Glossary

Divine action explores how God interacts with the world. This topic delves into models like the , , and intelligent design. It examines miracles, scientific laws, evolution, free will, prayer, and personal religious experiences.

The chapter connects divine action to broader themes in science and religion. It tackles key questions about God's role in nature, human freedom, and the efficacy of prayer, highlighting diverse perspectives on these complex issues.

Models of divine action

  • Divine action refers to the ways in which God is believed to interact with and intervene in the world
  • Different theological and philosophical perspectives propose various models to explain how divine action operates within the natural order
  • These models seek to reconcile the concept of an omnipotent and omniscient God with the observed regularities of the universe and the existence of natural laws

Thomistic view

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  • Developed by Thomas Aquinas, this view holds that God acts through secondary causes in nature
  • God is the primary cause of all things, but He works through the natural properties and laws He has created
  • This perspective maintains that God does not violate the natural order but rather sustains and guides it towards His purposes
  • Example: God may answer a prayer for healing by guiding the body's natural healing processes rather than directly intervening

Process theology perspective

  • Process theology emphasizes God's ongoing and dynamic interaction with the world
  • According to this view, God is not a static, unchanging being but is actively involved in the unfolding of the universe
  • God influences the world through persuasion and invitation rather than coercion or direct control
  • Example: God may inspire individuals to make positive choices that contribute to the betterment of the world

Intelligent design theory

  • Intelligent design (ID) proponents argue that certain features of the universe and living organisms are best explained by an intelligent cause rather than an undirected process
  • ID advocates claim that the complexity and specificity of biological systems, such as the bacterial flagellum, point to a designer
  • Critics argue that ID is not a scientific theory and lacks empirical support
  • Example: ID proponents might point to the intricate structure of the eye as evidence of divine design

Continuous creation vs discrete interventions

  • Some theologians propose that God continuously sustains and creates the universe moment by moment
  • This view suggests that divine action is not limited to but is an ongoing process
  • Others argue that God primarily acts through specific, identifiable interventions in the natural order
  • These interventions may include miracles, answers to prayer, or providential guidance in human affairs
  • Example: The parting of the Red Sea in the Exodus narrative could be seen as a discrete divine intervention

Miracles and divine intervention

  • Miracles are often considered to be extraordinary events that cannot be explained by natural laws and are attributed to divine intervention
  • The study of miracles raises questions about the nature of divine action, the reliability of accounts, and the compatibility of miracles with scientific understanding

Definitions and characteristics of miracles

  • A miracle is typically defined as an event that appears to be contrary to the laws of nature and is attributed to supernatural intervention
  • Miracles are often associated with religious figures, such as Jesus or the Buddha, and are seen as signs of divine power or approval
  • Characteristics of miracles may include their rarity, their significant impact on individuals or communities, and their apparent defiance of natural explanations

Biblical accounts of miracles

  • The Bible contains numerous accounts of miracles, such as Jesus turning water into wine, healing the sick, and raising the dead
  • Old Testament miracles include the parting of the Red Sea, the sun standing still for Joshua, and Elisha multiplying the widow's oil
  • These miracles are often seen as demonstrations of God's power, love, and concern for His people
  • Example: Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee

Philosophical arguments for and against miracles

  • Philosophers have debated the possibility and probability of miracles, considering factors such as the reliability of testimony, the uniformity of nature, and the coherence of divine intervention
  • David Hume argued that miracles are inherently improbable and that it is more reasonable to believe that a miracle claim is false than to believe that a law of nature has been violated
  • Theistic philosophers, such as Richard Swinburne, contend that if God exists, then miracles are possible and can serve as evidence for divine revelation
  • Example: The resurrection of Jesus is a central miracle claim in Christianity that has been the subject of extensive philosophical and historical analysis

Scientific perspectives on miracles

  • Science operates on the assumption of , which seeks to explain phenomena in terms of natural causes without invoking supernatural intervention
  • Some scientists argue that miracle claims are outside the scope of scientific investigation because they are, by definition, non-repeatable and non-testable events
  • Others maintain that alleged miracles should be investigated using scientific methods to determine if natural explanations can account for the reported phenomena
  • Example: The Shroud of Turin has been studied scientifically to determine its age and the nature of the image it bears

