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Quarks, Chaos, Quarks, Chaos, and Christianity and Christianity Prayer and Miracles Prayer and Miracles Sunday, February 3, 2008 10 to 10:50 am, in the Parlor Presenter: David Monyak

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Quarks, Chaos, and Quarks, Chaos, and ChristianityChristianity

Prayer and MiraclesPrayer and Miracles

Sunday, February 3, 200810 to 10:50 am, in the ParlorPresenter: David Monyak

O God our heavenly Father, you have O God our heavenly Father, you have blessed us and given us dominion over blessed us and given us dominion over all the earth: Increase our reverence all the earth: Increase our reverence before the mystery of life; and give us before the mystery of life; and give us new insight into your purposes for the new insight into your purposes for the human race, and new wisdom and human race, and new wisdom and determination in making provision for determination in making provision for its future in accordance with your will; its future in accordance with your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.through Jesus Christ our Lord.

- Book of Common Prayer, p. 828- Book of Common Prayer, p. 828

Primary Primary ReferenceReference

Quarks, Chaos, Quarks, Chaos, & Christianity. & Christianity. Questions to Questions to Science and Science and Religion, Revised Religion, Revised EditionEdition, John , John Polkinghorne, Polkinghorne, Crossroad, 2005Crossroad, 2005

The Rev. Dr. John Polkinghorne KBE, FRS:The Rev. Dr. John Polkinghorne KBE, FRS: 1955:1955: PhD physics from Cambridge University PhD physics from Cambridge University 1968:1968: full Professor of Mathematical Physics at Cambridge full Professor of Mathematical Physics at Cambridge

UniversityUniversity published numerous papers on theoretical elementary particle published numerous papers on theoretical elementary particle

physicsphysics 1974:1974: Fellow of the Royal Society Fellow of the Royal Society 1979:1979: resigned his professorship in order to train for the resigned his professorship in order to train for the

Anglican priesthoodAnglican priesthood 1981 to 1986:1981 to 1986: served as a deacon, curate and vicar served as a deacon, curate and vicar began writing numerous papers and books on interface began writing numerous papers and books on interface

between science and religionbetween science and religion 1986:1986: Dean & Chaplain of Trinity College, Cambridge Dean & Chaplain of Trinity College, Cambridge 1989-1996:1989-1996: President of Queens College, Cambridge President of Queens College, Cambridge 1994-2005:1994-2005: Canon Theologian of Liverpool Cathedral Canon Theologian of Liverpool Cathedral

Rev. Dr John Polkinghorne KBE FRS

IntroductionIntroductionOur Journey So FarOur Journey So Far

IntroductionIntroduction1. Is Anyone There?1. Is Anyone There?

In our first session we discussed whether there were In our first session we discussed whether there were any hints in science for the existence of God.any hints in science for the existence of God.

We concluded that a belief in God the creator very We concluded that a belief in God the creator very satisfactorily answers two questions which science satisfactorily answers two questions which science itself cannot answer:itself cannot answer: 1. Why can we do science at all? Why are we capable of

comprehending and appreciating the rationale beauty of the laws that govern the universe, when such knowledge goes far beyond what we need to survive?

2. Why do we live in a universe whose laws are we live in a universe whose laws are incredibly fine-tuned to produce life?incredibly fine-tuned to produce life? (the Anthropic (the Anthropic Principle)Principle)

IntroductionIntroduction 2. What’s Been Going On?2. What’s Been Going On?

In our second session, we asked what’s been In our second session, we asked what’s been going on over the eons of the universe’s going on over the eons of the universe’s existence, and what does it tell us about the existence, and what does it tell us about the Creator?Creator?

IntroductionIntroduction 2. What’s Been Going On?2. What’s Been Going On?

a universe of saints and scientists

13.7 billion years ago God began to create the universe of space-time. Because time is still unfolding, God’s on-going sustaining of the universe is best viewed as an on-going creation of the universe

IntroductionIntroduction 2. What’s Been Going On?2. What’s Been Going On?

a universe of saints and scientists

In 13.7 billion years, the universe has evolved from an unimaginably hot plasma of quarks and gluons to a world of galaxies, stars, planets, saints and scientists.

IntroductionIntroduction 2. What’s Been Going On?2. What’s Been Going On?

It has evolved through processes involving the fruitful interplay of “chance” (happenstance) and necessity (laws, regularity) Chance: the sign a loving God has given the

universe the gift of independence to make itself, to be other than God.

