Featured Is mathematics biblical? Did God create math?

Wow, this is a difficult question. We use math all the time, but it is difficult to explain what math is.

I would say math is design or order. It is how we approach our creation and define it. You can say it is one mile to church or 1.6 kilometers. We most commonly use the decimal numeral system in day to day life, while computers use the binary numeral system. So math is a system or method used to define quantities or distances primarily.

I believe most people would think math follows absolute rules and can be perfectly trusted, but in the supernatural who knows?

It is certain that particular numbers are seen over and over again in scripture, the number 40 is often associated with testing, such as when Jesus fasted 40 days, or when the children of Israel wandered for 40 years.

I would say that math is part of God's creation just like anything else.

 

God created the laws of the universe and all the parts which they govern. Only God, in Triunity, is uncreated.

Mathematics is, perhaps, the only pure science that exists. It makes no moral or biological decisions. It simply states what is or is not.

 

"All truth is God's truth"; thus He must have created math. :thumbs:

OTOH, I'm not one (see, a "number"!), to (not a "number"!) get so carried away with numbers (not the OT book) as some do. :smilewinkgrin:

To me, math has way too many numbers 4 my mind! :laugh:

 

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I am reminded of a quote:

God created the whole numbers, all else is the creation of man. (B Russell)

It is an oversimplification, I do not know the context of Dr. Russell's quote, and mind you he was NOT a believer.

Mathematics to me, is the LANGUAGE that we (mankind) created out of necessity to model and explain the natural world. It has certainly,over the centuries, become much more complex and symbolic in nature. It is the one natural science with the least (perhaps none) requirement for interpretation. With that said, physics (and statistical) mathematics does in fact call for and require "interpretation" of the values, but that is not the nature of the math, rather our need to use the math to model something that we encounter.

 

God granted man the rational capabilities that he has, thus it could be said he is in some way responsible for Calculus, Differential Equations, Tensor Mathematics, Topology, Group Theory, Discrete Analysis, Complex Variable Calculus and Analysis.....and even Quantum Mathematics.

 

LOL......I have never used any of that stuff outside of school.

 

I TRIED taking college algebra last year (age 66) @ the local Comm College.

Instructor was from Turkey, everything was on the net, 40 kids in class (some spoke broken Eng.--most didn't). Needless to say, I didn't make the honor roll.:laugh:

Meant to add that I'm a bit leery of those who go overboard on numbers in the Bible.

I've heard some come up with some mighty far-fetched conclusions regarding everything from who the Anti-Christ is (Pope, Obama, Osama, Clinton [both of them], Kissinger, etc.) to why the rapture HAD to be in 1981.

Gotta love it..... Sells books, thus creating a bigger profit for these guys!!

 

Math is evil. Satan, wanting to torture man, said "Let's add the alphabet to number formulas.:tongue3:

 

Math IS a 4-letter word! :laugh:

 

KT

I am totally with you on the fact that "math" or numbers should not be utilized in "wild" theological ramblings such as "hidden codes" or sub surface meanings. Math is, and should be practical for use the unifying language of the natural sciences. It should not be used as a basis for wild speculation of metaphysical things. When this is true, there is danger in "it" becoming some object of worship. The ancient Pythagorean Society did this to an extent.

 

Using the "alphabet" in mathematics, is not different then the symbols that we use to represent "numerals" (numbers) Variables simply allow us to extend our mathematical thoughts to include "unknown" values, with the proper relationships (equations) and knowledge, we can then solve for those unknown values.

Math is our Friend.

 

Often, the experience in a mathematics challenge is mitigated by the enthusiasm and committment of the instructor. I often teach "older students", many of whom need to be reminded that the "can" indeed conquer this intellectual challenge. With technology today, there is almost an inexhaustible resource for assistance on just about any topic in mathematics. I have had MANY students your age who have conquered their "fears" about math, particularly algebra, and experienced success in the college mathematics classroom. It goes without saying, as one progresses to higher levels, such as Trig, Calculus and DE, the commitment becomes more demanding. Which is why, careers in the "hard sciences" such as engineering often command higher salaries in the market place.

 

Some folk think one has to be dunked three times to be saved.

Now what?

Albert Einstein, the apparent inventor of E=mc2 admitted to an intelligence much greater than his. However, he apparently never knew Jesus as savior and Lord. "c" may not be constant. Now what?

We are still trying to figure how evolving chimpanzees built the Great Pyramids of Egypt.

Have we seen the world at 50,000 diameters lately? Where would we be without 0's and 1's ? No cyberspace?

My God, how great Thou Art.

The clay always gets in trouble trying to describe the Potter.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Bro. James

 

The problem people have with math often has little to do with intellect and more to do with some people just plain do not like it whether they can do it or not.

Some people do not like writing, some folks do not like sciences, etc. Those who want to always chalk it up to some type of intellectual challenge just want to puff themselves up. People just need to get over themselves and understand it is about preference not intellect. Good grief.

 

My point in this discussion is that while math is from the Lord a gift to mankind to use, its NT the primary means one comes to explaining the trinity, or genesis, or Creation, as that comes form supernatural revelation of the Word of God!

 

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