Regarding @lydon.sipe's post on the idea that there is no ancient notion of coincidence in Judaism.
https://steemit.com/hebrew/@lydon.sipe/words-you-don-t-find-in-hebrew-coincidence-3b9a2ded3eac8
I'm sorry I kind of left you hanging for a bit, but I wanted to be very careful with this subject in a place where texts get locked. So I spoke with my Reb today to figure out how best to discuss this...
He suggested 1 condition, 2 particular things to study, and 1 analogy to demonstrate the answer in highly simplified, human terms.
The condition is well known; HaShem Echad! G-d is One!
(Devarim/Deuteronomy 6)
Next, Reb says to study Yeshayahu (Isaiah) Chapter 55 and 56 and their commentaries. Paying specific attention to 55, verses:
We just can't really understand all of time, all matter and energy, all of life, all thought, all desire, all experience, and who knows what else, all expressed infinitely, yet together as One...
He then said something like: "If he wants to go further, he can study Aristotle's questions to the Rabbis." (I can try to get the specific texts if you want, but a quick, initial google search seems ineffective in English, and it is not something I have studied, so I don't yet know where to get them.)
He then recounted an analogy. (Which will yield many questions of it's own, giving means/vocabulary/setting to get more specific.)
Imagine a 2 lane road with 2 cars rapidly heading towards each other from just a few hundred feet apart. But there is a curve so they can't quite see each other, and there are some hazards in the road upcoming for both drivers. With all the freedoms of movement that he has access to, or is limited by, each will make what he determines are the appropriate actions when he finally sees the trouble.
Now, simply imagine a third person standing on the rooftop of a building set on this road. He can see both cars, the danger ahead, and that in our hypothetical example, no matter what these 2 drivers do (and they have several choices,) there will still be an accident...
So like some of your commenters suggested, Judaism's answer is that they are not mutually exclusive. G-d is omniscient, and within the conditions He set, we have free will. But of course questioners can define and discuss, refine and discuss...
I hope this is at least somewhat in the direction you wanted to go. (There must be over 7 billion vectors here!^^) If not, just give a nudge to correct the course. And thanks too!
(Baby figuring things out from his perspective. High altitude view.)
Thanks For Your Attention and Support!
Excellent image: Two cars moving one against the other.
So the question of God as One (Shema Israel…) and how the Universe is fragmented, is really an amazing topic. You inspired me for a new post.
Thanks a lot and Shabbat shalom!
Thank Reb!
The perception of the Oneness from our little fragments is one of the most interesting topics to me. (I love phi, and fractals.) So I will definitely keep my eyes open for that post!
Yw always, and a late shabbat shalom, but shavuah tov too!
Totally off topic but brought to mind by your example, I understand this is a quandary with programming autonomous cars. For example as we are the driver we make certain split second driving decisions regarding safety based on what advantages and protects us. Should the automation be programmed likewise, or should the automation take us off a cliff to avoid hitting a pedestrian etc...
Tough question for sure. As far as I see it, if the car is programmed for self preservation first, and to try to protect life second (just like we do,) then an injured passenger or a struck pedestrian are truly by accident, limiting the liability of the company. If not, then the company, programmer, vehicle has "made a choice" and seems liable. But what do I know?!
a good argument, you think wisely @inphiknit.
Well thanks, but they are my teacher's arguments!
In the Lord’s providence, I was just reading about Isaiah 55 in another business book - that passage is beautiful imagery.
I enjoyed the driving analogy as well and it correlates with the answer I generally give people.
Our Creator is not bound by the space-time dimensions - we are.
Thank you for your due diligence and humble answer, @inphiknit. I would still enjoy speaking with you, and I sent you a message in Steemit.chat. Be blessed, dear friend.
B"H! Amazing how it works!
Sounds like an interesting place to read about the Prophets. But it makes sense if the truth is everywhere.
G-d willing after 120 we'll understand His perspective a bit more...
You're very welcome, anytime, and it's always a pleasure to speak about this stuff! I'll pop on steemit.chat after a couple more replies to people here, and we can figure things out...
Thanks and you too, always!
yashar koach. Perhaps you are the Reb of steemit. BH” luv you bro.
Maybe I talk more, but you know more, Reb. :)
B"H you know it's right back at you...