Necessity: the sign a faithful God has given the universe the gift of reliability.

IntroductionIntroduction3. Who Are We?3. Who Are We?

In our third session we asked what does In our third session we asked what does science tell us about who are we?science tell us about who are we? Does science really tell us (as some scientist claim) Does science really tell us (as some scientist claim)

that we are merely “computers made of meat” or that we are merely “computers made of meat” or “genetic survival machines”?“genetic survival machines”?

Science is only beginning to try to understand Science is only beginning to try to understand complex systems.complex systems.

IntroductionIntroduction3. Who Are We?3. Who Are We?

The interconnectedness of physical reality found in:The interconnectedness of physical reality found in: Quantum NonlocalityQuantum Nonlocality and and Chaos TheoryChaos Theory,,

the unexplained self-organization of complex systems the unexplained self-organization of complex systems just beginning to be studied in just beginning to be studied in Complexity TheoryComplexity Theory

suggest a “reductionist” view (= that we are suggest a “reductionist” view (= that we are fundamentally no more than a complicated heap of fundamentally no more than a complicated heap of protons, neutrons and electrons) will not be science’s protons, neutrons and electrons) will not be science’s ultimate answer to our question.ultimate answer to our question.

IntroductionIntroduction4. Can a Scientist Pray?4. Can a Scientist Pray?

Today we explore the questions:Today we explore the questions: Can a scientist pray and ask God for something?Can a scientist pray and ask God for something? Can a scientist believe in miracles?Can a scientist believe in miracles?

– – and do so with intellectual integrity?and do so with intellectual integrity? – – and do so without suspending their and do so without suspending their

acceptance of everything science has taught us acceptance of everything science has taught us about the universe?about the universe?

IntroductionIntroduction4. Can a Scientist Pray?4. Can a Scientist Pray?

Science has revealed to us the regularity of the Science has revealed to us the regularity of the processes of nature, yet as Christians we processes of nature, yet as Christians we proclaim a God who acts in history and proclaim a God who acts in history and answers the prayers of his children. How can answers the prayers of his children. How can we reconcile these views? we reconcile these views?

How much “room” does science’s account of How much “room” does science’s account of the universe allow for God to act in the the universe allow for God to act in the universe?universe?

Kenotic Creation and Kenotic Creation and Divine ActionDivine Action

Kenotic CreationKenotic Creation God’s Voluntary Self-EmptyingGod’s Voluntary Self-Emptying

Of course, the God who creates and sustains the Of course, the God who creates and sustains the universe can do whatever God wants in that creation.universe can do whatever God wants in that creation.

But we don’t see a world that moves in arbitrary fits But we don’t see a world that moves in arbitrary fits and jerks according to the whim of an all-powerful and jerks according to the whim of an all-powerful cosmic master.cosmic master.

Our Christian belief in the God’s incarnation as Jesus Our Christian belief in the God’s incarnation as Jesus provides us with a profound insight into the character provides us with a profound insight into the character of God:of God: God chose to empty God’s self of God’s power and take on God chose to empty God’s self of God’s power and take on

all the frailties and limitations of a human being.all the frailties and limitations of a human being. God’s voluntary self-emptying = God’s voluntary self-emptying = kenosiskenosis

Kenotic CreationKenotic Creation God’s Voluntary Self-EmptyingGod’s Voluntary Self-Emptying

It appears that in creating the universe, and endowing It appears that in creating the universe, and endowing it with the twin gifts of it with the twin gifts of independenceindependence and and reliabilityreliability so it could be fruitful and make itself, God has also so it could be fruitful and make itself, God has also chosen to empty God’s self of some of God’s power chosen to empty God’s self of some of God’s power in relating to the creation.in relating to the creation.

God has self-limited God’s power in the act of God has self-limited God’s power in the act of creation to allow the created-other to be truly itself in creation to allow the created-other to be truly itself in its God-given freedom of beingits God-given freedom of being

This self-emptying of God in creation (“kenotic This self-emptying of God in creation (“kenotic creation”) is consistent with a God whose character is creation”) is consistent with a God whose character is love, whose nature is incompatible with being a love, whose nature is incompatible with being a cosmic tyrant.cosmic tyrant.

Kenotic CreationKenotic Creation ProvidenceProvidence

How then does God relate to God’s creation? How then does God relate to God’s creation? How might a loving God care for and act in How might a loving God care for and act in this creation,this creation, A creation in which God does not want to be a A creation in which God does not want to be a

puppet master,puppet master, A creation which God wishes to make itself, to be A creation which God wishes to make itself, to be

other than God?other than God?

