Supernatural
Definition:
The supernatural refers to that which exists or occurs beyond or outside the laws of nature and physical reality. It encompasses divine, angelic, or demonic beings and activities that transcend natural explanation, including miracles, prophecy, and manifestations of the Holy Spirit.
Biblical References:
“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” – Luke 1:37 (KJV)
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” – Ephesians 3:20 (NIV)
Why It Matters:
Grasping the supernatural helps believers understand the reality of God's intervention in the world and in personal lives. It highlights the spiritual dimension of faith and the power of God beyond scientific constraints, validating both biblical miracles and ongoing spiritual experiences.
Further Reading:
Bible dictionaries, Strong’s Concordance (search "miracle," "power," "spirit"), teachings by Dr. Michael Heiser, Derek Prince, and articles from Apologetics Canada
Preternatural
Definition:
Preternatural refers to phenomena that are beyond what is normally found in nature but not entirely outside of it. It often describes events or abilities that seem extraordinary or mysterious, such as demonic activity or psychic abilities, which are not divine but still exceed natural explanation.
Biblical References:
“For Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” – 2 Corinthians 11:14 (NIV)
“Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers… they also did in like manner with their enchantments.” – Exodus 7:11 (KJV)
Why It Matters:
Understanding the preternatural helps distinguish between what is divinely supernatural and what may be deceptive or spiritually manipulative. It equips believers to discern spiritual warfare and false signs, which may appear powerful but are not from God.
Further Reading:
C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters, Strong’s Concordance (terms like “sorcery” or “divination”), writings from Derek Prince, and theological articles on spiritual discernment.
Natural
Definition:
The natural refers to the observable world governed by physical laws—what can be studied, predicted, and understood through science and human reasoning. It includes everything from biology and chemistry to weather and ecosystems.
Biblical References:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” – Psalm 19:1 (NIV)
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities… have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.” – Romans 1:20 (NIV)
Why It Matters:
Recognizing the natural world as God’s creation allows believers to bridge science and faith. It grounds our understanding of the divine order and offers a foundation for stewardship and wonder without reducing existence to materialism alone.
Further Reading:
Creation science resources, Francis Collins’ The Language of God, Biologos, and Christian scientific apologetics.
Material
Definition:
Material refers to physical matter—what occupies space and has mass. It includes all tangible things and is governed by the natural laws of physics and chemistry.
Biblical References:
“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” – 1 Timothy 6:7 (NIV)
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” – Colossians 3:2 (NIV)
Why It Matters:
Understanding material reality helps anchor faith in the physical world while recognizing its limitations. It reminds us not to idolize the tangible but to see it as part of God's design that reflects spiritual truths.
Further Reading:
Systematic theology texts (e.g., Wayne Grudem), biblical references to “flesh” and “earth,” and Christian philosophy on materialism.
Immaterial
Definition:
Immaterial refers to that which has no physical substance—such as the soul, mind, spirit, and abstract concepts like love, justice, and truth. It includes the spiritual dimension of life and being.
Biblical References:
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” – John 4:24 (NIV)
“For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV)
Why It Matters:
Understanding the immaterial realm affirms the reality of the unseen and eternal. It provides the foundation for faith, morality, and spiritual discernment, emphasizing that not all truth can be observed or measured.
Further Reading:
Plato’s theory of forms, Christian metaphysics, writings from William Lane Craig, and biblical studies on the soul and spirit.
Dimensionality
Definition:
Dimensionality refers to the structure of space and time as understood through geometry and physics—commonly described in three spatial dimensions and one of time. Spiritually, it can allude to realms or layers of existence beyond human perception.
Biblical References:
“Whether in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows.” – 2 Corinthians 12:3 (ESV)
“He stretches out the north over the void and hangs the earth on nothing.” – Job 26:7 (ESV)
Why It Matters:
Dimensional thinking opens up dialogue between theology and science, allowing for a better grasp of spiritual realities, heavenly realms, and how God may operate outside linear time or spatial constraints.
Further Reading:
Theoretical physics (e.g., string theory), writings of Dr. Hugh Ross (Reasons to Believe), multidimensional theories in theology.
Quantum Realm
Definition:
The quantum realm refers to the subatomic level of physical reality governed by quantum mechanics, where particles can behave unpredictably and appear interconnected beyond classical physics.
Biblical References:
“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” – Hebrews 11:3 (NIV)
“In him all things hold together.” – Colossians 1:17 (ESV)
Why It Matters:
The quantum realm challenges materialistic worldviews and suggests a universe more complex and mysterious than once thought—aligning with biblical ideas of faith, unseen realities, and divine sovereignty.
Further Reading:
Quantum physics primers (e.g., by John Polkinghorne), Dr. Stephen Meyer’s works, The Quantum Enigma, and cross-disciplinary studies in faith and science.
The Spirit and Matter
Definition:
The Spirit and matter represent two foundational aspects of existence: the unseen, eternal, and divine (Spirit), and the seen, temporal, and created (matter). Their interaction is central to Christian theology, especially in the incarnation of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Biblical References:
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” – John 1:14 (KJV)
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” – 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV)
Why It Matters:
This concept bridges heaven and earth, revealing how God enters and transforms the material world through spiritual power. It explains how humans are both physical and spiritual beings and why the Gospel involves both realms.
Further Reading:
Doctrine of the Incarnation, pneumatology (study of the Holy Spirit), N.T. Wright’s works, and Christian philosophical discussions on dualism and monism.