SEEK 35 – Maths…
Question: What is the point of Algebra?
Bible Reading: Colossians 1:15-20
Text: “He is before all things and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17))
Before we answer the question, it is necessary for us to ask, ‘what is algebra’? At school I can remember being taught arithmetic, geometry and algebra under the general heading of mathematics. The dictionary definition of algebra is “the part of mathematics in which letters and other general systems are used to represent numbers and quantities in formulae and equations”. Mathematics in general, and algebra in particular are essential for science and for much of modern society. As a theologian and historian, I don’t have much personal use for them directly – but I do benefit from their fruits – as do you.
Professor John Lennox was the first to convince me of the importance of mathematics, arguing that it was essential to understanding almost anything! Of course, given that he is a professor of mathematics at the University of Oxford, you might think that it is hardly surprising that he would argue this. But he has more than a point.
Wayne Westenberg argues that “Mathematics has been and remains a foundational block in the liberal arts. Throughout history, the mastery of mathematics has helped us understand both the creation and the Creator. Such understanding is far more than mere knowledge. That is the greatest reason for the study of this discipline.” https://godandmath.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/westenberg-why-mathematics-and-christianity.pdf
Perhaps it is easy to understand why maths is so essential in science – but what does it have to do with God? Surely mathematics is neutral? 2 + 2 = 4, no matter what faith, or lack of faith you may have.
Some go even further than that. They argue that maths actually points us away from God – because they say that we believe in a ‘God of the gaps.’ In other words when we don’t understand something we just say that ‘God did it’. As mathematics helps us understand our universe better, then there is less and less room for God. But as Lennox argues “When Sir Isaac Newtown discovered the universal law of gravitation he did not say, “I have discovered a mechanism that accounts for planetary motion, therefore there is no agent God who designed it. Quite the opposite: precisely because he understood how it worked, he was moved to increased admiration for the God who had designed it that way.”
In its immediate application mathematics is neutral and can be done by anyone. But in its speaking to us as a language we can only hear if we open our ears and minds and understand Johannes Kepler’s point “”The chief aim of all investigations of the external world should be to discover the rational order and harmony which has been imposed on it by God and which He revealed to us in the language of mathematics.”
What is the point of mathematics? It shows us the order and beauty of the created universe, and therefore because that universe is a reflection of the Creator, it shows us the order and beauty of God.
It may seem strange to our modern Western ‘logical’ minds, but mathematics speaks to us as much of the beauty of God as do music and art.
But let me reverse that a little. Not only does mathematics show us the beauty of God, but God shows us the purpose of mathematics. Just like humanity – it exists to glorify and enjoy him! Augustine’s great argument applies to mathematics “We don’t rightly understand anything until we understand its connection with Jesus Christ”.
If you go to the passage, we read in Colossians chapter one you will see that Christ is not only the creator of all things – but that in him all things hold together. The laws of maths are his laws. He is the Logos (John 1:1). He is the one who sustains, preserves and keeps all things in order. The Universe exists because of him. And it continues because of him. And he uses mathematics to do that.
“Every time you solve a math problem, you’re relying on the underlying consistency present in math. Any time you see that math still operates consistently, it’s testifying that God is still on His throne, faithfully holding all things together.” – Katherine Loop
I’ll bet you never thought that all those boring equations could be so important! If, unlike me, you have a gift for mathematics, use it for the glory of God, and for the good of your fellow human beings. Mathematicians are important – like artists, musicians, farmers, healers, carers and writers, they reflect the beauty of the One in whose image they are created.
Consider: What would the world be like if there were not mathematics? What would it be like if there were no mathematicians? How can you use your study of maths to build up your faith, bear witness to Christ and live for the glory of God?
Further Reading: Principles of Mathematics Book 1 – Katherine Loop
https://godandmath.com/how-is-math-done-christianly/how-is-math-done-christianly/
Prayer: Lord Jesus – we thank and praise you that you have the whole world in your hands. In you all things were created. All things have been created through you and for you. You are before all things, and in you all things hold together. We praise you that we can see that in the laws you use to govern the world. Give us understanding, and grant that we may live for your glory, Amen.
My father was a civil engineer and once designed a church made of reinforced concrete. The pastor asked why it was so expensive and Dad replied that steel prices were currently very high. The pastor’s response was “just use half the steel”, to which my dad replied that the building would fall down and kill everyone.
“The God I trust in can keep the building standing” said the pastor. “Yes”, replied my dad, “but the same God designed the laws of physics and gave us brains to be able to know how those laws work, and it’s God’s laws I follow when I do my engineering work.”