Kenotic CreationKenotic Creation ProvidenceProvidence

We can speak of three levels of specificity of divine We can speak of three levels of specificity of divine action in creation:action in creation: 1. 1. General ProvidenceGeneral Providence: the divine sustaining of the order : the divine sustaining of the order

of the world. The laws of nature are expressions of God’s of the world. The laws of nature are expressions of God’s faithfulness.faithfulness.

2. 2. Special ProvidenceSpecial Providence: particular divine actions in within : particular divine actions in within cosmic historycosmic history

These actions take place within the “grain” of physical processes, These actions take place within the “grain” of physical processes, and so are not easily discernable as acts of God.and so are not easily discernable as acts of God.

3. 3. MiraclesMiracles: radically unnatural events – turning water into : radically unnatural events – turning water into wine, raising the dead to life.wine, raising the dead to life.

Kenotic CreationKenotic Creation ProvidenceProvidence

There are some “minimalist” theologians who say There are some “minimalist” theologians who say that God relates to creation that God relates to creation onlyonly through through General General ProvidenceProvidence (God’s sustaining of the universe) (God’s sustaining of the universe) Anything more than that would violate the integrity of Anything more than that would violate the integrity of

science.science. Such a view however is not biblical. God is not Such a view however is not biblical. God is not

merely the God of the “whole show,” but also the merely the God of the “whole show,” but also the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of you God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of you and me. Such a God must be able to do specific and me. Such a God must be able to do specific things in the creation.things in the creation.

Does science allow “room” for Does science allow “room” for Special ProvidenceSpecial Providence = = particular particular divine actions in cosmic history that are divine actions in cosmic history that are within the grain of the laws of nature?within the grain of the laws of nature?

Special ProvidenceSpecial Providence

Special ProvidenceSpecial Providence Mechanisms of Divine ActionMechanisms of Divine Action

How might God be able to act within cosmic How might God be able to act within cosmic history without violating the integrity of history without violating the integrity of natural laws God has given to creation?natural laws God has given to creation?

What might be the mechanisms of God’s What might be the mechanisms of God’s special providencespecial providence in creation? in creation?

Special ProvidenceSpecial Providence Mechanisms of Divine ActionMechanisms of Divine Action

Last week we discusses several possible sources of Last week we discusses several possible sources of “openness” in physical processes that could provide “openness” in physical processes that could provide “room” for God to act without violating the laws of “room” for God to act without violating the laws of nature (which are of course also expressions of God’s nature (which are of course also expressions of God’s will) will) The fundamental unpredictability of all physical processes The fundamental unpredictability of all physical processes

found in found in Quantum MechanicsQuantum Mechanics The extreme sensitivity of most physical processes to The extreme sensitivity of most physical processes to

initial / starting conditions found in initial / starting conditions found in Chaos TheoryChaos Theory The unexplained “self-organizing” tendency of complex The unexplained “self-organizing” tendency of complex

systems now being studied in “systems now being studied in “Complexity TheoryComplexity Theory”, ”, suggesting that that “more is different,” and that complex suggesting that that “more is different,” and that complex systems operate by a yet to be discovered set of natural systems operate by a yet to be discovered set of natural laws.laws.

Special ProvidenceSpecial Providence Quantum MechanicsQuantum Mechanics

Quantum physics tells us that fundamental Quantum physics tells us that fundamental physical reality is best imagined physical reality is best imagined notnot as a vast as a vast number of subatomic particles swirling about, number of subatomic particles swirling about, but as a seething bed of unembodied but as a seething bed of unembodied potentially, possibility. potentially, possibility.

The boundaries, the range or scope of that The boundaries, the range or scope of that potentiality / possibility is encapsulated in the potentiality / possibility is encapsulated in the quantum wavefunction or statefunction.quantum wavefunction or statefunction.

Special ProvidenceSpecial Providence Quantum MechanicsQuantum Mechanics

When a scientists (or any observer) attempts to detect When a scientists (or any observer) attempts to detect or measure some property of a particle (say its or measure some property of a particle (say its position or speed):position or speed): the act of measurementthe act of measurement causescauses the wavefunction of the the wavefunction of the

particle to particle to collapsecollapse, and , and the particle comes into existence, becomes embodied with the particle comes into existence, becomes embodied with

oneone of the possible values of the property allowed by its of the possible values of the property allowed by its wavefunction.wavefunction.

