A Biblical Model of God as Refiner, or Process Systems Engineer, with Implications for Theodicy and Special Divine Action

About A Biblical Model of God as Refiner, or Process Systems Engineer, with Implications for Theodicy and Special Divine Action

Abstract

A recurring theme in Scripture is of a God who refines his people in the furnace of affliction. Allowing the disciplines of science, engineering, technology, and history to interact with those of biblical literature, theology, and philosophy, this model of God as an early version of today’s process systems engineer is explored in hopes of shedding light on problems in the areas of special divine action and theodicy. This model differs from that of a divine craftsman since a process systems engineer maintains intimate involvement and interaction with the intended product throughout the refining process, in order to maximize the probability of achieving the desired results. Investigating metallurgical technology from the biblical era sheds light on who God is, and what He does. Although a model of God as process engineer has its limits, it may nevertheless be helpful. God has chosen to reveal Himself in categories and images to which humans can relate. Both Scripture and nature can assist in furthering our knowledge of God, and deepening our relationship with Him. It appears that God allows humans beings to experience adversity because, when received with humility in a redemptive environment, it tends to produce certain positive affordances in the human system, which are necessary for an ongoing fruitful relationship with the Creator. Furthermore, the fruit of increasing faith, hope, and love in the midst of affliction affords testimony of God’s wisdom in allowing disharmony to persist for a season. Often, this is accomplished via God-ordained natural laws, but sometimes humans need special grace that is only realized through the unmistakable nature of special divine action.