Divine action and scientific laws

  • The relationship between divine action and scientific laws is a central concern in the dialogue between science and religion
  • Theologians and philosophers have proposed various ways to reconcile the concept of an active God with the regularity and predictability of the natural world

Compatibility of divine action with natural laws

  • Some thinkers argue that divine action is compatible with natural laws because God is the creator and sustainer of these laws
  • God may act through secondary causes, guiding the unfolding of the universe in accordance with the laws He has established
  • Others suggest that God may occasionally suspend or override natural laws to perform miracles or intervene in human affairs
  • Example: The fine-tuning of the universe's physical constants could be seen as evidence of God's action in establishing the laws of nature

Primary and secondary causation

  • The concept of primary and secondary causation, developed by Thomas Aquinas, distinguishes between God's direct action (primary causation) and the actions of created beings (secondary causation)
  • God, as the primary cause, creates and sustains the universe, while secondary causes operate within the framework of natural laws
  • This view allows for the autonomy of nature while maintaining God's ultimate sovereignty and
  • Example: The growth of a plant can be explained by secondary causes (photosynthesis, nutrient uptake) while still being dependent on God's primary causation in creating and sustaining the natural order

Quantum indeterminacy and divine action

  • Some theologians and scientists have proposed that the indeterminacy inherent in quantum mechanics may provide a way for God to act in the world without violating natural laws
  • According to this view, God could influence the outcome of quantum events, such as the decay of a radioactive atom, in a way that is consistent with the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics
  • Critics argue that this approach does not fully resolve the tension between divine action and scientific determinism and may limit God's power to the realm of the very small
  • Example: God could guide the mutation of a gene during the quantum-level processes of DNA replication

Chaos theory and divine action

  • Chaos theory describes systems in which small changes in initial conditions can lead to large, unpredictable consequences over time
  • Some thinkers have suggested that God could act in the world by influencing these sensitive initial conditions, leading to significant effects without violating the laws of nature
  • This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness and complexity of the universe and suggests that divine action may be subtle and difficult to detect
  • Example: The butterfly effect, in which a small change (like a butterfly flapping its wings) can lead to a large outcome (like a hurricane), could be a metaphor for how God might influence events through small, seemingly insignificant actions

Divine action in evolution

  • The role of divine action in the process of biological evolution is a central concern in the dialogue between science and religion
  • Different theological perspectives offer varying accounts of how God may guide or influence the evolutionary process

Theistic evolution

  • holds that God creates and guides the process of evolution, using it as a means to bring about His purposes in the world
  • According to this view, evolution is not a purely unguided process but is directed by God's providence and intention
  • Theistic evolutionists affirm the scientific evidence for evolution while maintaining that God is ultimately responsible for the existence and diversity of life
  • Example: God could guide mutations and natural selection to produce organisms that are well-suited to their environments and that fulfill His creative purposes

Evolutionary creationism

  • Evolutionary creationism is similar to theistic evolution but emphasizes the continuity between God's creative action and the evolutionary process
  • This perspective holds that evolution is a God-ordained process that continuously creates and sustains the diversity of life
  • Evolutionary creationists reject the idea of separate, discrete creation events and instead view evolution as an ongoing expression of God's creativity
  • Example: The emergence of new species through evolutionary processes could be seen as a manifestation of God's ongoing creative work

Guided vs unguided evolution

  • The question of whether evolution is guided or unguided by God is a central point of contention in the dialogue between science and religion
  • Some theists argue that evolution must be guided by God in order to produce the complexity and beauty of the natural world and to fulfill God's purposes
  • Others maintain that evolution can be an unguided process and that God's creative action is compatible with the randomness and contingency inherent in evolutionary mechanisms
  • Example: The evolution of the human brain and the emergence of human consciousness could be seen as evidence of God's guiding influence, or as the result of unguided natural processes