The particular value taken on appears to be “chosen” The particular value taken on appears to be “chosen” at random by the ground of physical reality.at random by the ground of physical reality.

Special ProvidenceSpecial Providence Quantum MechanicsQuantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics therefore shows us there Quantum mechanics therefore shows us there is a “built-in” unpredictability in the universe. is a “built-in” unpredictability in the universe. We can predict only the probability of a We can predict only the probability of a elementary particle’s position or speed (for elementary particle’s position or speed (for example), not the actual values.example), not the actual values.

Special Providence Special Providence Chaos TheoryChaos Theory

Many physical systems are “well-behaved” in Many physical systems are “well-behaved” in that we can easily predict their future behavior. that we can easily predict their future behavior. For example: clocks.For example: clocks.

More commonly however physical systems More commonly however physical systems display “chaotic” behavior. For example: display “chaotic” behavior. For example: clouds.clouds.

““Chaotic” = they are Chaotic” = they are exquisitelyexquisitely sensitive to sensitive to initial conditions. initial conditions. Extremely tiny differences in the input values Extremely tiny differences in the input values

(initial conditions) leads to wildly different (initial conditions) leads to wildly different behaviors in the future.behaviors in the future.

Special Providence Special Providence Chaos TheoryChaos Theory

Example:Example: the weather in North America can be the weather in North America can be effected by whether or not an African butterfly effected by whether or not an African butterfly flapped its wings a week earlier.flapped its wings a week earlier. Another name for Chaos Theory: Another name for Chaos Theory: “The Butterfly Effect”“The Butterfly Effect”

The sensitivity of most physical systems (“clouds”) is The sensitivity of most physical systems (“clouds”) is so great that it would require a precision forbidden by so great that it would require a precision forbidden by quantum mechanics to predict its behavior.quantum mechanics to predict its behavior.

Hence many of the physical systems we are most Hence many of the physical systems we are most familiar with (“clouds”) are familiar with (“clouds”) are fundamentallyfundamentally unpredictable.unpredictable.

Special ProvidenceSpecial Providence Quantum and Chaos TheoryQuantum and Chaos Theory

The fundamental unpredictability of the world The fundamental unpredictability of the world found in found in Quantum MechanicsQuantum Mechanics and and Chaos Chaos TheoryTheory suggest there is room for God to act in suggest there is room for God to act in the world and yet remain hidden to science.the world and yet remain hidden to science.

Special ProvidenceSpecial Providence Complexity TheoryComplexity Theory

Complexity theoryComplexity theory is a nascent science is a nascent science looking at the emergence of behavior and looking at the emergence of behavior and properties in complex systems that could not properties in complex systems that could not have been recognized from the properties of have been recognized from the properties of their constituent parts.their constituent parts.

““More is different.”More is different.”

Special ProvidenceSpecial Providence Complexity TheoryComplexity Theory

Complex systems seem to have an unexplained Complex systems seem to have an unexplained tendency to “self-organize” into a very orderly tendency to “self-organize” into a very orderly set of behaviors.set of behaviors.

For example:For example: the spontaneous generation of order seen in the spontaneous generation of order seen in cellular cellular

automataautomata.. In chaotic systems in which friction is present, the In chaotic systems in which friction is present, the

chaotic system will converge after a period to time chaotic system will converge after a period to time onto an intricate but limited portfolio of possible onto an intricate but limited portfolio of possible forms called a forms called a “strange attractor”“strange attractor”

Special ProvidenceSpecial Providence Complexity TheoryComplexity Theory

At present, there is no general theory that At present, there is no general theory that covers the behavior of complex systems.covers the behavior of complex systems.

Polkinghorne believes there is a deep theory Polkinghorne believes there is a deep theory underlying these phenomenon whose underlying these phenomenon whose discovery will revolutionize scientific discovery will revolutionize scientific thinking.thinking.

Special Providence Special Providence Complexity TheoryComplexity Theory

We may find that in addition to explaining the We may find that in addition to explaining the world with: world with: ““bottom-up” causalitybottom-up” causality, the way fundamental , the way fundamental

constituents effect the whole, we need to take into constituents effect the whole, we need to take into account a:account a:

““top-down” causalitytop-down” causality, the way global properties , the way global properties of a complex system effect its constituent parts.of a complex system effect its constituent parts.

