Kate [Loop] Hannon
It’s 3/14, or Pi Day. Pi (typically shown with this symbol: π) is a name for the ratio between the diameter and circumference of a circle. This ratio has fascinated people throughout history, however, as, while it begins 3.14, the precise ratio goes on and on and on.
pi = 3.1415926535897932384626433832795028841971693993751058…
The idea of a number going on and on for infinity is hard for us to grasp. Ultimately, pi and other irrational numbers remind us of our limited knowledge. Why, we can’t even describe the exact ratio between a diameter and a circumference! Try as we might, we can never fully calculate pi – it just keeps going and going.
Although our understanding fails, God’s understanding is infinite. He knows everything! Psalm 147:5 (KJV) tells us, “Great is our LORD, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” The infinite nature of irrational numbers give us a glimpse of our infinite God.
Not only does pi remind us of our limited understanding, but it also points to God’s design throughout creation. As you continue exploring math and science, you’ll discover that pi proves useful in the most unexpected places, such as with sound waves, general relativity, movements of the heavens, and probability.
Sadly, though, instead of worshiping and standing in awe of the Creator of pi, many people end up standing in awe of the number pi itself. According to one book on pi, “There is almost a cultlike following that has arisen over the concept of π.”[Alfred S. Posamentier and Lehmann Ingmar, π: A Biography of the World’s Most Mysterious Number (Amherst, NY: Prometheus Books, 2004), p. 13)]
It shouldn’t surprise us that people would focus on the creation rather than the Creator. The Bible warns us about this in Romans 1:20-23 (KJV):
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Let’s be sure we praise the Creator when we look at His amazing creation…including pi.
Note: This blog post was adapted with permission from Principles of Mathematics: Biblical Worldview Curriculum, Book 1, a new math curriculum that teaches math concepts from a biblical worldview.
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!