Randomness and divine providence

  • The role of randomness in evolution, such as random genetic mutations and the contingency of historical events, raises questions about the nature of divine providence
  • Some theologians argue that randomness is incompatible with the idea of a loving, purposeful God who guides the course of creation
  • Others suggest that God may work through randomness, using it as a means to create novelty and diversity in the world
  • Example: The extinction of the dinosaurs due to a random asteroid impact could be seen as a challenge to divine providence, or as an opportunity for God to guide the evolution of mammals and ultimately humans

Divine action and human free will

  • The relationship between divine action and human free will is a central concern in theology and philosophy of religion
  • Different perspectives seek to reconcile the idea of an omniscient, omnipotent God with the existence of human freedom and moral responsibility

Theological determinism vs libertarian free will

  • holds that God's sovereignty and foreknowledge are incompatible with , which is the ability to make choices that are not determined by prior causes
  • According to this view, human actions are ultimately determined by God's will and decree, and humans cannot act contrary to what God has ordained
  • Libertarian free will, on the other hand, maintains that humans have the ability to make genuine, undetermined choices and that this freedom is necessary for moral responsibility
  • Example: The story of Judas betraying Jesus could be seen as an instance of theological determinism (God ordained the betrayal) or libertarian free will (Judas freely chose to betray Jesus)

Divine foreknowledge and human freedom

  • The doctrine of , which holds that God knows all future events, including human choices, raises questions about the compatibility of divine omniscience and human freedom
  • Some argue that if God knows what a person will choose, then that choice is not truly free, as the person cannot choose otherwise
  • Others maintain that God's knowledge of future events does not cause or determine those events and that human choices can be both foreknown by God and freely made
  • Example: God's foreknowledge of a person's career path could be seen as incompatible with that person's freedom to choose their own career, or as compatible with free choice, as the knowledge does not cause the choice

Compatibilism and divine sovereignty

  • is the view that human freedom is compatible with divine sovereignty and determinism
  • According to this perspective, a person is free if they act in accordance with their own desires and preferences, even if those desires are ultimately determined by factors outside their control, including God's will
  • Compatibilists argue that this understanding of freedom is sufficient for moral responsibility and that it allows for both human agency and divine sovereignty
  • Example: A person's choice to help a neighbor in need could be seen as a free choice (acting according to their values and desires) while also being part of God's sovereign plan

Open theism and divine self-limitation

  • is a theological perspective that holds that God has voluntarily limited His own knowledge of future events in order to create space for genuine human freedom
  • According to this view, God knows all possible future outcomes but does not know which outcome will actually occur until the moment of choice
  • Open theists argue that this understanding of divine knowledge is more compatible with the biblical portrayal of God's relationship with humans and that it allows for genuine dialogue and partnership between God and His creatures
  • Example: In the story of Abraham bargaining with God over the fate of Sodom, an open theist might interpret this as a genuine dialogue in which the outcome is not predetermined by God's foreknowledge

Petitionary prayer and divine response

  • , in which individuals or groups make requests to God, is a central practice in many religious traditions
  • The efficacy of petitionary prayer and the nature of divine response to prayer are important topics in the study of divine action

Theological perspectives on petitionary prayer

  • Different theological traditions offer varying perspectives on the purpose and effectiveness of petitionary prayer
  • Some emphasize the importance of prayer as a means of aligning one's will with God's will and growing in relationship with Him
  • Others focus on the power of prayer to bring about specific outcomes and changes in the world
  • Example: The Lord's Prayer, which includes petitions for daily bread and forgiveness, could be seen as a model for aligning one's desires with God's will

Scientific studies on prayer efficacy

  • Some scientific studies have attempted to investigate the efficacy of petitionary prayer, particularly in the context of health and healing
  • These studies have yielded mixed results, with some suggesting a positive effect of prayer on health outcomes and others finding no significant difference
  • Critics argue that the efficacy of prayer is difficult to study scientifically due to methodological challenges and the subjective nature of religious experience
  • Example: A study on the effects of intercessory prayer on patients undergoing heart surgery found no significant difference in outcomes between patients who were prayed for and those who were not

