Even those of us who received a failing grade in chemistry class are familiar with the chemical formula for water – H2O. It is so familiar, in fact, that it has become a word itself, commonly used on product labels. In its solid form, it truly is the tip of the iceberg.
If we analyze further, we will recall that the formula describes the union of two hydrogen atoms with one oxygen atom – a molecule of water. Collect enough molecules together, you have a drop of water. Collect enough drops together, you have an ocean, or the principle ingredient for a human being. It is estimated that the adult human body is 50-60% water. (The balance perhaps being pizza and donuts).
Perhaps the greatest miracle of water is that it can exist as a liquid, a solid, or a gas, all within a temperature range compatible with human existence. What’s more, each of those states serves a unique purpose for human activities. Ice can be used to preserve foods in storage. The gaseous state of steam has long been harnessed to provide locomotion and generate electricity. In a liquid state, water serves a huge variety of purposes, not the least of which is to continue to hydrate the human body.
Interesting, perhaps, but where does this fit in our contemplation of faith?
It is another in a long line of miraculous conditions that collectively contribute to our existence.
The basic elements that combine in various ways make up all matter that defines our environment. Every solid, liquid, or gas in our world and beyond is the result of these pairings.
Our science has dissected and analyzed the process that results in the existence of all matter. Science can explain the attractions between atoms. Science can describe the complex combination of atoms that is a food substance and the slight variation that creates a toxic substance.
If we dig deep enough, we can learn how the electron shells of two or more atoms interact to form a molecule or how different molecules interact to form complex compounds. Bit by bit we might begin to understand how the vast collection of basic elements expands into the unlimited variety of compounds that define our world and the universe itself.
What is missing in our search for understanding is the explanation of the “why” basic elements experience the force of attraction that makes it all happen.
Certainly, we can understand the attraction between positively charged particles and negatively charged particles. We all have experience with magnetic attraction. But attraction at the atomic level is beyond simple magnetism.
So, how does this fit into the discussion of God as the Creator versus nature?
Simply put, while science can easily describe how the forces of attraction hold the atom together and cause one atom to bond with another, it cannot explain the “Why.”
Unless.
Unless we accept the possibility that such attractions are simply the will of God. Unless we recognize that these phenomena are by design, like the properties of water that ensure our existence.