Kate [Loop] Hannon
image by freeimageslive.co.uk – creator
What comes to mind when you think about math? Numbers? Word problems? Drill sheets?
For many, math has become associated with a subject of number manipulation and rules. Yet math is much, much more than that.
Math is the tool we use to explore God’s creation. It goes hand-in-hand with science. Name one discovery in science—the speed of light, the circumference of the earth, gravity, etc.—and chances are math had something to do with discovering it or recording the discovery.
But before we jump into how math describes God’s creation, let’s pause and think about why math works in the first place. Why do the addition facts you memorized in grade school actually apply outside of a textbook? Why does one plus one consistently equal two in real life?
The Bible tells us that the consistent, faithful God of the Bible is holding the universe together by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3). Colossians 1:17 tells us that “in him [referring to Jesus] all things hold together (ESV)” Thus we would expect creation to operate consistently—and it’s that consistency that explains why we can use math outside of a textbook with confidence. If God were not holding all things together consistently, one plus one might equal two one day and three the next. Applying math outside of a textbook would be futile…and science as we know it impossible.
In Jeremiah, God explains to His people that He’s established His covenant with the “fixed order of heaven and earth”…and that His very consistency in holding creation together was a reminder to His people that He was a covenant-keeping God they could trust.
“Thus says the LORD: If I have not established my covenant with day and night and the fixed order of heaven and earth, then I will reject the offspring of Jacob and David my servant…” Jeremiah 33:25-26 (ESV)
Day in and day out, God governs this universe in an orderly, predictable way. He keeps his covenant with the “fixed order.” Math is a way of describing that “fixed order”; thus its very existence declares God’s faithfulness.
In my next blog post, we’ll begin looking at some examples of how math helps us describe God’s creation. For now, ponder the big picture: every time you use math outside of a textbook and see that it works, it’s shouting out at you that God is still faithfully holding the “fixed order” of heaven and earth together. He is faithful, and you can trust Him.
Learn more about the wonders of God’s design in Math with Katherine’s Materials below:
Get your copy of Revealing Arithmetic in the Creation Superstore!
For years, Christian math books have looked basically like secular textbooks, with the addition of a Bible verse here or there. Here, at last, is a book to help you transform your math class and show your child God’s handiwork in math!
Learn math that makes sense with the Principles of Mathematics Year 1 Set!
Math is a real-life tool that points us to God and helps us explore His creation, yet it often comes across as dry facts and meaningless rules. Here at last is a curriculum that has a biblical worldview integrated throughout the text and problems, not just added as an afterthought!
See more of her books and curriculum in the Creation Superstore HERE!