Divine response to prayer

  • Theological perspectives on divine response to prayer vary, with some emphasizing God's active intervention in response to prayer and others focusing on the spiritual and psychological benefits of prayer itself
  • Some argue that God always answers prayer, but that the answer may be "yes," "no," or "wait," depending on God's wisdom and purposes
  • Others suggest that the primary purpose of prayer is not to change God's mind or actions but to change the one who prays and to foster a deeper relationship with God
  • Example: The story of Paul's "thorn in the flesh" (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) could be seen as an instance of God answering prayer by providing and strength rather than removing the affliction

Unanswered prayers and divine hiddenness

  • The problem of , in which petitions seem to go unheard or unfulfilled, raises questions about the nature of divine response and the problem of
  • Some argue that unanswered prayers are evidence of God's non-existence or indifference to human suffering
  • Others suggest that God may have reasons for not granting certain petitions, such as allowing individuals to grow through adversity or maintaining the regularity of natural laws
  • Example: The book of Job explores the problem of unanswered prayers and divine hiddenness in the context of Job's suffering and his friends' attempts to explain it

Divine action in personal religious experiences

  • Personal religious experiences, such as mystical encounters, conversion experiences, and perceived answers to prayer, are often cited as evidence of divine action in individual lives
  • The study of these experiences raises questions about the nature of divine-human interaction, the reliability of subjective experiences, and the diversity of religious experiences across traditions

Varieties of religious experience

  • William James' classic work, "The ," catalogues a wide range of personal religious experiences, including mystical states, conversion experiences, and encounters with the divine
  • These experiences can vary in their content, intensity, and duration and may be interpreted differently depending on the individual's cultural and religious background
  • Some common features of religious experiences include a sense of unity or interconnectedness, a feeling of peace or joy, and a perceived encounter with a transcendent reality
  • Example: The conversion experience of Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19) is a well-known example of a dramatic religious experience that transformed an individual's life and beliefs

Neuroscience of religious experiences

  • Neuroscientific studies have investigated the brain states associated with various types of religious experiences, such as meditation, prayer, and glossolalia (speaking in tongues)
  • These studies have identified patterns of brain activity that correlate with reported religious experiences, such as increased activity in the prefrontal cortex and decreased activity in the parietal lobe
  • Some researchers suggest that these brain states may be the cause of religious experiences, while others maintain that the experiences themselves may cause the observed brain activity
  • Example: A study of Carmelite nuns found that during mystical experiences, they showed increased activity in the prefrontal cortex and decreased activity in the orientation association area, which is involved in spatial perception and orientation

Discerning authentic divine encounters

  • The question of how to discern authentic divine encounters from other types of experiences, such as hallucinations or delusions, is a central concern in the study of religious experiences
  • Different religious traditions have developed criteria for evaluating the authenticity of claimed divine encounters, such as their consistency with established doctrine, their moral and spiritual fruits, and their transformative effects on the individual
  • Some argue that the subjective nature of religious experiences makes it difficult or impossible to establish their authenticity with certainty
  • Example: The Catholic Church has a formal process for investigating and verifying reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary, which includes examining the consistency of the messages with Church teaching and the moral character of the visionaries

Mystical experiences across religious traditions

  • Mystical experiences, which involve a direct, intuitive encounter with a transcendent reality, have been reported in various forms across religious traditions
  • These experiences often involve a sense of unity, ineffability (difficulty putting the experience into words), and a feeling of direct knowledge or insight
  • Some scholars argue that the similarities among mystical experiences across traditions point to a common core of religious experience, while others emphasize the unique features of each tradition's mystical

Key Terms to Review (36)

