GOD IS A MATHEMATICIAN

By David Olaluwoye

Image from Google

After wrangling with title options, I confessed to my friend, ‘I love God too much to denigrate him and I fear him too much to blaspheme his name.

The brilliant Paul M. Dirac (1902–1984) nailed it: “GOD is a mathematician of a very high order. He used advanced mathematics in constructing the universe.”

Seriously, saying God doesn’t grasp math? That’s like saying semo is delicious — just plain wrong! 🌚

Mathematics is the hand of God expressed in scientific data, when you dive into nature’s complexities, you’ll discover it is God’s secret encoded in scientific awesomeness.

Nicholas of Cusa (1401 — 1464) said and I quote “God transcends all understanding and is eternal and immutable (Selected Spiritual Writings, pp. 28, 109), and that nothing will happen except according to God’s providence” (Selected Spiritual Writings, p. 118).

Again Nicholas said “All our wisest and most divine doctors concur that visible things are truly images of invisible things and that from creatures the Creator can be seen in a recognizable way as if in a mirror or an enigma. But the fact that spiritual things, unattainable by us in themselves, maybe symbolically investigated rests on what we have already stated. For the way to the uncertain is possible only by means of what is presupposed. But all sensible things are in continual instability because of the material possibility abounding in them. However, where such things are considered, we perceive that those things, such as mathematical, which are more abstract than sensible, are very fixed and very certain to us, although they do not entirely lack material associations, without which no image of them could be formed, and they are not completely subject to fluctuating possibility. Proceeding in this way of the ancients, we agree with them in saying that since our only approach to divine things is through symbols, we can appropriately use mathematical signs because of their incorruptible certitude” (Nicholas of Cusa: Selected Spiritual Writings, pp. 100–101).

Nicholas of Cusa’s profound perspective on God, shaped by his mathematical explorations, resonates deeply with me. Similarly, my studies in biochemistry have led me to a transformative understanding, rendering atheistic arguments inconsequential.

The lives of renowned Christian mathematicians, including Georg Cantor, Maria Agnesi, Augustin-Louis Cauchy, Leonhard Euler, Johann Bernoulli, Colin Maclaurin, Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, Blaise Pascal, and Johannes Kepler, demonstrate how mathematical exploration deepens one’s understanding and faith in God.

Their experiences illustrate that mathematics, rather than being anti-God, serves as a rational bridge to faith. Galileo Galilei eloquently expressed this harmony: “Mathematics is the language with which God has written the universe.”

This perspective posits mathematics as divine discovery, not human invention. As quoted in “Beginning Algebra” (1992) by Margaret L. Lial, Charles David Miller, and E. John Hornsby. This convergence of faith and reason reveals the beauty of mathematics:

1. A reflection of God’s creative order
2. A language describing the universe’s intricate design
3. A discovery guiding us toward eternal truths.
4. Embracing mathematics as a divine language awakens us to the majesty of creation and the mind of its Creator.

God’s transcendence extends far beyond the mathematical framework He established in creation. The laws of nature, including mathematical principles, are mere reflections of His infinite wisdom and power. However, they cannot confine or restrict His limitless abilities.

Jesus’ miracles exemplify this profound truth:

- His virgin birth defied biological laws, demonstrating God’s sovereignty over human reproduction.

- Walking on water suspended physical principles, revealing God’s mastery over the natural world.

These extraordinary events showcase God’s ability to operate beyond mathematical boundaries, underscoring His omnipotence.

Firstly, In John 6:9–13, Jesus defies mathematical logic by feeding 5,000 men (minus women and children) with 5 barley loaves and 2 small fishes. This miraculous event showcases God’s transcendence over mathematical constraints:

- Insufficient food becomes abundant

- Limited resources are multiplied

- Twelve baskets of leftovers remain

Do you think this was a fluke? Jesus repeats this miracle in Matthew 15:29–38 and Mark 8:1–10, feeding 4,000 men (minus women and children) with 7 loaves and few fishes and the remaining leftovers fill seven baskets.

