Reference

Thomas F. Tracy explores the concept of divine action within the evolutionary process in several of his works. According to Tracy, one key perspective is that God acts in and through evolutionary processes in ways that don't necessarily interfere with the natural order. He distinguishes between general and particular forms of divine action, where the former refers to God's continual sustaining of the natural world, and the latter involves more specific interventions.

1. Causal Efficacy: Tracy discusses the notion that God acts universally to uphold the laws and processes of nature, meaning God's sustaining power is an ongoing action that is essential for the existence and operation of the universe (source).

2. Divine Purpose: Tracy argues that evolutionary processes carry divine purpose. While evolution involves chance and necessity, God’s intentions can shape the overall direction and outcomes of these processes. Tracy emphasizes that creation is an intentional act of God rather than an involuntary emanation (source).

3. Interplay with Natural Events: In response to the problem of evil within evolutionary contexts, Tracy suggests that divine action does not eliminate natural events' randomness but can work indirectly through them. This perspective accounts for suffering and disorder as intrinsic to the creative process while maintaining a theological framework where divine action is present and meaningful (source).

By blending theological insights with scientific understanding, Thomas Tracy presents a model where divine action is both immanent in the natural order and transcendent in purpose, thus reconciling faith with the reality of evolutionary biology.