Albert Einstein: Albert Einstein was a theoretical physicist best known for developing the theory of relativity, which revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and energy. His work not only transformed physics but also influenced philosophical discussions about the nature of reality, causation, and the interplay between science and spirituality.
Argument from design: The argument from design is a philosophical and theological perspective that asserts the existence of an intelligent designer, often identified as God, based on the perceived order, purpose, and complexity in the universe. This argument posits that just as a watch implies a watchmaker, the intricate systems in nature suggest a deliberate creator. It connects deeply with concepts like divine action, emphasizing how this designer intervenes in the world to establish order, and natural theology, which seeks to understand God through the observation of the natural world.
Biblical accounts of miracles: Biblical accounts of miracles refer to extraordinary events described in the Bible that are attributed to divine intervention, showcasing God's power and presence in the world. These accounts serve as pivotal moments that highlight the relationship between the divine and humanity, demonstrating faith, compassion, and the transformative nature of belief. Miracles in the Bible often carry theological significance, acting as signs of God's covenant with His people and reinforcing the idea of divine action in human history.
Compatibilism: Compatibilism is the philosophical view that free will and determinism are not mutually exclusive and can coexist. This perspective suggests that even if our actions are determined by prior causes, we can still be considered free as long as we act according to our motivations and desires. It provides a framework for understanding how individuals can be held morally responsible for their actions in a deterministic universe.
Continuous Creation: Continuous creation refers to the ongoing process by which divine action perpetually brings the universe into existence and sustains it. This concept suggests that creation is not a one-time event but a dynamic and persistent act, where the divine maintains an active role in the unfolding of reality. It emphasizes that existence is reliant on continuous divine support rather than a static beginning.
Deism: Deism is the belief in a rational, non-interventionist creator who designed the universe but does not interfere with its functioning. This perspective emerged during the Enlightenment, emphasizing reason and observation of the natural world over traditional religious doctrines. Deists see the universe as an ordered system governed by natural laws, which were established by a divine creator who remains uninvolved in human affairs.
Discerning authentic divine encounters: Discerning authentic divine encounters refers to the ability to recognize and differentiate genuine spiritual experiences believed to originate from a divine source from those that may be false or misleading. This discernment often involves evaluating the context, impact, and consistency of such experiences with established spiritual beliefs and teachings, ensuring that they align with a deeper understanding of the divine.
Discrete interventions: Discrete interventions refer to specific and identifiable acts of divine action that are distinct from natural processes. These interventions are often characterized by their singularity and direct impact on the world, where a divine being intervenes in a way that is noticeable and can be distinguished from ordinary occurrences. Such actions are significant in understanding the relationship between divine agency and the natural order, as they suggest moments where the sacred interrupts or modifies the flow of creation.
Divine foreknowledge: Divine foreknowledge refers to the belief that God possesses complete knowledge of all future events and choices, including human actions. This concept raises important questions about the relationship between God's omniscience and human free will, as it implies that God knows what choices individuals will make before they make them, potentially leading to a tension between predetermined outcomes and the capacity for free choice.
Divine hiddenness: Divine hiddenness refers to the idea that God's existence or presence is not always readily apparent or accessible to human beings. This concept raises questions about the nature of faith, belief, and the relationship between humanity and the divine, particularly in light of the perceived absence of direct evidence or communication from God. Understanding divine hiddenness invites exploration of how individuals come to believe and the implications of God's hiddenness for the experience of faith.
Empirical evidence: Empirical evidence refers to information acquired by observation or experimentation that can be verified through the senses or scientific methods. This type of evidence is crucial in supporting or refuting claims and theories, especially when it comes to understanding phenomena in the natural world and assessing extraordinary events or divine interventions. It connects deeply to discussions about the universe's fine-tuning, skepticism regarding miracles, and the nature of divine action within a framework that values observable data.
Epistemic Humility: Epistemic humility is the recognition of the limits of one's knowledge and understanding, especially in complex and uncertain domains. It involves an openness to new ideas, a willingness to revise beliefs when confronted with new evidence, and an acknowledgment that one’s perspective may be incomplete or biased. This concept is particularly relevant when considering divine action, where human understanding is inherently limited in grasping the nature of God’s influence in the world.
