For a long time there have been two broad views of the universe. Determinism and meaningless chance.
Most religious traditions have the idea of a Creator, of some super-natural spirit or force which is in control. There is comfort in this view, in that it helps to make sense of Life, and brings a feeling of there being some control over events (even if that control is in the hands of God, rather than of human beings).
With the rise of materialism and decline in religious beliefs, many feel that the universe is a heartless, meaningless place where we are all the repeated victims of chance. Of course, some who see the universe this way gain great comfort and security from humanistic principles ie that we are the masters of our own destiny.
In the second half of the 20th century a third view has arisen. Complexity science has allowed us to understand that chaos is absolutely not the same as randomness. Once you understand the principles of complex systems (networks and webs of interconnected parts which are all acting on each other), then you find that whilst the behaviour of chaos can be hard to discern, it allows us to see that everything holds together. Indeed, if you consider the “universe story” of energy, to the first atoms, the creation of stars and planets, to the first elements, the emergence of Life, and evolution of consciousness in human beings, you can see this other view appear – one which does not require an external “super-natural” controller, but isn’t random and meaningless either. There is a direction of travel in the universe story towards ever and ever greater complexity. As complex systems move to “far from their equilibrium” points into the chaos zone they can develop completely unpredictable levels of greater organisation and complexity (see the concept or “dissipative structures“)
I do think we are in the early days of this new paradigm, but, for me, it makes a lot more sense than the materialistic, nihilistic scientism which has dominated the last century and more, and doesn’t require me to believe in any super-natural beings. I’m very happy to know such a new paradigm is emerging because so much seems to be falling apart – the economic/financial system, social structures, the health of the planet and the health of human beings who consume ever more drugs to try and control ever more chronic disorders. We need new ways, different, more creative ways of understanding and organising our shared Life.
If you’ve read anything about this emerging paradigm, do let me know – I’m keen to read whatever I can get a hold of!
Heroes Not Zombies 
Paul Tillich, a 60’s German theologian, articulated the idea of God as ‘the ground of our being’. Is it helpful to think of God, not as super-natural, but as Being, the essence of all that is, our shared human and often chaotic essence, a ‘becoming’ Being journeying, so to speak, with our ‘becoming’. Not sure that this is a new paradigm but thanks for making me stop and think!
Yes, the truth is this “new paradigm” has been developing over a hundred years! It’s still the kid on the block however, and the “old paradigm” of “modernism” will still be the dominant one for so,e time yet……..don’t think its going to last though (it’s not sustainable).
Thanks for mentioning Tillich. I think he’s a good example of how our concepts are evolving.