Why are human beings creative?
This is the central question that patent expert James R. Edwards, Jr. sets out to answer in his new book, To Invent Is Divine: Creativity and Ownership. His answer is found right there in the title. Human creativity is a reflection of divine design, not a random evolutionary trait or a cultural artifact. To invent is divine because to create is to reflect the image of the Creator.
Rooted in the doctrine of the Imago Dei, Edwards affirms what the creeds and confessions of the church have long proclaimed: We are made in the image of a Creator God. Just as God spoke the universe into being with order, beauty, and purpose, we, too, are designed to cultivate and create. Edwards connects this biblical anthropology with modern examples and public policy, offering both a theological and practical case for the importance of invention in human flourishing.
Foundational Theological Ideas
This line of argument struck me as particularly prescient in light of another book I recently listened to called Taking Religion Seriously by political scientist Charles Murray. In this short book, Murray shares an autobiographical account of his decades-long journey from being an agnostic, to not only believing in the idea of God, but accepting the truth of Christianity. One factor that shook Murray out of the slumber of agnosticism was that the fine-tuning of the universe reveals the ingenuity of a Creator.
Edwards builds on that same theological foundation, making the compelling case that human creativity—whether it results in a symphony, a painting, or a microchip—is rooted in the goodness, order, and purpose of God’s original design, saying:
Effort expended working on creative projects results in something new. Labors produce fruit… The human effort, applying one’s intellect, insight, knowledge, reason, skills, etc., adds value to raw materials.
This observation from Edwards resonates deeply with many of IFWE’s core ideas: the Cultural Mandate, the dignity of work, common grace, and the pursuit of shalom. When we work creatively, we reflect our Creator. When we invent, we participate in the ongoing act of bringing order and beauty out of chaos.
Edwards brings this idea to life through stories of real-world inventors—people like the Wright brothers, George Washington Carver, and even U.S. Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky who personally holds many patents. Each of their stories illustrates what Arthur Brooks has called “earned success,” that is, the satisfaction that comes from applying one’s gifts and labor to meaningful, value-creating work.
Practical Policy Application
To Invent Is Divine is not just about theology or inspiring anecdotes. Edwards moves skillfully into the realm of public policy, building a bridge between biblical principles and modern intellectual property law. He leans on Hugh Whelchel’s definition of biblical flourishing to frame a compelling case for protecting creativity through legal structures—namely, a robust and principled patent system.
Edwards makes the case that property rights are well-established in scripture and ought to extend to intellectual property. After all, the biblical affirmation of ownership and stewardship doesn’t end at tangible goods. The fruits of our minds and labor deserve protection, both morally and legally.
America’s founding documents support this vision, and Edwards offers a fascinating history of how the U.S. patent system once upheld a biblically informed view of creativity and ownership. He argues that this legal infrastructure helped fuel what came to be known as “the American Century,” as inventors were incentivized to bring their ideas to market, unleashing an unprecedented wave of innovation throughout the 20th Century.
But Edwards warns that this legacy is under threat. Since the 1990s, he says, “the knives have been out, aimed at the heart of the American patent system.” From foreign governments hoping to undermine U.S. innovation, to domestic regulatory overreach, the protections that once upheld the value of invention have begun to erode. Edwards doesn’t mince words: America may have entered what he calls “Patenting 4.0” which represents “regress, not progress.”
The solution? Edwards argues we must reestablish the link between creativity and ownership—first in our policies and laws, but more importantly, in the hearts and minds of innovators themselves.
That’s why this book is so timely and essential. Edwards is not just offering legal theory or historical analysis. He is casting a vision for the “very good” work of inventing—work that aligns with our divine design and contributes to human flourishing. He also gives practical advice for navigating today’s intellectual property landscape, making this book a valuable resource for entrepreneurs, inventors, policy makers, and anyone interested in innovation.
Something, Rather than Nothing
Ultimately, To Invent Is Divine stands as a powerful addition to both theological and scientific conversations around one of life’s biggest questions: “Why is there something rather than nothing?” This question prodded Murray (and countless others) along his journey of faith. There is “something,” as in time and space itself, because there is an “uncaused Cause.” And there is “something” in our lived experience—that is human culture, agriculture, cities, and self-driving cars—because the uncaused Cause of the universe saw fit to include some of his creation (humanity) in the creative process.
By his grace, we are compelled to pick up the raw materials of the world and, through ingenuity and effort, bring forth new and beautiful things. As Edwards advocates, that is a vocation worth pursuing and a vision worth protecting.
