In theology, divine providence, or providence, is God's intervention in the world. "Divine Providence" (usually capitalized) is also used as a title of God. A distinction is usually made between "general providence", which refers to God's continuous upholding the existence and natural order of the universe, and "special providence", which refers to God's extraordinary intervention in the life of people.
Read more about Divine Providence: Etymology, Catholic Theology, Reformed Theology, Lutheran Theology, Swedenborgian Theology, In Jewish Thought
Famous quotes containing the words divine providence, divine and/or providence:
“Not in vain is Ireland pouring itself all over the earth. Divine Providence has a mission for her children to fulfill; though a mission unrecognized by political economists. There is ever a moral balance preserved in the universe, like the vibrations of the pendulum. The Irish, with their glowing hearts and reverent credulity, are needed in this cold age of intellect and skepticism.”
—Lydia M. Child (1802–1880)
“The great God absolute! The centre and circumference of all democracy! His omnipresence, our divine equality!”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)
“Who can ... guess how much industry and providence and affection we have caught from the pantomime of brutes?”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)