“Why do I need to know this?” “When am I ever going to use this?” Damian Haarhoff proposes these questions have echoed often in working with students in his article “Why Study Mathematics?” You can read the entire article HERE.
Here is a brief summary of part I of the article that I shared with our upper school students recently. Many students, as they journey from elementary arithmetic to high-level calculus, grapple with the perceived gap between math and the “real world.”
But what if we told you that this mathematical journey is more than just numbers and equations? What if we told you that every mathematical concept is a reflection of our Creator’s grand design?
At its core, mathematics is a profound reflection of God’s character. The precision, beauty, order, and consistency of mathematical principles echo the nature of a God who is both immutable and e
ternal. Just as God’s laws are steadfast and true across ages and cultures, so are mathematical principles. In a world where truth seems subjective, mathematics stands as an irrefutable testimony to the absolutes. There’s no ambiguity; there’s right and wrong, just as there’s true and false.
It’s fascinating to consider that God, in His infinite wisdom, used mathematics as a foundational tool to craft our universe. The very principles students wrestle with in class define the fundamental workings of our world. From basic arithmetic that aids our daily decisions to complex equations that fuel groundbreaking innovations, mathematics is a tangible reflection of God’s genius.
Consider this: The bridges you cross, the technology you use, and even the health treatments you receive, all have their roots in mathematical principles. So, while you may wonder when you’ll “use” certain mathematical concepts, remember you’re already benefiting from them daily. Mathematics, in essence, is both a divine art and a practical tool, bestowed upon humanity to better understand, appreciate, and navigate our Creator’s magnificent universe.
And to our students wondering about the practicality of their lessons, remember: You’re not just learning numbers; you’re discovering facets of God’s character and the marvels of His creation.
