Miracles in the Modern World: Science and Faith Unveiled

In our rapidly advancing world, where science has taken monumental strides, the idea of miracles as depicted in the Torah can feel disconnected from reality. For many, science is presented through popular media, which often simplifies complex research without delving deeply into the nuances, causing people to become firm believers in science alone. Consequently, any claim that seemingly contradicts established scientific laws is subconsciously dismissed. On the surface, science, which relies on fixed laws, seems incompatible with miracles that defy these laws. Yet, how can science explain phenomena like the parting of the Red Sea or the Chanukah miracle of the oil?

A deeper look, however, reveals no contradiction between science and the belief in miracles. Modern scientific achievements can actually bring us closer to understanding the insights of our sages about nature's laws. Not only is the possibility of an event like the Red Sea's parting conceivable, but we also witness miracles every day that surpass it in awe. Let's explore the nature of science and its limitations.

Nature's Laws and Science's Limits

What we perceive with our senses in the physical world is called "nature." Recurring phenomena have led humanity to define them as "natural laws." When people observed objects falling to the ground consistently, they generalized this into the concept of gravity. Through experiments, we can define quantitative behaviors and label them "laws of gravity." Yet, there is no definitive scientific proof these laws exist eternally or a scientific explanation for their permanence. Natural sciences presuppose the existence of natural laws, assuming their validity across all time and space. The underlying causes of nature's behavior remain beyond the realm of science, addressing philosophical rather than quantitative questions. Even skeptics would agree: it's impossible to scientifically investigate the reasons behind natural laws, as we can't sue nature if the sun doesn't rise tomorrow.

To illustrate why science can't explain nature's reasons but only observe "how it behaves": If we ask a scientist why one material is flammable and another isn't, they'll likely attribute it to differences in oxidation potential. Press further, and they'll point to variations in electron distances from the nucleus. Keep questioning, and the explanation becomes about differing electronic shells. For each scientific answer, there remains a question about the underlying reason, which this method of scientific inquiry will never reach. Thus, science gives us a chain of measurable phenomena but cannot touch the primary cause, which lies outside its domain.

Science self-restricts to counting and understanding phenomena repeatable at will, discussing only "how much?" and "how?" Rather than engaging in questions of "for what purpose?" or "why?" it remains silent on spiritual realities and unseen forces. This limitation offers a partial view of the universe, like a person who only believes what they can see and denies the existence of radio waves, radar, or cosmic radiation. Any scientific statement regarding primary causes or purposes is therefore an individual, private belief rather than universal truth.

Determinism and Scientific Philosophy

For generations, people lived under determinist views that denied the possibility of miracles in the world. Determinism, through its many forms, maintained that no unknown spiritual forces interfere with nature, which operates according to fixed, eternal laws. In such a world, everything, from cognitive thoughts to physical actions, would theoretically be predictable and predetermined, negating the need for free will or morality since nothing could alter an already dictated future.

Until Francis Bacon (1561-1626), a conflict brewed between faith and materialist determinism (skeptics who denied spiritual reality). This debate couldn't be resolved through scientific measurements; it was about feelings and will. The advent of modern science in the 19th century solidified a scientific determinism that provided an intellectual basis for skeptics. Scientists openly claimed, "We've finally explained the world without needing a 'Creator'!" – a statement made while ignoring science's inherent boundaries.

The 20th century, however, brought a fundamental shift in scientific thinking as seemingly indestructible scientific structures crumbled, giving way to newer, yet still unstable theories. Scientists became less arrogant and more cautious. Today's physicists understand that their discoveries represent only a fraction of reality, with much more remaining hidden. Among the outdated "truths," determinism has lost its grip.

The modern scientific outlook recognizes that human reason and logic can't fully grasp the essence of nature. Scientists aim instead to construct mathematical models that depict measured phenomena until a more effective one emerges.

Our minds can't comprehend how an electron can exhibit both particle and wave characteristics, or how time can accelerate or decelerate depending on the frame of reference. Yet, today's scientists accept these as facts, building their work upon them.

Thus, science not only fails to deny the existence of miracles but confirms that reality and the ultimate causes of our world escape human understanding.

Nature and Miracles from a Believer's Perspective

For skeptics, a world without evidence of miracles or unpredictable occurrences is all there is. In contrast, believers know miracles are possible in Hashem's world. To them, both natural laws and miracles originate from the Creator's will, with no distinction between them. Nature reflects Hashem's consistent will, and miracles reveal Hashem's will changing our usual expectations, thereby demonstrating divine providence.

In their religious texts, scholars have identified two meanings for the word "miracle":
a) A flag or sign – "Raise a banner on the mountain" (Isaiah 13:2).
b) A wondrous event outside the normal spectrum, which we label as "natural laws."
These are interconnected, as the breaking of natural laws by Hashem serves as a sign of divine oversight.

The existence of "natural laws" is essential for sustaining life as we know it. In an entirely lawless world, human experience and free choice wouldn't be possible, as one couldn't predict the outcomes of actions. This idea possibly explains why natural laws were created. On the other hand, nature tests humanity. If one mistakenly believes nature operates independently of Hashem, they fall into a heretical trap. Some may attempt to manipulate natural causes to fulfill their desires, but this mindset strays far from religious principles and distances one from spiritual insights. The Hebrew word for "nature" (טבע) is interpreted by commentators as derived from "sinking"—a potentially dangerous immersion.