Special ProvidenceSpecial Providence Complexity TheoryComplexity Theory

Polkinghorne suggests that the self-organizing Polkinghorne suggests that the self-organizing tendency of complex physical systems involves a tendency of complex physical systems involves a “top-down” causality of “top-down” causality of “active information”“active information” Active InformationActive Information: a slogan phrase to represent the : a slogan phrase to represent the

influence that brings about the formation of structured influence that brings about the formation of structured patterns of behavior.patterns of behavior.

He suggests that God interacts with God’s creation He suggests that God interacts with God’s creation through this through this top-down causalitytop-down causality, by influencing the , by influencing the formation of structured patterns of behavior (that is, formation of structured patterns of behavior (that is, by providing “by providing “active informationactive information”)”)

Special ProvidenceSpecial Providence An Open CreationAn Open Creation

The laws of nature do not define a “rigid universe” in which The laws of nature do not define a “rigid universe” in which the future could be theoretically predicted by a “calculating the future could be theoretically predicted by a “calculating demon” of sufficient might.demon” of sufficient might.

Instead, the universe is truly open, a universe in which both Instead, the universe is truly open, a universe in which both we and God can act and change the future.we and God can act and change the future.

God, has voluntarily emptied God’s self of divine power God, has voluntarily emptied God’s self of divine power (kenosis) to allow the universe to make itself, to allow the (kenosis) to allow the universe to make itself, to allow the universe and the creatures who evolved within it (ourselves) to universe and the creatures who evolved within it (ourselves) to have a part in bringing about the future.have a part in bringing about the future.

There is thus an intertwining of God’s providential and There is thus an intertwining of God’s providential and creaturely causality at work in the universe.creaturely causality at work in the universe. God interacts within creaturely history but does not overrule the acts of God interacts within creaturely history but does not overrule the acts of

creaturescreatures

Special ProvidenceSpecial Providence An Open CreationAn Open Creation

God’s divine God’s divine kenosiskenosis (self-emptying of God) (self-emptying of God) to allow the universe to make itself involves, to allow the universe to make itself involves, Polkinghorne believes:Polkinghorne believes: Not only God’s self-emptying / self-limitation of Not only God’s self-emptying / self-limitation of

divine divine powerpower ( (omnipotenceomnipotence), but also:), but also: God’s self-emptying / self-limitation of God’s self-emptying / self-limitation of divine divine

knowledgeknowledge ( (omniscienceomniscience): God does not know the ): God does not know the future of universe.future of universe.

Special ProvidenceSpecial Providence An Open CreationAn Open Creation

God has allowed the universe to be a truly open, God has allowed the universe to be a truly open, evolving world, a world allowed to make itself, and evolving world, a world allowed to make itself, and God has chosen to know and interact with the world God has chosen to know and interact with the world in its temporality, as it actually is.in its temporality, as it actually is.

To truly interact moment by moment with a creation To truly interact moment by moment with a creation that is an independent world of true becoming, God that is an independent world of true becoming, God does not know the future does not know the future because the future is not yet because the future is not yet there to be knownthere to be known.. God has self-emptied / self-limited (God has self-emptied / self-limited (kenosiskenosis) God’s self of ) God’s self of

divine knowledge (omniscience) and accepted a divine divine knowledge (omniscience) and accepted a divine experience of temporality, interacting with history as experience of temporality, interacting with history as history unfolds.history unfolds.

MiraclesMiracles

MiraclesMiracles Any Place for the Miraculous?Any Place for the Miraculous?

So is there any place in this picture for So is there any place in this picture for miracles, for radically unnatural events – miracles, for radically unnatural events – turning water into wine, raising the dead to turning water into wine, raising the dead to life, events that violate the laws of nature?life, events that violate the laws of nature?

Wouldn’t they violate God’s twin gifts to the Wouldn’t they violate God’s twin gifts to the universe of reliability and independence?universe of reliability and independence?

MiraclesMiracles Any Place for the Miraculous?Any Place for the Miraculous?

Miracles and science:Miracles and science: Miracles are unique events and not recurrent phenomena, Miracles are unique events and not recurrent phenomena,

and hence lie outside the normal scope of science.and hence lie outside the normal scope of science. Miracles and theology:Miracles and theology:

God’s self consistency is the self-consistency of a “person” God’s self consistency is the self-consistency of a “person” – it need not imply a rigid uniformity.– it need not imply a rigid uniformity.

It is perfectly feasible for God to act as a “person,” and act It is perfectly feasible for God to act as a “person,” and act in surprising and unprecedented ways. in surprising and unprecedented ways.

However we don’t want to believe God is a celestial However we don’t want to believe God is a celestial magician, doing occasional tricks to astonish people but magician, doing occasional tricks to astonish people but most of the time not bothering. most of the time not bothering.

