Reference no: EM133416988
Question: To what extent does God control things? To what extent does God give nature freedom, a freedom manifested in a measure of randomness? To what extent does God give people freedom?
Case Study: Many Christians might argue that since God is the supreme being and the one who created the universe, all natural events are a direct reflection of God's will. However, this overlooks the independent character of God's creation. He made the universe in accordance with natural laws that govern how it operates. These laws are a component of God's overall providence, which enables the universe to operate independently and in an orderly manner (p. 129). There is also freedom in nature, which appears in the degree of randomness. We experience how the world works through necessity and chance, and these aspects of nature are consistent with God's control over the natural world. In particular circumstances, God will intervene with the natural laws of nature by acting in ways that may contradict them. These acts can also be known as, "special providence when people experience a vision, a miracle, resurrection, and so on" (p. 130).
Just as with nature, God will protect, guide, and support his people in caring for them. God has created people dependent on him which he provides for their ongoing existence. God has a purpose for each person and their fate. Though we may not always be able to understand his will, we can be confident in knowing that God has a beautiful purpose for each of us. Just as "people are dependent on God, they are also independent" (p. 131). People are independent because of the freedom God has granted them and because they exist in a world that is organized in accordance with natural laws.