If Science Can't Answer Our Questions, Can God?

Christopher Pescatore

Professor Horgan

HST-401-A

January 7, 2024


If Science Can't Answer Our Questions, Can God?


Human history is replete with events that defy scientific explanation, leaving us grappling with mysteries that challenge our understanding of the world. While science has made remarkable strides in unraveling the complexities of the universe, there remain phenomena that elude rational comprehension. This phenomenon is known as “divine intervention” which the Cambridge Library defines as “the action of becoming intentionally involved in a difficult situation, in order to improve it or prevent it [whilst being] connected with a god”. Events like these are so extreme that only a god could intervene in our lives, but is that answer acceptable? 

Before a decision can be made if the answer is acceptable or not, a definitive explanation must be created, rather a classification, on what kind of event this is. Events like these can only be described based on outcome that is closely tied to the user. The event is tied to the user emotionally, as this is where the event “strikes a cord” with the user to which they are taken back in shock and awe that the reaction to the event is breathtaking. Events such as a putt in golf seeming to curve towards the pin would not be classified as a phenomenon being described, as there are too many scientific explanations to back the outcome of the event such as the curvature of the green, the type of golf ball used, and the way the user strikes the ball as well as the direction. A better example would be someone needing to pass an exam in order to not fail a class and  passing said exam without studying or practicing for any of the problems, and simply guessing all the correct answers only to pass the exam with flying colors. 

Science, as a methodological approach to understanding the natural world, operates within certain boundaries. The tools, observation, experimentation, and analysis are invaluable in deciphering the mechanisms governing various situations. However, science is inherently limited by its reliance on empirical evidence and testable hypotheses. A crucial part of the in depth definition of a scientific hypothesis by Britannica states that there are “two primary features of a scientific hypothesis are falsifiability and testability, which are reflected in an “If…then” statement summarizing the idea and in the ability to be supported or refuted through observation and experimentation”. This definition showcases that scientific explanations and experiments are limited to how the user, researcher, or scientist poses and phrases their curiosities or questions into a scientific hypothesis. The user limits their answer based on how they pose their experiments and hypothesis.

The concept of divine intervention emerges as a compelling explanatory framework for those who perceive a transcendent dimension to existence. In simpler words - divine intervention can be showcased by the outcomes of an event being so bizarre or so favorable in the user’s outcome in such a “perfect” manner that it would lead one to believe the outcome was produced by their god of choice. Believers consider that certain occurrences, deemed miraculous or beyond the natural order, are indicative of divine involvement in human affairs. Whether it be the inexplicable survival of individuals in life-threatening situations or the unexplained convergence of circumstances leading to fortuitous outcomes, proponents of divine intervention argue for the presence of a higher power guiding human destiny. 

Overall, science can only explain a certain amount of the human experience. Emotions, human interaction, and the witnessing of certain events cannot be reasonably explained or experimented upon. “God” being the answer should be acceptable and heartwarming, a comforting answer to a problem without having to over-analyze the situation or phenomenon at hand. The concept of divine intervention offers an alternative framework for interpreting events that transcend empirical explanation. As life goes on, it is important to realize and acknowledge the bounds and limitations of science and remain open to the possibility of divine intervention in everyday life that science sometimes cannot possibly explain or predict.


Works Cited

“Divine Intervention | Definition and Example Sentences.” Cambridge Dictionary, dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/divine-intervention. Accessed 07 Feb. 2024.

Downing, Sonya. “What Is Divine Intervention?” Christianity.Com, Salem Web Network, 10 Jan. 2024, www.christianity.com/wiki/christian-terms/what-is-divine-intervention.html. Accessed 07 Feb. 2024.

“Scientific Hypothesis.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 1 Feb. 2024, www.britannica.com/science/scientific-hypothesis. Accessed 07 Feb. 2024. 

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