Mathematics

Math incorporates at least 15 creational concepts from Genesis 1:1-2:3

Worth: the existence of time, space, and matter indicates value (1:1)

Skill: finesse and craftsmanship describe “God’s work” (2:2)

Beauty: “and He saw that it was beautiful” (1:10, 12, 18, 21, 25)

Form: “light…darkness…water…sky” (1:3-2:3) structure, mode, orderly arrangement of the parts of a whole

Function: each thing had a purpose (1:14 “let them be for…”)

Harmony: each thing interrelated properly with everything else (1:12)

Utility: “I give you every plant for food”—usefulness for living life (1:29)

Uniqueness: “He separated” (1:4, 6, 7, 14, 18) assigning each part a place

Variety: “according to their kinds” (1:11-12, 21, 24-25)

Design: “it was so” (1:7) and “the universe was complete” (2:1)

Time: “evening and morning” (1:5)

Appreciation: “God saw what He had made” (1:4)

Space: “separating the waters above…below” (1:7) depth

Matter: “water…ground” (1:6, 9)

Energy: “God created” (1:1) supernatural power; “there was light” (1:3), a natural resource for earthly capability

God’s Intention for the Use of Math in the World

“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”.  Johannes Kepler Mystery of the Cosmos (1596)

Math, like philosophy, holds out an ideal world. Truth in math IS. Humans discover but do not create math.

Math is permanent. Unlike science, where theories may or may not be true, math expresses “timeless truth.”

Math forms the basis for apologetics. No other field of study possesses such unanimously accepted standards.

Math, like technology, can be misapplied. Some mathematicians stress a difference between pure math (e.g. theorems) and applied math (e.g. engineering). But math is also used in building weapons of warfare.

Math, like art, is beautiful. Both disciplines create pleasing, aesthetic patterns.

Math is the language of the physical world. The way the world works is dependent upon equations which do not vary.

Math rests on assumption. Postulates (i.e., accepted as true without proof) are evidence of faith, belief, or worldview.  Postulates are essential to build any system of math.

Math points out human limitation. Checking problems highlights our finite, fallen natures through our need for repetition and correction.

Math rejects neutrality. Exactitude and precision are necessary for mathematical operation.

Math demonstrates perfection. To prove a math statement false one only need show a single example where the statement is untrue.

Math is dependent upon omnipresence. Characteristics of triangles are true everywhere. Proofs are true everywhere. Geometry works within immense, yet not infinite space.

“Sun, moon, and planets glorify Him in your ineffable language!  Celestial harmonies, all ye who comprehend His marvelous works, praise Him.  And thou, my soul, praise thy Creator!  It is by Him and in Him that all exists.  That which we know best is comprised in Him, as well as in our vain science”.  Johannes Kepler, after discovering the third law of planetary movement, The Harmony of the World (1619)

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