Dear People Whom God Loves,
GOD’S INTERACTION WITH THE WORLD – XVII
When the scientific view of the world and universe was that of Isaac Newton, it was easier to believe in God as Creator a long time ago than to believe that God is active in the world today. Here is the reason why it was easier.
Science could give no answer to why there is a universe. Science could not say there is no God. It also could not say that there is a God. That is a metaphysical question and science can only investigate the physical questions. Hence, properly understood, people could believe in God and still accept scientific conclusions. As an aside, some scientists did believe that there is no God. But that belief did not come from science. It was a belief.
However, belief in God’s presence acting in the world was harder to seem reasonable because the scientific knowledge of Newton’s time was that the way that the universe worked was all determined and there was no place for God.
I still believed in the working of God in the universe, but it was in the face of scientific evidence. This made my belief less reasonable. I could still believe in the present action of God in our world and universe, but it was harder.
The scientific view of the universe has changed. Newton’s scientific view of the universe still is valuable in understanding the ordinary ways of life. Now with the understanding that has come from quantum physics and evolution, science realizes that the universe is not as determined as was once thought. There are still determined, stable, and necessary factors; but there are also undetermined factors, chance, and freedom. No longer can we look at our universe and world as if it worked like a machine.
It is still a belief that God, who made the laws of nature with these necessary and free factors, works freely in these free parts. However, science cannot say-based on scientific evidence-that such a belief is impossible. One can be a good scientist and a good believer all at the same time. Understanding this is a big help to me. I hope that it is for you.
Smile, God Loves You,
Father Clay
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