Believers, however, maintain a different view and behavior rooted in their faith. Moreover, there are varying levels of religious perspective on actions and deeds. Some believe in Hashem and acknowledge that despite their calculated efforts, unforeseen factors might disrupt their plans, such as illnesses or accidents. Such believers pray for divine assistance, realizing that even their talents stem from Hashem. Although less heretical, this isn't pure faith, as it involves a "partnership" with Hashem, implying shared control over the world, suggesting a sense of "my strength and the might of my hand have made me this wealth."

At a higher level are those who view every natural event as an act of Hashem. It's like watching through a keyhole, where one sees a pen writing autonomously on paper. A skeptic, refusing to believe in divine providence, is like a person who won't open the door to see the person holding and using the pen. Instead, they conclude this limited keyhole view is all there is. A believer recognizes nature is but a tool in Hashem's hand. Though higher than previous stages, this view still positions nature centrally.

A Pure Perception of Nature

The pure religious view posits that nature's existence is merely as a veil for divinity, lacking any real independence. The word "world" (עולם) derives from "hidden"—concealment. Our sages, who established blessings acknowledging ongoing creation every day, taught us that creation isn't a one-time event but requires constant divine re-creation. Just as a craftsman creates an object once, which then stands independently, so contrasts creation by Hashem, which requires perpetual divine sustenance.

This pure understanding is rooted in recognizing Hashem's absolute unity as the sole force, with no separate power or reality. In this view, creation's essence and roots are spiritual, while material reality lacks its own substantiality.

Spiritual Causes for Events

Since all phenomena in our physical world originate spiritually, we must understand that physical interactions happen according to divine spiritual pathways and purposes. This underpins the biblical writing, "Were it not for My covenant day and night, I would not have put the laws of heaven and earth" (Jeremiah 33:25). The continuity of natural laws depends on fulfilling the Torah's spiritual purpose.

Viewing worldly events through material "cause and effect" contradicts Torah thought. For instance, our current security challenges may seem to demand more weapons, a stronger army, and American presidential favor. Yet, Torah thought shifts the focus to spirituality: while we cannot rely on miracles or on our spiritual merits, our strength lies in spirituality—"When Jacob's voice resonates in synagogues and study halls, Esau's hands can't prevail." Initially surprising, the connection between spoken prayers and material success holds spiritual realities that impact physical outcomes.

A natural viewpoint of "cause and effect" can't explain "Charity saves from death" (Proverbs 10:2) or the sages' "Tithe to become wealthy" (Taanit 9a). Indeed, Jewish history itself defies natural logic. From its inception, Jewish history brims with occurrences outside nature, persisting over millennia while mightier nations vanished without trace.

Nature's Miracle from a Believer's Lens

Once we grasp that nature is sustained by the Creator's will every moment, the words of Rabban Chanina Ben Dosa ring true: "He who said oil should burn can also say vinegar will burn" (Taanit 25a). We've established that primary causes of phenomena like combustion aren't found in matter, with Hashem's will being the real cause. Thus, Rabban Chanina Ben Dosa appeals to this cause directly, trusting that vinegar can burn as well as oil by divine will. In his presence, distinctions between miracles and nature dissolve, both seen as expressions of divine providence.

We know Hashem's providence is "measure for measure." One who perceives nature's spiritual essence and sees miracles in every aspect will experience overt miracles, as nature for them is already a miracle. Such a person no longer needs nature's hidden aspects. For those who only perceive the material, interactions occur naturally, as miracles would go unappreciated, instead spurring attempts to concoct scientific theories.

This understanding illuminates our history: in the wilderness, miracles were commonplace as the people's view was inherently spiritual. Continuous miracles emphasized Israel's understanding of nature's true essence. When their spiritual stature declined, so did their accompanying miracles and prophets.

Relying on Miracles to Strengthen Faith

Some point to persistent natural miracles, such as reversed temperature gradients or the mystery of the sun's non-explosion due to its ongoing nuclear fusion, as evidence of divine oversight.

Let's cite one example: gravity, a fundamental natural force, lacks a scientific explanation for its behavior. A minute change in the universal gravitational constant would instantaneously disrupt all terrestrial structures, underscoring how only divine will upholds the world.

We can assert, therefore, that a deeper examination of divine oversight reveals nature itself as a constant and grand miracle. Life's persistence and continuity witnessed consistently testify to the Creator's presence and global vigilance. Observing the perpetual mystery of body-soul union inspires awe and awareness of Hashem's sustained vigilance. Science can't elucidate the enigmatic union or soulful influence of emotional distress on biological function cessation. Likewise, the gastric conundrum, resisting digestion while containing potent enzymes, resolves postmortem as the stomach immediately self-digests absent of life's force indicates a key mystery beyond science's grasp.

The wisdom of the *Chafetz Chaim* rings true: those of earlier higher spiritual caliber could perceive the world's spiritual nature through their divine understanding. Today, technological advances demonstrate that even laypersons identify with "All things are heard" (Ecclesiastes 12:14) through radios and TVs. We might say modern science unveils greater faith by acknowledging that matter springs from spirituality, guiding one to "Fear Hashem and keep His commandments, for this is the whole of man" (Ecclesiastes 12:13).