laws of nature; natural order
Refers to the fundamental principles or order governing the natural world. Often used in philosophical or scientific contexts.
自然の摂理に従って生きる。
Live in accordance with the laws of nature.
It is the law of nature that everyone dies eventually.
divine providence
Specifically Christian term for God's guiding and sustaining power over creation.
神の摂理を信じる。
Believe in divine providence.
彼はすべてを神の摂理だと信じている。
He believes everything is part of God's providence.
We should live in accordance with the laws of nature.
The act was criticized as going against the natural order.
神意 means 'God's will' or divine intention, whereas 摂理 in its religious sense emphasizes the ongoing, sustaining order God imposes on creation rather than a single decision.
天理 is a literary term for 'heaven's principle' or natural law, close to 摂理 in its philosophical sense but without the specifically Christian usage.
節理 is a geology term for the natural joints or cracks in rock, and though it is pronounced identically to 摂理, it has no connection to natural order or divine providence.
From Chinese 攝理, composed of 攝 (take in, govern) and 理 (principle, order). The term entered Japanese with both philosophical and Christian theological meanings.