Many years ago, people realized that they were far from alone in the universe. There is something higher, something more developed than all of humanity combined. At all times, this “something” had different names: the messiah, god, demon, higher mind, however, the essence of this does not change. All beliefs in such a supernatural power are based on the fact that it is higher in its level of development, and this, in turn, enables it to manage the affairs and destiny of mankind. But here one tricky question arises. How does the higher mind "regulate" human actions? In the process of studying this difficult question, scientists called this phenomenon Providence.
Providence: General Description of the Term
In the narrowest sense, providence is a process of influence, regulation and coordination of people, their behavior, fate, life process, feelings and emotions by some kind of supernatural being, in other words, a deity. Such a definition of the term is very complex and incomprehensible, but even here one can single out a rational kernel. Scientists have suggested that God still exists. Moreover, having reason and power, he is able to influence the world of people. Thus, providence is the activity of a supernatural being called God.
The question of providence has always excited the minds of scientists for many centuries. For the first time, philosophers of ancient Greece took up this issue. It is thanks to their reasoning that scientists of other branch sciences (theology, history, and logic) can not only speculate, but take advantage of previously acquired knowledge on the issue of providence.
Providence in philosophy
Representatives of many philosophical schools developed their understanding of the term providence. Each of the theories has the right to life, since today it is not known how this “mechanism" actually works. It should be noted that all theories are based on the same thing - divine intervention in human affairs. But the principle of "action" in each theory is different. For example, Socrates understood the action of the higher mind as the basis of the foundations of good. But such a statement in many ways does not correspond to reality, because it throws off all manifestations of human evil. A completely different understanding of providence is given by Philo of Alexandria. According to his theory, providence is the actions of the supreme deity or mind, aimed at achieving equilibrium in the world by using all necessary methods. This determines the appearance of evil, because it is not always possible only with the help of good to achieve the desired result.
Providence is a significant part of all ancient philosophy. This knowledge developed and eventually pumped into religious beliefs, which began active development during the Middle Ages.
Holy providence
Religion and philosophy are interconnected. But if many points of view are allowed in philosophy, then religion basically resorts to the imperative method of consolidating one, dominant point of view.
Take Christianity, for example. In the context of this religion, God's providence acts as a means by which God rules everything and everything on this earth. The purpose of this “work” is the plans of God, which he wants to fulfill. According to religious belief, with the help of providence, God controls and influences absolutely everything: life, nature, fate, the universe, human actions, etc. God is eternal, so he does everything so that mortals live in harmony with the world around them, and for this, total control of the entire universe is needed.
Inaccuracies of Religious Providence
God's providence has a number of inaccuracies. For example, the concept of absolute control contradicts the presence of consciousness in a person. God has given all people freedom of choice, so why now choose it. The moment of the existence of the world itself is also incomprehensible. If the higher mind “manages” everything, then can our existence be called reality. Similar questions arise constantly in the process of studying the providence factor. Many scientists tried to answer them, but almost all failed.
In conclusion, it should be noted that providence is a person’s belief in the supernatural and in his power to change the habitual. We create deities for ourselves, but all life is only in our hands. The Provider of Providence is man himself, but this is a completely different theory.