Falsifiability: Falsifiability is the principle that a statement or hypothesis must be able to be proven false in order to be considered scientific. This concept is central to the philosophy of science, as it distinguishes scientific claims from non-scientific ones. A claim that cannot be tested or potentially disproven lacks empirical grounding and does not contribute to the advancement of knowledge in a meaningful way.
Free Will Defense: The free will defense is a philosophical argument that seeks to explain the presence of evil in the world by asserting that free will is a necessary component of human existence. This perspective posits that God granted humans the ability to choose between good and evil, and that the existence of evil is a consequence of this freedom rather than a reflection of God's nature. By allowing free will, individuals are enabled to make moral choices, which are essential for authentic love and relationships.
Grace: Grace is a theological concept that refers to the unmerited favor and love of God towards humanity, often seen as a gift that enables individuals to overcome sin and attain salvation. This concept emphasizes God's active role in the lives of believers, providing them with divine assistance and strength necessary for spiritual growth and moral living. It highlights the relationship between divine action and human experience, illustrating how grace empowers individuals to respond to God's call and participate in divine life.
Intelligent design theory: Intelligent design theory is the idea that certain features of the universe and living organisms are best explained by an intelligent cause rather than an undirected process like natural selection. This theory suggests that life is too complex to have occurred purely by chance, implying the presence of a designer who orchestrated the development of life forms and natural phenomena.
Karma: Karma refers to the concept that actions have consequences, where good deeds lead to positive outcomes and bad deeds result in negative effects. This principle is deeply rooted in various religious and philosophical traditions, emphasizing moral responsibility and the interconnectedness of all beings. Understanding karma also raises questions about divine action and accountability, as well as its implications in modern discussions surrounding artificial intelligence and ethics.
Libertarian free will: Libertarian free will is the philosophical concept that posits individuals possess the ability to make choices that are not determined by prior causes, thus enabling genuine moral responsibility. This idea contrasts with determinism, suggesting that individuals can act independently of external influences and are accountable for their actions. In this view, divine action can interact with human decisions without compromising human freedom.
Methodological Naturalism: Methodological naturalism is the philosophical approach that assumes all phenomena can be explained through natural causes and processes, without invoking supernatural explanations. This principle underpins scientific inquiry, leading to a clear distinction between science and religion, emphasizing that scientific methods should only involve naturalistic explanations while allowing for personal beliefs beyond that framework.
Miracle: A miracle is an extraordinary event or action that is believed to be caused by divine intervention, defying the natural laws of the universe. Miracles are often seen as signs of the presence and power of a higher being, and they can serve to reinforce faith, inspire awe, or provide a sense of hope to those who witness or hear about them.
Moral Law: Moral law refers to the principles and standards of right conduct that govern the behavior of individuals and societies. It serves as a guide for ethical decision-making and is often seen as grounded in natural law or divine command, establishing what is considered just and unjust within a moral framework.
Natural Theology: Natural theology is the branch of theology that seeks to understand God and divine truths through reason and observation of the natural world, independent of revealed religion. It explores the relationship between faith and reason, providing philosophical arguments for the existence of God, and offering insights into the nature of divinity as seen through nature and human experience.
Neuroscience of religious experiences: The neuroscience of religious experiences studies how brain activity and structure relate to spiritual or religious feelings and behaviors. This field explores the neurological basis behind phenomena such as mystical experiences, prayer, and meditation, seeking to understand how these experiences might correlate with specific brain regions and functions. It also investigates the implications of these findings for understanding human spirituality and divine action.
Niels Bohr: Niels Bohr was a Danish physicist who made foundational contributions to understanding atomic structure and quantum mechanics. He is best known for his model of the atom, which introduced the idea of quantized energy levels, and for his work on the principles of quantum indeterminacy, which emphasizes the inherent unpredictability of quantum systems and plays a role in discussions about divine action in the universe.
