Q&A: Divine Providence
Divine Providence
Question
When was the moment, or following what, that the Rabbi changed his mind about individual divine providence in our time?
Answer
I don’t remember any particular moment. The arguments have been explained here several times, and I’ll elaborate on them in my book (the trilogy). In general, it simply doesn’t seem that there is divine intervention in the way the world operates. One has to understand that every such intervention is a miracle, and the scientific picture of the world explains what happens without resorting to miracles. Therefore, isolated local interventions may be possible without us noticing, but the assumption that all of nature is the product of providence means that the laws of nature do not really work at all. It is hard for me to believe that anyone with common sense accepts such a view.
Discussion on Answer
It’s not a question of whether there is a point, but of whether it is effective. Usually He does not answer. It is possible that in some cases He does (though I don’t know of any indication of that). Therefore, as I’ve explained here more than once, it makes sense to try turning to Him in extreme cases, when the problem is serious and there is no natural way to deal with it. This will be explained in the trilogy, God willing.
Is the trilogy one book or a series of books?
Three books that are slated to come out in the future, God willing (the first draft is already almost finished).
So does that mean there is no point at all in turning to the Holy One, blessed be He, for help? In wars, troubles, and so on?