The Following Is Not For The Non-Scientific, Nor The Novice. I Place This Information Here As An Apologetic Answer Asked Me By A Critic of God

Quantum Fluctuation And God, Copyright RCR

The Question:

“An inherently random quantum fluctuation from a superposition of possible states cannot be determined by definition.  So, how did God determine a fluctuation that cannot be determined by definition?  And are you claiming that quantum fields are not the cause of quantum fluctuations?”

The Answer:

Understanding Quantum Fluctuations:

Quantum fluctuations are temporary changes in the amount of energy in a point in space, due to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. These fluctuations are inherently probabilistic and are often described as “random” because they arise from quantum superpositions where outcomes cannot be precisely predicted.

The Nature of Determinacy in Quantum Mechanics:

In quantum mechanics, the term “random” often refers to outcomes that cannot be predicted with certainty, even if the underlying process follows probabilistic laws. The inherent indeterminacy in quantum mechanics does not imply the absence of causality or order; rather, it means that specific outcomes are not determined until measurement.

Can God Determine an Indeterminate Event?

The question assumes that if an event is inherently random, it is beyond determination, even by God. This assumption arises from a human interpretation of randomness and indeterminacy. However, from a theological perspective, God, as an omniscient being, would have complete knowledge of all outcomes, including those that appear random to us.

The key here is the difference between human perception of randomness and divine knowledge. While quantum mechanics describes a probabilistic framework, it does not exclude the possibility that an omniscient God knows the exact outcome even before the fluctuation occurs.

In Christian Apologetics, God’s sovereignty implies that nothing occurs without His knowledge or permission. The concept of randomness in quantum physics does not negate divine foreknowledge; it only highlights human limitations in predicting outcomes.

Are Quantum Fields the Cause of Quantum Fluctuations?

Quantum fields are mathematical constructs used to describe the fundamental particles and forces. Fluctuations occur within these fields, but the fields themselves are not the “cause” of the fluctuations. Rather, fluctuations are an inherent characteristic of the quantum state itself.

Quantum fields are not static; they are dynamic, and the fluctuations are a result of the field’s inherent uncertainty. The notion that fields are the “cause” is a simplification. The fluctuations arise from the quantum nature of reality itself.

The Apologetic Implication:

If we say that God determined a fluctuation that, from a human perspective, is inherently random, we are asserting that divine sovereignty transcends human-defined randomness. This does not mean that quantum indeterminacy is false; rather, it highlights the difference between human epistemology (how we know things) and divine omniscience (God’s perfect knowledge).

Quantum fluctuations are probabilistic from our perspective, not necessarily from God’s. The concept of randomness in physics does not preclude divine foreknowledge or determination.

Quantum fields are the context in which fluctuations occur, but they are not the singular cause; the nature of quantum reality itself leads to these fluctuations. The Apologetic is that God, being omniscient, knows the outcome of all quantum events, even if they appear random to us.

The point of this is that randomness in quantum mechanics is a limitation of human observation and knowledge, not a limitation on divine capability or knowledge.

See Rob’s New Book: “A Universe That Proves God: The True Source of the Cosmos“

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Citations and Sources:

Quantum Fluctuations and the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle:

Heisenberg, W. (1927). “Über den anschaulichen Inhalt der quantentheoretischen Kinematik und Mechanik” [On the Perceptual Content of Quantum Theoretical Kinematics and Mechanics]. Zeitschrift für Physik, 43(3–4), 172–198. This is the original paper by Heisenberg introducing the uncertainty principle, which forms the basis for understanding quantum fluctuations.

Kiefer, C. (2004). Quantum Gravity. Oxford University Press. This book explains quantum fluctuations in the context of quantum field theory and the uncertainty principle.

Quantum Indeterminacy and Theological Perspectives:

Polkinghorne, J. (2007). Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship. Yale University Press. Polkinghorne, a physicist and theologian, discusses the intersection of quantum indeterminacy and divine knowledge, arguing that God’s omniscience can encompass outcomes that appear probabilistic to humans.

Craig, W. L. (2001). Time and Eternity: Exploring God’s Relationship to Time. Crossway. Craig addresses the philosophical implications of divine foreknowledge and quantum indeterminacy, arguing that God’s knowledge transcends human concepts of randomness.

Quantum Fields and the Nature of Fluctuations:

Peskin, M. E., & Schroeder, D. V. (1995). An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory. Addison-Wesley. This textbook provides a thorough explanation of quantum fields and how fluctuations naturally arise from the inherent uncertainty of these fields.

Carroll, S. (2010). From Eternity to Here: The Quest for the Ultimate Theory of Time. Dutton. Carroll discusses quantum field theory and the nature of fluctuations within these fields, emphasizing that fields themselves are not the “cause” of fluctuations but rather the framework within which they occur.

Philosophical Considerations of Divine Omniscience:

Plantinga, A. (1974). God, Freedom, and Evil. Eerdmans. Plantinga discusses the compatibility of divine foreknowledge with seemingly indeterminate events, making a case for how God’s knowledge encompasses all possible outcomes without contradiction.

Swinburne, R. (1993). The Coherence of Theism. Oxford University Press. Swinburne tackles the concept of divine omniscience in the context of a world governed by probabilistic laws, arguing that God’s knowledge is complete even when human predictions are not.

Citation Format (APA):

• Heisenberg, W. (1927). Über den anschaulichen Inhalt der quantentheoretischen Kinematik und Mechanik. Zeitschrift für Physik, 43(3–4), 172–198.
• Polkinghorne, J. (2007). Quantum Physics and Theology: An Unexpected Kinship. Yale University Press.
• Peskin, M. E., & Schroeder, D. V. (1995). An Introduction to Quantum Field Theory. Addison-Wesley.
• Craig, W. L. (2001). Time and Eternity: Exploring God’s Relationship to Time. Crossway.
• Plantinga, A. (1974). God, Freedom, and Evil. Eerdmans.

Categories: Robert Clifton Robinson