Chance and the Sovereignty of God

Chance and the Sovereignty of God

Author: Vern S. Poythress

Publisher: Crossway

Published: 2014-04-30

Total Pages: 370

ISBN-13: 1433536986

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What if all events—big and small, good and bad—are governed by more than just blind chance? What if they are governed by God? In this theologically informed and philosophically nuanced introduction to the study of probability and chance, Vern Poythress argues that all events—including the seemingly random or accidental—fall under God’s watchful gaze and are part of his eternal plan. Poythress tackles questions related to everything from natural disasters to the roll of the dice, explaining how God’s sovereignty functions as the lens through which we study subjects such as science, mathematics, modern physics, evolutionary biology, human choice, and gambling. Comprehensive in its scope, this book lays the theistic foundation for our scientific assumptions about the world while addressing personal questions about the meaning and significance of everyday events.


Book Synopsis Chance and the Sovereignty of God by : Vern S. Poythress

Download or read book Chance and the Sovereignty of God written by Vern S. Poythress and published by Crossway. This book was released on 2014-04-30 with total page 370 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What if all events—big and small, good and bad—are governed by more than just blind chance? What if they are governed by God? In this theologically informed and philosophically nuanced introduction to the study of probability and chance, Vern Poythress argues that all events—including the seemingly random or accidental—fall under God’s watchful gaze and are part of his eternal plan. Poythress tackles questions related to everything from natural disasters to the roll of the dice, explaining how God’s sovereignty functions as the lens through which we study subjects such as science, mathematics, modern physics, evolutionary biology, human choice, and gambling. Comprehensive in its scope, this book lays the theistic foundation for our scientific assumptions about the world while addressing personal questions about the meaning and significance of everyday events.


God's Providence and Randomness in Nature

God's Providence and Randomness in Nature

Author: Robert John Russell

Publisher: Templeton Foundation Press

Published: 2019-02-11

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 1599475685

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In October 2014, a group of mathematicians, physicists, ecologists, philosophers, and theologians gathered at a special conference in Berkeley, California to present the results of a two-year research program dubbed “Project SATURN”. This program explored many of the rich avenues of thought found at the intersection of modern science and Christian theology. Chief among them is the possibility that certain processes in nature might be so complex that they do not have sufficient physical causes. Known as “ontological indeterminism”, this idea has profound implications for theology. Specifically, it allows God to be thought of as acting providentially within nature without violating the laws and processes of nature. Such a momentous insight could influence how we understand free will, natural evil, suffering in nature, and the relation between divine providence and human evolution. The essays collected here discuss each of these topics and were originally presented at the 2014 conference. Part I establishes the scientific basis for conceptualizing certain process in the universe as inherently random and possibly indeterministic. Part II discusses the philosophical and theological issues that spring from this understanding. Together they represent the cutting edge of thought in the increasingly productive dialogue between science and theology. Short for the “Scientific and Theological Understandings of Randomness in Nature”, Project SATURN was created by the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, a Program of the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley. It was funded with a grant administered by Calvin College and provided by the John Templeton Foundation.


Book Synopsis God's Providence and Randomness in Nature by : Robert John Russell

Download or read book God's Providence and Randomness in Nature written by Robert John Russell and published by Templeton Foundation Press. This book was released on 2019-02-11 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In October 2014, a group of mathematicians, physicists, ecologists, philosophers, and theologians gathered at a special conference in Berkeley, California to present the results of a two-year research program dubbed “Project SATURN”. This program explored many of the rich avenues of thought found at the intersection of modern science and Christian theology. Chief among them is the possibility that certain processes in nature might be so complex that they do not have sufficient physical causes. Known as “ontological indeterminism”, this idea has profound implications for theology. Specifically, it allows God to be thought of as acting providentially within nature without violating the laws and processes of nature. Such a momentous insight could influence how we understand free will, natural evil, suffering in nature, and the relation between divine providence and human evolution. The essays collected here discuss each of these topics and were originally presented at the 2014 conference. Part I establishes the scientific basis for conceptualizing certain process in the universe as inherently random and possibly indeterministic. Part II discusses the philosophical and theological issues that spring from this understanding. Together they represent the cutting edge of thought in the increasingly productive dialogue between science and theology. Short for the “Scientific and Theological Understandings of Randomness in Nature”, Project SATURN was created by the Center for Theology and the Natural Sciences, a Program of the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley. It was funded with a grant administered by Calvin College and provided by the John Templeton Foundation.


