The words 'chain reaction' have become familiar to everyone since the invention of the atomic bomb. These words have been used to describe the series of atomic events that culminate in the release of tremendous amounts of energy. This energy, unless controlled, may result in destructive radiation, a meltdown of the reactor, or a violent explosion. In order to produce what we call a fission reaction we must have fissionable material composed of heavy metal isotopes such as U-235 or plutonium. These atoms, when bombarded with heavy nuclear particles such as neutrons, split, or fission, into two parts with a concurrent release of energy. This energy comes from the conversion of mass into energy.
In order for a 'chain reaction' to occur there must be what is called a 'critical mass.' Each nuclear reaction produces two 'daughter particles' and two or three neutrons. These neutrons impact other atoms: these atoms split and produce more neutrons which cause further reactions, and this continues exponentially until all the fissionable material is used up Unless there is a critical mass the reaction fizzles out. The atomic bomb contained a critical mass of fissionable material, but this mass was in two pieces separated by a neutron-absorbing barrier. As long as this barrier was in place there could be no critical mass and hence no explosion. The bomb was armed by removing the barrier, and critical mass was obtained by explosively driving the two masses together.
Another type of atomic reaction is produced by the fusion of two deuterium (heavy hydrogen) atoms to form one helium atom resulting in a release of energy. The advantage of this type of reaction is that there are no residual radioactive products. This is the kind of nuclear reaction occurring on the sun, and it requires a lot of energy to start it going. A fusion reaction was produced in the H-bomb by surrounding an A-bomb with an envelope of deuterium. However, so far no way has been found to economically produce or control a fusion reaction. It would be like trying to contain the sun.
The Bible describes a spiritual chain reaction which can produce the spiritual energy necessary to overcome every obstacle or disappointment in life. Because of our sinful natures, God allows suffering and hardship to strengthen us spiritually as gold in a refiner's fire, to prepare us to be strong Christian witnesses here on earth and to be heirs of the kingdom. Suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, character produces hope (Rom. 5;3,4-RSV). Truly, this is a divine 'chain reaction.'