Consistent ahead and above of laws he sets in place, stay with me.

Secondly in the Parable of the Lost Sheep, Matthew 18:12–13 presents a poignant illustration of this divine love. Jesus asks, “If a shepherd has 100 sheep and one stray, doesn’t he leave the 99 to find the lost one?” From a mathematical perspective, this decision seems nonsensical. Why sacrifice the well-being of the majority (99%) for the sake of a single individual (1%)?

Yet, Jesus’ teaching reveals the Father’s heart. God’s love is not constrained by numerical odds or statistical significance. He values each individual, regardless of their numerical representation.

God’s love defies mathematical logic, yet this illogic is the very essence of His beauty.

Thirdly in Genesis 2:24, we find a profound mathematical paradox: “A man leaves his father and mother, cleaves to his wife, and they become one flesh.” From a numerical perspective, this equation seems flawed. Mathematically, 1 (man) + 1 (woman) equals 2. However, God’s math dictates that 1+1 equals 1.

This biblical principle reveals the mystical union between husband and wife. God’s design for marriage transcends human logic,

Human math focuses on:

1. Addition: 1+1=2

2. Separation: distinct individuals while

God’s math emphasizes:

1. Unity: 1+1=1

2. Integration: two become one

God’s math challenges human understanding, revealing the beauty of divine design.

Fourthly, Joshua 23:10 and Deuteronomy 32:30 present a striking mathematical paradox:

- One man chases a thousand (Joshua 23:10)

- Two men chase ten thousand (Deuteronomy 32:30)

From a numerical perspective, this equation seems illogical:

- 1 = 1,000 (not mathematically sound)

- 2 ≠ 2,000 (expected outcome); instead, 2 = 10,000

These scriptures demonstrate God’s intervention in human affairs, defying mathematical expectations:

-Divine empowerment enables one person to achieve what would normally require a thousand

-Two individuals, empowered by God, accomplish what would typically require ten thousand

God’s math transcends human understanding, revealing the power of divine intervention. As Ezekiel exclaimed, “Thou knowest” (Ezekiel 2:7). We acknowledge the limitations of human logic and celebrate the majesty of God’s ways.

Concerning the Trinity.

To give a perspective, if God is truly as mighty as the word is, then mathematical concepts won’t be able to explain him, Skeptics often struggle to grasp the Christian doctrine of the Trinity, assuming: 1 + 1 + 1 = 3 (three separate entities).

Embracing this mystery, we acknowledge God’s majesty and the limitations of human understanding.

Scripturally, the Christian God defies mathematical logic: 1 + 1 + 1 = 1 (one unified entity).

As discussed earlier, God transcends mathematical constraints. When He chooses to subject Himself to earthly principles, He is bound by them. Yet, as the omnipotent Creator, He operates beyond human comprehension.

Interestingly, mathematical concepts can illustrate the Trinity — Unity in Diversity: Consider three distinct entities forming a collective unity, like:

- Three woods = one bunch

- Sticks of broom = one broom

- Individual voices = one orchestra

Deuteronomy 6:4 says, Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD. This emphasizes God’s unity using the Hebrew word “echâd that represents ONE and it signifies union and unity among diverse entities. A popular example is the man and wife becoming one.

The Trinity reveals:

1. Intra-Trinitarian Relationships: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit interact as distinct persons.

2. Essential Unity: They share a single essence, nature, and purpose.

3. Coequal and Coeternal: Each person possesses equal power, authority, and eternity.

The Trinity transcends human logic but isn’t it fun that it can still be explained mathematically?

I hope this gave a good perspective. Thank you for reading!

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Nicholas of Cusa: Selected Spiritual Writings, translated and introduced by H. Lawrence Bond, preface by Morimichi Watanabe (New York: Paulist Press, 1997).

Beginning Algebra (1992) by Margaret L. Lial, Charles David Miller and E. John Hornsby, p. 2