Abrahamic Reflections on Randomness and Providence

Abrahamic Reflections on Randomness and Providence

Author: Kelly James Clark

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2021-09-27

Total Pages: 381

ISBN-13: 3030757978

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This open access book addresses the question of how God can providentially govern apparently ungovernable randomness. Medieval theologians confidently held that God is provident, that is, God is the ultimate cause of or is responsible for everything that happens. However, scientific advances since the 19th century pose serious challenges to traditional views of providence. From Darwinian evolution to quantum mechanics, randomness has become an essential part of the scientific worldview. An interdisciplinary team of Muslim, Christian and Jewish scholars—biologists, physicists, philosophers and theologians—addresses questions of randomness and providence.


Book Synopsis Abrahamic Reflections on Randomness and Providence by : Kelly James Clark

Download or read book Abrahamic Reflections on Randomness and Providence written by Kelly James Clark and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2021-09-27 with total page 381 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This open access book addresses the question of how God can providentially govern apparently ungovernable randomness. Medieval theologians confidently held that God is provident, that is, God is the ultimate cause of or is responsible for everything that happens. However, scientific advances since the 19th century pose serious challenges to traditional views of providence. From Darwinian evolution to quantum mechanics, randomness has become an essential part of the scientific worldview. An interdisciplinary team of Muslim, Christian and Jewish scholars—biologists, physicists, philosophers and theologians—addresses questions of randomness and providence.


God and Randomness

God and Randomness

Author: Thomas R. McFaul

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2017-12-01

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13: 1532638965

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Most of us have experienced the impact of randomness in our lives not only as individuals but in our interactions with others as well. In God and Randomness, which is a sequel to our 2014 publication God Is Here to Stay: Science, Evolution, and Belief in God, we describe the connection between randomness and God and how this connection has permeated our universe from the start. We cover several areas that include personal stories, the micro and macro sources of world events, the origins of our cosmos and solar system, the emergence of human mindfulness and choice, major episodes of the twentieth century, the future, and the quest for fairness. In the course of examining these topics, we identify how current scientific research is consistent with our speculation of how God influences our lives in the presence of all this randomness. We conclude that the random events affecting us may originate in other dimensions that are inaccessible to us and that God is actively at work in the chaos and randomness that pervades our lives and our world.


Book Synopsis God and Randomness by : Thomas R. McFaul

Download or read book God and Randomness written by Thomas R. McFaul and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2017-12-01 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Most of us have experienced the impact of randomness in our lives not only as individuals but in our interactions with others as well. In God and Randomness, which is a sequel to our 2014 publication God Is Here to Stay: Science, Evolution, and Belief in God, we describe the connection between randomness and God and how this connection has permeated our universe from the start. We cover several areas that include personal stories, the micro and macro sources of world events, the origins of our cosmos and solar system, the emergence of human mindfulness and choice, major episodes of the twentieth century, the future, and the quest for fairness. In the course of examining these topics, we identify how current scientific research is consistent with our speculation of how God influences our lives in the presence of all this randomness. We conclude that the random events affecting us may originate in other dimensions that are inaccessible to us and that God is actively at work in the chaos and randomness that pervades our lives and our world.


