Of all the mysteries of the universe, perhaps none is less understood than gravity. Our science measures it, uses its effects to calculate the motion of the heavenly bodies and employs it in an explanation of the ocean tides. But it is without exaggeration to say that no one truly understands it.

Unlike magnetic forces which can be explained by the positive and negative electrical charges, gravity seems to have no such handy handles. The force of gravity is related to the mass of an object, whether it be a planet or a baseball, but the “why” is elusive.

As humans, we have come to accept the effects of gravity without much thought. When we set that cup of coffee on the table, we know it won’t go floating off. Likewise, we realize that stepping off that high cliff is going to have dire consequences. Climbing that long staircase while carrying a heavy object is an in-your-face reminder of the pull of the earth in everyday life. The effects of gravity are consistent and predictable.

So, what has that to do with our faith and logic conflict?

Once again we are faced with the question of intelligent design versus accident of nature. In this case, we must concede that the universal existence of gravity is something beyond other questions of science such as evolution or chemical reactions. Gravity rules the universe.

Gravity shapes the stars and the planets. Gravity determines the orbits of the planets and moons. Gravity keeps your feet on the ground and holds the ocean within its borders.

Even with all this understanding of the effects of gravity, we are no closer to understanding how it works, but it is not unique in that respect. There are wave links of light that our eyes cannot see. There are sounds that we cannot hear and odors we cannot detect.

Ultimately, we must face the fact that there are forces of nature that we cannot understand, and gravity tops the list. It is almost as if gravity was a force of will, and perhaps that is the simplest explanation.

Perhaps gravity is simply the will of God.