God's mark on Nature - A Trinitarian approach

ISBN:

1841-0464

URL:

http://www.ejst.tuiasi.ro/Files/13/27-42Baro.pdf

Abstract:

The objective of this communication is to reflect on Natural Sciences from the point of view of Trinitarian Theology, in which Nature is considered as a trace or vestige of a creative God. The paper begins with a discussion of some representative texts on this teaching (by saint Augustine, saint Thomas Aquinas and saint John of the Cross), providing a distinction between trace and image. The image of God in human beings is recognized in memory, intellect and will, while mode, species and order reflect the trace of God in the rest of Nature, since each appears to explain the way of being of each object, the form in which it appears or its complete movement. The Augustinian ordo amoris (the order or law of love) is developed as a theological and physical foundation that may give meaning to the ultimate purpose of every natural movement. After presenting the main ideas and the immediate consequences of this theory, the paper revises some basic postulates of the Natural Sciences, such as gravity in Physics, electronic affinity in Chemistry and evolution in Biology, with the aim of attributing meaning to movement beyond mere mechanical causality, and thus to complement and reinforce the dialogue between Science and Theology. Indeed, gravity is proposed as the first demonstration of Augustinian ordo amoris in inert bodies, in the same way that its fall to the center of the Earth is also considered the first movement. The paper then recalls that Isaac Newton did not determine any cause for gravity in his Principia, and that he left this important point unresolved in his Letters to Bentley. In addition, a question is posed on the meaning of terms like 'electronic affinity'. which are used in Chemistry to explain electronic attraction or bond formation. The thesis of Empedocles about philia (or love) as the non-material but necessary principle for the union of the elements that constitute each thing, is presented as a valid interpretation that agrees very well with this second step in the universal order of love. Finally, the proposal of love and intelligence in Nature is developed, considering life as the most complex movement, to say with other authors that evolution is a universal process in which divine activity (or creation) is still occurring, through the constant action of the Holy Spirit as 'The Giver of Life'. In conclusion, we can recover our wonder at the spectacle of Nature and thus avoid the dangerous 'God-of-the-Gaps'.

Notes:

PT: J; UT: ISI:000257928800004