God and Randomness

God and Randomness

Author: Thomas R. McFaul

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2017-12-01

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13: 1532638981

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Most of us have experienced the impact of randomness in our lives not only as individuals but in our interactions with others as well. In God and Randomness, which is a sequel to our 2014 publication God Is Here to Stay: Science, Evolution, and Belief in God, we describe the connection between randomness and God and how this connection has permeated our universe from the start. We cover several areas that include personal stories, the micro and macro sources of world events, the origins of our cosmos and solar system, the emergence of human mindfulness and choice, major episodes of the twentieth century, the future, and the quest for fairness. In the course of examining these topics, we identify how current scientific research is consistent with our speculation of how God influences our lives in the presence of all this randomness. We conclude that the random events affecting us may originate in other dimensions that are inaccessible to us and that God is actively at work in the chaos and randomness that pervades our lives and our world.


Book Synopsis God and Randomness by : Thomas R. McFaul

Download or read book God and Randomness written by Thomas R. McFaul and published by Wipf and Stock Publishers. This book was released on 2017-12-01 with total page 200 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Most of us have experienced the impact of randomness in our lives not only as individuals but in our interactions with others as well. In God and Randomness, which is a sequel to our 2014 publication God Is Here to Stay: Science, Evolution, and Belief in God, we describe the connection between randomness and God and how this connection has permeated our universe from the start. We cover several areas that include personal stories, the micro and macro sources of world events, the origins of our cosmos and solar system, the emergence of human mindfulness and choice, major episodes of the twentieth century, the future, and the quest for fairness. In the course of examining these topics, we identify how current scientific research is consistent with our speculation of how God influences our lives in the presence of all this randomness. We conclude that the random events affecting us may originate in other dimensions that are inaccessible to us and that God is actively at work in the chaos and randomness that pervades our lives and our world.


Fooled by Randomness

Fooled by Randomness

Author: Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Publisher: Random House

Published: 2008-10-14

Total Pages: 369

ISBN-13: 1588367673

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Fooled by Randomness is a standalone book in Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s landmark Incerto series, an investigation of opacity, luck, uncertainty, probability, human error, risk, and decision-making in a world we don’t understand. The other books in the series are The Black Swan, Antifragile, Skin in the Game, and The Bed of Procrustes. Fooled by Randomness is the word-of-mouth sensation that will change the way you think about business and the world. Nassim Nicholas Taleb–veteran trader, renowned risk expert, polymathic scholar, erudite raconteur, and New York Times bestselling author of The Black Swan–has written a modern classic that turns on its head what we believe about luck and skill. This book is about luck–or more precisely, about how we perceive and deal with luck in life and business. Set against the backdrop of the most conspicuous forum in which luck is mistaken for skill–the world of trading–Fooled by Randomness provides captivating insight into one of the least understood factors in all our lives. Writing in an entertaining narrative style, the author tackles major intellectual issues related to the underestimation of the influence of happenstance on our lives. The book is populated with an array of characters, some of whom have grasped, in their own way, the significance of chance: the baseball legend Yogi Berra; the philosopher of knowledge Karl Popper; the ancient world’s wisest man, Solon; the modern financier George Soros; and the Greek voyager Odysseus. We also meet the fictional Nero, who seems to understand the role of randomness in his professional life but falls victim to his own superstitious foolishness. However, the most recognizable character of all remains unnamed–the lucky fool who happens to be in the right place at the right time–he embodies the “survival of the least fit.” Such individuals attract devoted followers who believe in their guru’s insights and methods. But no one can replicate what is obtained by chance. Are we capable of distinguishing the fortunate charlatan from the genuine visionary? Must we always try to uncover nonexistent messages in random events? It may be impossible to guard ourselves against the vagaries of the goddess Fortuna, but after reading Fooled by Randomness we can be a little better prepared. Named by Fortune One of the Smartest Books of All Time A Financial Times Best Business Book of the Year