Ontological argument: The ontological argument is a philosophical argument for the existence of God based on the concept of being and existence. It asserts that God, defined as the greatest conceivable being, must exist in reality because existing in reality is greater than existing only in the mind. This argument connects deeply with ideas of divine action, as it posits that God's very nature is tied to existence itself, influencing how we understand God's involvement in the world. It also relates to natural theology, as it attempts to establish God's existence through reason and logic rather than empirical evidence.
Open Theism: Open theism is a theological view that posits that God has granted human beings genuine free will, meaning that the future is not entirely predetermined. This perspective suggests that God's knowledge of the future includes all possible outcomes based on human choices, allowing for divine action to be responsive and relational rather than deterministic. Open theism challenges classical views of God's omniscience and sovereignty, emphasizing a dynamic relationship between God and humanity.
Petitionary prayer: Petitionary prayer is a type of prayer in which an individual requests something from a divine being, often asking for help, guidance, or intervention in specific situations. This form of prayer reflects a belief in the ability of the divine to influence events and outcomes in the world, thereby connecting personal desires with the concept of divine action and responsiveness.
Process Theology: Process theology is a theological perspective that emphasizes the dynamic and evolving nature of God and reality, asserting that everything is in a state of process rather than static existence. This view suggests that God's relationship with the world is characterized by mutual influence, where both God and creation are in a constant state of change. It connects deeply to discussions about how divine action occurs in the world, the independence of science from religious claims, and how interreligious dialogue can benefit from an understanding of shared processes.
Providence: Providence refers to the protective care and guidance of a divine power over the universe and human affairs. It encompasses the belief that this divine influence directs the course of events in a way that serves a greater purpose, often leading to outcomes that align with moral and spiritual good. The concept of providence connects to ideas of free will, divine foreknowledge, and the relationship between humanity and the divine.
Scientific realism: Scientific realism is the philosophical viewpoint that the universe described by science is real regardless of how it may be interpreted. This means that scientific theories accurately represent the world and that the entities they describe, like particles or forces, actually exist independently of our observations. This perspective links closely with concepts about knowledge, existence, and the nature of scientific inquiry.
Scientific studies on prayer efficacy: Scientific studies on prayer efficacy examine the impact and effectiveness of prayer on health outcomes and well-being through empirical research methods. These studies often investigate whether prayer can lead to measurable changes in physical health, psychological well-being, or overall quality of life, and explore the relationship between spirituality and health. The findings from these studies contribute to the broader understanding of divine action and the role of faith in human experiences.
Theistic evolution: Theistic evolution is the belief that God uses the process of evolution to create life on Earth, combining religious faith with scientific understanding. This view reconciles the traditional account of creation found in many religious texts with the scientific evidence for evolution, suggesting that divine guidance plays a role in the evolutionary process while still acknowledging the mechanisms of natural selection and genetic variation.
Theological determinism: Theological determinism is the belief that all events, including moral choices, are determined by divine foreknowledge and God's will. This concept asserts that because God is omniscient and knows everything that will happen, every decision and action is ultimately preordained by Him, raising questions about free will and moral responsibility.
Thomistic view: The Thomistic view is a philosophical and theological perspective developed by Thomas Aquinas, emphasizing the compatibility of faith and reason. This view highlights the belief that God's existence can be understood through rational inquiry and observation of the natural world, while also acknowledging divine revelation as a source of knowledge about God. It provides a framework for understanding divine action within the created order, suggesting that God's interaction with the world can be perceived through natural laws and moral truths.
Unanswered prayers: Unanswered prayers refer to the concept that some prayers may not receive a response or fulfill the requests made by the individual. This idea often highlights the complexity of divine action and raises questions about the nature of God, the purpose of prayer, and the reasons behind perceived silence in spiritual communication. It suggests a need for individuals to grapple with faith, trust, and the understanding that outcomes may differ from human desires or expectations.
Varieties of religious experience: Varieties of religious experience refer to the diverse ways in which individuals perceive, interpret, and engage with the divine or the sacred. This concept emphasizes that religious experiences can vary greatly across different cultures, traditions, and personal contexts, including mystical encounters, rituals, prayers, and everyday experiences of the sacred. Understanding these variations helps to appreciate how divine action is perceived differently by individuals based on their backgrounds and beliefs.
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