MiraclesMiracles Any Place for the Miraculous?Any Place for the Miraculous?

[Miracles are] not to be understood as God’s [Miracles are] not to be understood as God’s arbitrary irruption, in a quasi-magical way, arbitrary irruption, in a quasi-magical way, into the otherwise smooth history of into the otherwise smooth history of creation. That would involve the theological creation. That would involve the theological nonsense of the God of miracles acting nonsense of the God of miracles acting against the same God whose faithful will is against the same God whose faithful will is the ground of the reliable process of the the ground of the reliable process of the universe. Rather, miracle is the universe. Rather, miracle is the revealing revealing by by the Creatorthe Creator of the profound potentialities that of the profound potentialities that the divine will has for creationthe divine will has for creation, beyond those , beyond those so far discerned in the workings of the world.so far discerned in the workings of the world. Polkinghorne, p. 127, Science, Faith and UnderstandingPolkinghorne, p. 127, Science, Faith and Understanding

MiraclesMiracles The ResurrectionThe Resurrection

Jesus’ Resurrection was just such a miracle, Jesus’ Resurrection was just such a miracle, showing the character of God’s will for showing the character of God’s will for creation:creation: The Lord’s risen body was not a replacement for The Lord’s risen body was not a replacement for

the dead body, nor its resuscitation, but its the dead body, nor its resuscitation, but its glorification.glorification.

The new creation will not be an abolition of the The new creation will not be an abolition of the “old” creation (= our universe, past, present, and “old” creation (= our universe, past, present, and future), but its glorification.future), but its glorification.

MiraclesMiracles The ResurrectionThe Resurrection

Miracles, and in particular the miracle of the Miracles, and in particular the miracle of the Resurrection should dispel any concern that in Resurrection should dispel any concern that in allowing creation the freedom to make itself, allowing creation the freedom to make itself, God’s purposes may not eventually be God’s purposes may not eventually be fulfilled.fulfilled.

The fulfillment of God’s will may occur along The fulfillment of God’s will may occur along paths our actions create, but God is at work paths our actions create, but God is at work ceaselessly to bring salvation to creation, and ceaselessly to bring salvation to creation, and ultimately God will be this universe’s Savior.ultimately God will be this universe’s Savior.

Can a Scientist Pray?Can a Scientist Pray?

Can a Scientist PrayCan a Scientist Pray Can We Ask God for Something?Can We Ask God for Something?

So can a scientist (or anyone who takes So can a scientist (or anyone who takes science seriously) pray and ask God for science seriously) pray and ask God for something?something?

The answer is yes – there is “room” in the The answer is yes – there is “room” in the created order for God (and ourselves) to act.created order for God (and ourselves) to act.

Can a Scientist PrayCan a Scientist Pray Why Should We Pray?Why Should We Pray?

But why should we have to pray?But why should we have to pray? Doesn’t God know what we need (even better than Doesn’t God know what we need (even better than

ourselves)?ourselves)? Do we have to attract God’s attention to get God to Do we have to attract God’s attention to get God to

notice us?notice us? Do we have to badger God, make a nuisance of Do we have to badger God, make a nuisance of

ourselves to get God to act on our behalf?ourselves to get God to act on our behalf? Do we pray to suggest to God a rather cunning Do we pray to suggest to God a rather cunning

plan for our future that God may not have thought plan for our future that God may not have thought of?of?

Can a Scientist PrayCan a Scientist Pray Why Should We Pray?Why Should We Pray?

Polkinghorne suggests we are doing two Polkinghorne suggests we are doing two important things when we pray:important things when we pray: 1. We offer our wills to be aligned with the divine 1. We offer our wills to be aligned with the divine

will.will. 2. We are challenged to figure out what we really 2. We are challenged to figure out what we really

want. We are called on to commit ourselves to want. We are called on to commit ourselves to what we really value in the world.what we really value in the world.

TopicsTopicsQuarks, Chaos, and ChristianityQuarks, Chaos, and Christianity

Jan 6:Jan 6: Is Anyone There? Is Anyone There? Jan 13:Jan 13: What’s Been Going On? What’s Been Going On? Jan 20:Jan 20: Annual Parish MeetingAnnual Parish Meeting Jan 27:Jan 27: Who are We? Who are We? Feb 3:Feb 3: Prayer and Miracles Prayer and Miracles Feb 10:Feb 10: How Will It End? How Will It End?