Book Synopsis Fooled by Randomness by : Nassim Nicholas Taleb

Download or read book Fooled by Randomness written by Nassim Nicholas Taleb and published by Random House. This book was released on 2008-10-14 with total page 369 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Fooled by Randomness is a standalone book in Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s landmark Incerto series, an investigation of opacity, luck, uncertainty, probability, human error, risk, and decision-making in a world we don’t understand. The other books in the series are The Black Swan, Antifragile, Skin in the Game, and The Bed of Procrustes. Fooled by Randomness is the word-of-mouth sensation that will change the way you think about business and the world. Nassim Nicholas Taleb–veteran trader, renowned risk expert, polymathic scholar, erudite raconteur, and New York Times bestselling author of The Black Swan–has written a modern classic that turns on its head what we believe about luck and skill. This book is about luck–or more precisely, about how we perceive and deal with luck in life and business. Set against the backdrop of the most conspicuous forum in which luck is mistaken for skill–the world of trading–Fooled by Randomness provides captivating insight into one of the least understood factors in all our lives. Writing in an entertaining narrative style, the author tackles major intellectual issues related to the underestimation of the influence of happenstance on our lives. The book is populated with an array of characters, some of whom have grasped, in their own way, the significance of chance: the baseball legend Yogi Berra; the philosopher of knowledge Karl Popper; the ancient world’s wisest man, Solon; the modern financier George Soros; and the Greek voyager Odysseus. We also meet the fictional Nero, who seems to understand the role of randomness in his professional life but falls victim to his own superstitious foolishness. However, the most recognizable character of all remains unnamed–the lucky fool who happens to be in the right place at the right time–he embodies the “survival of the least fit.” Such individuals attract devoted followers who believe in their guru’s insights and methods. But no one can replicate what is obtained by chance. Are we capable of distinguishing the fortunate charlatan from the genuine visionary? Must we always try to uncover nonexistent messages in random events? It may be impossible to guard ourselves against the vagaries of the goddess Fortuna, but after reading Fooled by Randomness we can be a little better prepared. Named by Fortune One of the Smartest Books of All Time A Financial Times Best Business Book of the Year


Freedom All The Way Up

Freedom All The Way Up

Author: Christian J. Barrigar

Publisher: FriesenPress

Published: 2017-05-19

Total Pages: 268

ISBN-13: 1460293843

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Freedom All The Way Up proposes four intertwined elements that make up the meaning of life—self-worth, purpose, identity, and hope. Materialism (atheism) claim the universe has no meaning, so there is no larger purposeful story into which we can place ourselves—we are left on our own to construct meaning for our lives. Barrigar argues, though, that the universe possess God’s meaning and purpose—to provide the space and conditions by which to bring about the existence of agape-capable beings in agape-loving relationships with God and with others. In effect, the universe is a great ‘freedom system’ designed by God with freedom built in ‘all the way up’, from the Big Bang to the emergence of big brains and free will. Barrigar describes the emergence of this system through his novel agape/probability account of God’s design for the universe, which integrates such disciplines as quantum physics, statistical mechanics, probability theory, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and game theory. This system sets up the conditions for a fundamental choice between autonomous freedom, which focuses principally on self, and agapic freedom, which focuses principally on God and on others. Materialism chooses autonomous freedom, but thereby introduces nihilism into each of the elements of meaning. In turns out that nihilism is a much greater problem for Materialism than suffering is for Theism. In contrast, agapic freedom infuses self-worth, purpose, identity, and hope with God’s agape-love, dispelling Materialism’s inherent nihilism. Freedom All The Way Up provides a dramatic new proposal for God and the meaning of life in our scientific and humanist age.


Book Synopsis Freedom All The Way Up by : Christian J. Barrigar

Download or read book Freedom All The Way Up written by Christian J. Barrigar and published by FriesenPress. This book was released on 2017-05-19 with total page 268 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Freedom All The Way Up proposes four intertwined elements that make up the meaning of life—self-worth, purpose, identity, and hope. Materialism (atheism) claim the universe has no meaning, so there is no larger purposeful story into which we can place ourselves—we are left on our own to construct meaning for our lives. Barrigar argues, though, that the universe possess God’s meaning and purpose—to provide the space and conditions by which to bring about the existence of agape-capable beings in agape-loving relationships with God and with others. In effect, the universe is a great ‘freedom system’ designed by God with freedom built in ‘all the way up’, from the Big Bang to the emergence of big brains and free will. Barrigar describes the emergence of this system through his novel agape/probability account of God’s design for the universe, which integrates such disciplines as quantum physics, statistical mechanics, probability theory, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and game theory. This system sets up the conditions for a fundamental choice between autonomous freedom, which focuses principally on self, and agapic freedom, which focuses principally on God and on others. Materialism chooses autonomous freedom, but thereby introduces nihilism into each of the elements of meaning. In turns out that nihilism is a much greater problem for Materialism than suffering is for Theism. In contrast, agapic freedom infuses self-worth, purpose, identity, and hope with God’s agape-love, dispelling Materialism’s inherent nihilism. Freedom All The Way Up provides a dramatic new proposal for God and the meaning of life in our scientific and humanist age.


