Clear Quote by Brian Ellis
![“For the religious, passivism [i.e., objects are obedient to the laws of nature] provides a clear role of God as the author of the laws of nature. If the laws of nature are God's commands for an essentially passive world ..., God also has the power to suspend the laws of nature, and so perform…” quote by Brian Ellis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ea9/brian-ellis-75025_clear_for-the-religious-passivism-i-e-objects_131744.jpg)
“For the religious, passivism [i.e., objects are obedient to the laws of nature] provides a clear role of God as the author of the laws of nature. If the laws of nature are God's commands for an essentially passive world ..., God also has the power to suspend the laws of nature, and so perform miracles.”
About This Quote
Source Paper: “The Role of God in Natural Law”, 2009
Argues that a passive universe still allows divine intervention through miracles.
In simple terms: God can pause natural laws.
Key Takeaway
Consider limits of divine power.
Themes
theology
natural law
miracles
Mood
thoughtful
speculative
Type
theoretical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- ethical debates
- scientific explanations
- faith practice
Key Concepts
philosophy of religion
metaphysics
Questions to Reflect On
- Can miracles coexist with scientific law?
- What does passivism imply about free will?
A Different Perspective
Miracles may conflict with empirical evidence.
![“We have no clear ideas of the agency of [demonic] spirits, nor is it necessary. The Scripture says little to satisfy our curiosity; but tells us plainly that he is always watching us, and desiring to sift us as wheat. I believe we give him no more than his due, when we charge him with having a…” quote by John Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c75/john-newton-6629_abundance_we-have-no-clear-ideas-of-the-agency-of_2907.jpg)
