TRS – Quinten Shannon

At this week’s Theological Research Seminar, Quinten Shannon will be presenting, “On Miracles: An Exploration of the Relationship Between Science and Special Divine Providence.”

Read the abstract and his bio below.

All are welcome to attend in Camelford Hall (room 226) at McMaster Divinity College at 1:00pm or via livestream at the link below:

Join the Livestream
Password: z00m (Note that the password has zeros rather than “o”)

Abstract

This essay examines whether miracles necessarily entail violations of the laws of nature within a Christian theistic framework. After defining both miracles and natural laws, the discussion critiques the traditional Newtonian conception of nature as a closed, deterministic system, arguing that developments in quantum physics have rendered this framework inadequate. The essay then evaluates contemporary attempts to reconcile divine action with natural law, particularly noninterventionist models grounded in quantum indeterminacy, and highlights their philosophical and theological shortcomings. Finally, it proposes a revised theistic understanding of natural law as descriptive rather than prescriptive, situating scientific laws within the broader context of creation. From this perspective, miracles do not break natural laws but represent expressions of divine action that transcend scientific prediction while remaining consistent with God’s sustaining relationship to the created order.

Bio

Hello everyone! My name is Quinten Shannon, and I am a graduate student at MDC in the MA (CS) program with a concentration in Ministry Studies. I completed my undergraduate degree at Tyndale University in Toronto, where I earned an Honours BA in Biblical Studies and Theology and wrote my thesis titled “Seeing the Meaning of Mark 13: A Narrative-Critical Approach.” I come from a family of eight children and grew up just up the escarpment in Ancaster, not far from MDC.

I currently serve as a pulpit supply minister, providing preaching and ministry support to churches across southern Ontario. Outside of academics and ministry, I have a deep love for music—I enjoy playing guitar and writing songs—as well as sports. I am also a student-athlete and play first base on McMaster University’s Varsity Men’s Baseball Team, and I enjoy playing hockey as well.

About TRS

The MDC Theological Research Seminar (TRS) is a bimonthly gathering for all MDC students and faculty. TRS meets from 1:00 PM to 1:50 PM on alternating Wednesdays, and includes about thirty minutes for the paper presentation and twenty minutes for discussion.

All advanced degree students are invited to present a paper and share your research with your colleagues. TRS is an excellent opportunity to “test drive” a paper you will be presenting at an upcoming conference and receive helpful feedback on your current research projects. Thinking about submitting an article to a journal and want some interaction first? TRS will provide it. Just published an article or an essay and want to share it us? TRS is an excellent opportunity to broadcast it.

This year the organizing committee consists of Dr. James Dvorak, Dr. Phil Zylla, and Dr. Gord Heath. To submit a paper, contact a member of the organizing committee.