God, Chance and Purpose

God, Chance and Purpose

Author: David J. Bartholomew

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2008-02-21

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 9780521707084

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Scientific accounts of existence give chance a central role. At the smallest level, quantum theory involves uncertainty and evolution is driven by chance and necessity. These ideas do not fit easily with theology in which chance has been seen as the enemy of purpose. One option is to argue, as proponents of Intelligent Design do, that chance is not real and can be replaced by the work of a Designer. Others adhere to a deterministic theology in which God is in total control. Neither of these views, it is argued, does justice to the complexity of nature or the greatness of God. The thesis of this book is that chance is neither unreal nor non-existent but an integral part of God's creation. This view is expounded, illustrated and defended by drawing on the resources of probability theory and numerous examples from the natural and social worlds.


Book Synopsis God, Chance and Purpose by : David J. Bartholomew

Download or read book God, Chance and Purpose written by David J. Bartholomew and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2008-02-21 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Scientific accounts of existence give chance a central role. At the smallest level, quantum theory involves uncertainty and evolution is driven by chance and necessity. These ideas do not fit easily with theology in which chance has been seen as the enemy of purpose. One option is to argue, as proponents of Intelligent Design do, that chance is not real and can be replaced by the work of a Designer. Others adhere to a deterministic theology in which God is in total control. Neither of these views, it is argued, does justice to the complexity of nature or the greatness of God. The thesis of this book is that chance is neither unreal nor non-existent but an integral part of God's creation. This view is expounded, illustrated and defended by drawing on the resources of probability theory and numerous examples from the natural and social worlds.


The Trial of Darwin's God

The Trial of Darwin's God

Author: George Coleman Conrad

Publisher: Booksurge Publishing

Published: 2009-11-04

Total Pages: 260

ISBN-13: 9781439255568

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This book aims to factually determine if evolution by natural selection occurs randomly or by design, and proceeds to place Darwin's God on trial to reveal the actual evidence.


Book Synopsis The Trial of Darwin's God by : George Coleman Conrad

Download or read book The Trial of Darwin's God written by George Coleman Conrad and published by Booksurge Publishing. This book was released on 2009-11-04 with total page 260 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book aims to factually determine if evolution by natural selection occurs randomly or by design, and proceeds to place Darwin's God on trial to reveal the actual evidence.


Random Thoughts About God And Life

Random Thoughts About God And Life

Author: Janice Bucher

Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

Published: 2019-01-25

Total Pages: 59

ISBN-13: 1644168758

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Draw near to God and He will draw near to you . . . ""James 4:8a This book (in devotional format) is about God and things that I have learned from following Him, from studying His Word, from praying, and from reading good books by spiritual mentors. They really are random thoughts about friendship, marriage, giving, prayer, family, disappointment, grace, and so much more! My prayer is that these writings will draw you closer to God as you travel on this journey called life.


Book Synopsis Random Thoughts About God And Life by : Janice Bucher

Download or read book Random Thoughts About God And Life written by Janice Bucher and published by Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.. This book was released on 2019-01-25 with total page 59 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Draw near to God and He will draw near to you . . . ""James 4:8a This book (in devotional format) is about God and things that I have learned from following Him, from studying His Word, from praying, and from reading good books by spiritual mentors. They really are random thoughts about friendship, marriage, giving, prayer, family, disappointment, grace, and so much more! My prayer is that these writings will draw you closer to God as you travel on this journey called life.