Rev. Joe's Weekly Blog Stuff

20th July 2025

Quantum Miracles Stuff

The idea of miracles receives a mixed response among Christians.

Some believe that they are not possible, as Jesus could not have gone against the laws of physics. Others – like me – take the view that God is God, so he can do what he wants if he really wants to. Others see miracles as the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the time and are still possible now – we just need to have enough faith (the size of a mustard seed would do).

What I am about to say is just a thought for discussion, rather than gospel truth, a well-developed theological concept or a suggestion that ‘science has proved it can happen after all’ (such as theories on Moses dividing the sea). As always, feel free to comment.

I have been listening to a Radio 4 programme called ‘Beautiful Strangeness’ this week, narrated by Rebecca Stott. I would recommend it from a religious point of view for a start, as she talks about an upbringing in a strict Brethren community and her gradual realisation that other points of view on the world existed.

From a miracle point of view, I would recommend it for the discussion on quantum physics in Episode 2. Quantum physics isn’t my speciality, but I think that was part of the point of the programme: that beautiful strangeness can be experienced even when we don’t understand it.

Rebecca Stott talked about how, in the quantum realm (which is microscopically smaller than even the realm of the atom), the ‘normal’ rules of physics are different than in the non-quantum world. For example, apparently solid objects can pass through apparently solid walls, appearing on the other side, apparently impossibly. From here, let me take you to John 20:19, where Jesus appears among the disciples, despite the door being locked. Was it a miracle? Was Jesus hiding under the table all along? Or did the as-yet -unknown-to-humans rules of quantum physics break through into the non-quantum realm in the room in Jerusalem. Was it both miracle and science!!!?? A quantum miracle.

I’ll leave you with that idea to either mull over or ignore. As I say, it’s just a thought.

Peace and prayers, Joe

JOKE OF THE DAY

A quantum physicist and a Christian walk into a bar.

They sit down and the Christian reaches into an empty bowl and somehow grabs a peanut, when there were none in the bowl.

He proclaims, “This must be God’s work!”

The quantum physicist laughs and replies, “Precisely”.