Philosophy:Divine Providence/2
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Divine Providence
Exegetical Approaches
Hashem Intervenes in Everything
Sources:Bavli Shabbat, Bereshit Rabbah, Ash'arite and Mu'tazilite views in Rambam, R. Pinchas of Koretz, R. Shneur Zalman of Liadi
Causality – This approach denies the involvement of chance in the world. However, they divide in regards to free will and determinism. The Ash'arite view, as presented by the Rambam, denies the existence of free will, and states that even human actions are directly decided by Hashem. Thus, the whole history of the world was predetermined, but not by natural laws, but rather by Hashem's determinations. In contrast, the Mu'tazilite view accepts the idea of free will, stating that everything not caused by free will is caused by divine intervention.
Laws of Nature – This approach denies the existence of laws of nature. Any so called "laws" are just statistical claims regarding what Hashem usually decides will happen. For example, a ball does not fall to the ground due to gravity, but rather due to Hashem's individual decision, and the law of gravity only states that Hashem usually decides balls should fall down and not up.
Miracles – According to this view, all occurrences are technically "miracles", and what is colloquially called miracles are just cases where Hashem's interference is more obvious than usual.
Theodicy – According to the Ash'arite view, Good and Evil are whatever Hashem wants and does not want, respectively. Thus, since all happenings are due to Hashem's direct decision, evil does not, by definition, exist. In contrast, the other proponents of this approach believe in free will and objective good and evil, thus enabling the existence of evil in the world. However, all of Hashem's intervention in the world is ultimately just, and all actions are rewarded and punished either in this world or the next.
Human Equality – All humans receive divine intervention equally, although such intervention is not different than the intervention in all other happenings in the world.
Prophecy – According to this approach, prophecy is one of the manifestations of Hashem's intervention, and is unlimited, except by Hashem's will.
Biblical Sources
