewhat disturbed me is the impact Science has on the doctrine of Providence. I am no Theologian, but when I discovered the doctrine of Providence I was startled by the practical implications it bears within one’s own life. The question (at least how I understand it) that the doctrine of Providence asks is to what extent is God active, deliberate, or consciously involved within the Universe. One response that I have heard is that God is not active/consciously involved within every minuscule event. God has set up natural laws such that God is the primary (first cause), but not necessarily the direct, cause to an effect. For example, God is not active/consciously controlling the number of Sodium ions crossing the walls of my nerves. This is not strictly deism. God is not removed from the universe; he is still involved in events.

I have serious issues with this point of view. One must first understand that the proponent of this position is trying to navigate the difficult waters of Science and Christianity. They may affirm that the Bible is the Word of God. Yet it seems that plainly, when one looks into the world, one observes that there do appear to be natural laws. Does this necessarily take away glory of God? From my own personal experience, I can see God glorified in these natural laws. But at the same time, it appears that the biblical witness goes further than saying that God simply creates natural laws and his activity is relegated to primary cause status rather than active within every event.

For me, I would claim that God is active and deliberate within every event in all creation. He is the one holding my chair up as I write this piece, ensuring my computer does not crash, and he is the one deciding and allowing the proper transfer of ions across my nervous membranes such that I can type. Can I argue this from Scripture?

There appears to be many examples which affirm this position. For example in Genesis 8:22 God states that, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease”.[1] This passage is within the context of the receding of the flood. Though the flood brought irregularity to the earth, “there is a return to regularity and predictability in the world of nature”.[2] Victor Hamilton states that “regularity in nature is a given, a promise of God”.[3] This statement seems to be a sweeping proposition regarding God and his activity (and also his promise) in nature. Though it does not specifically state that God sprouts the seeds at harvest, and decides which nutrients are involved in fertilizing agriculture, it is clear that the implication is that God is in control of these regular events. These mundane, repeatable events that we take for granted in life, come about by God’s promise. Vern Poythress rightly states that “according to the Bible, [God] is involved in those areas where science does best, namely areas involving regular and predictable events, repeating patterns, and sometimes exact mathematical descriptions”.[4]

Another passage that seems to affirm this is Hebrews 1:3: "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". The phrase that has me pondering is he upholds the universe by the word of his power. This text is specifically referring to Jesus. George Guthrie informs one that:"the action (that is of upholding/sustaining) speaks of the continual organization and carrying forward of the created order to a designed end".[5] If this is correct, it implies that the continual existence of the universe is dependent on Christ. What happens when one removes the sustenance to a living object (i.e. food, water, etc)? It ceases to exist. Not only does this passage indicate that the present sustenance is dependent on God’s activity, any future existence is also dependent on Christ.

Is God deliberate in all aspects of life? The above biblical texts seem to affirm this. The regularities of science are not only designed by God, their very nature and existence is dependent on Christ. If God is not in control of the molecules found within cancer cells, if God just leaves them alone and lets them run their course, then what point is there to pray for healing. My prayers are directed to a God who I believe is in control of all things. If He is not, then if I ever contract a terminal disease, then I would be truly lost. Praise God that he is in control of the little details. I can live my life trusting him.

I agree with Calvin when  he said:

God is deemed omnipotent not because he can indeed act, yet sometimes ceases and sits in idleness, or continues by generous impulse that order of nature which he previously appointed; but because, governing heaven and earth by his providence, he so regulates all things that nothing takes place without his deliberation. [Quoted by Bruce Milne, Know the Truth (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1998), 102.]

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[1]All biblical texts are taken from the ESV unless otherwise stated.

[2]Victor P. Hamilton, The Book of Genesis Chapters 1-17 (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1990), 310.

[3]Ibid., 311.

[4]Vern S. Poythress, Redeeming Science: A God-Centered Approach (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2006), 54.

[5]George Guthrie, Hebrews: The NIV Application Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1998), 48.