Human freedom and the freedom of natural processes : on omnicausality, a-causality and God's omnipotence
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Authors
Du Toit, C. W.
Issue Date
2013-11
Type
Book chapter
Language
en
Keywords
God’s omnipotence , Causality in physical science , Omnicausality , A-causality
Alternative Title
Abstract
The article traces the development of causality in physical science and examines its functioning in theology, as well
as its demand for a different approach to power, especially the omnipotence and omnicausality of God. The three
main phases in the development of causality is briefly mentioned with special reference to some applicable notions
of Hume, Newton and Kant. Some examples are given of developments that contributed to the erosion of the
causality concept in the sciences during the nineteenth century. The possibility of thinking of God in a-causal terms
is proposed. The idea of an omni-causal God is build upon a pre-modern monarchical view. The question whether
the importance of God as an omni-causal agent forms part of our regulative thinking, is dealt with. Special attention
is given to the way Karl Barth interprets our knowledge of God as well as God’s power. We take the stance that the
idea of God’s omnipotence does not imply his omnicausality. This implies that he respect the freedom
(autopoeticism) of nature as he respect the freedom of humans. This stance obviates the need to prove God as the
magical force in or behind natural and physical events. The action of God is seen on the consequential side of events
and not on its causal side.
Description
Peer reviewed
Citation
South African Science and Religion Forum Conference papers - Chance, causality, emergence: Interdisciplinary perspectives, pp 227-248
Publisher
Research Institute for Theology and Religion