Randomness and Divine Providence

This two-year research-focused RFP program addresses the apparent conflict between the concept of divine providence and the growing scientific evidence for the existence of randomness in the natural world. It will support 8 - 10 research grants for individuals and interdisciplinary teams who will make use of recent scientific advances in our knowledge of chance, randomness, chaos, and (un)predictability to help us understand better how divine providence may be hidden and/or unfolded in the world. The program will open with a workshop that will build knowledge and focus among the grantees. Each grant recipient will be expected to produce a manuscript that when published in a peer-reviewed journal will make a significant contribution to our understanding of the relationship between divine providence and randomness. The grant period will end with a final conference that will publicize results, identify future research possibilities, and expand research networks. Atheists such as Daniel Dennett and Richard Dawkins often cite the existence of randomness in the natural world as prima facie evidence for the universe being purposeless, meaningless, and without a creator. This project intends to introduce an alternative perspective into the global conversation on these issues - that randomness can be understood as an effective tool of divine providential action in the world. It aims to add substantially to our understanding of how this aspect of divine providence works; also, rather than refuting the existence of divine providence, it aims to demonstrate how randomness can enrich our understanding of it.