So Stephen Hawking, renowned cosmologist and theoretical physicist, has apparently proven it. God didn't create the universe. In fact, in his new book, The Grand Design, he demonstrates that God is irrelevant, in that the universe evolved naturally as a consequence of the laws of nature. Specifically, the development of the universe can be explained by the M-theory.
The M-theory apparently builds on the string theory which, to the best of my understanding, says that all energy in the universe is composed of unidimensional strings, and that there are 10 or 11 dimension (not just height, depth, and length).
This, ladies and gentlemen, is why I am not a scientist.
Note - Hawkings has written, "However, if we discover a complete theory, it should in time be understandable by everyone, not just by a few scientists. Then we shall all, philosophers, scientists and just ordinary people, be able to take part in the discussion of the question of why it is that we and the universe exist. If we find the answer to that, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason -- for then we should know the mind of God." (Clearly we aren't there yet, because this "just ordinary person" has finds this to be completely incomprehensible.)
Evidently even un-ordinary physicists had some problems with string theory, as there was controversy among them; there are apparently 5 or so different string theories. The M-theory attempts to find harmony among them by explaining that strings are actually 1-dimensional slices of a 2-dimensional membrane vibrating in 11-dimensional space.
THAT clears it up, right?
As I was reading some of the recent commentary on Hawking's assertions about God's irrelevance, I ran into lots of quotes from folks who have categorically stated that, not only is God irrelevant, but also nonexistent. And I started to wonder what would make an atheist or an agnostic spin their wheels trying to convert others to their point of view. What would be the point of trying to convince someone to believe in God's non-existence? And if one is certain that God doesn't exist, why bring him up at all? I don't believe in this critter (whatever it is)... so I won't even mention it!
On the other hand, I also started to wonder why those of us who believe in God sometimes act as if God is so far out there that his existence doesn't really matter to our daily lives.
Pastor Craig Groeschel has written a soon-to-be-published book titled The Christian Atheist: Believing in God But Living as If He Doesn't Exist. The title intrigues me, for I've met folks like that. At times, I've lived like that.
Hawking, an apparent agnostic (or atheist?) says that God is irrelevant. Do we as Christians live as though that is true?
The M-theory apparently builds on the string theory which, to the best of my understanding, says that all energy in the universe is composed of unidimensional strings, and that there are 10 or 11 dimension (not just height, depth, and length).
This, ladies and gentlemen, is why I am not a scientist.
Note - Hawkings has written, "However, if we discover a complete theory, it should in time be understandable by everyone, not just by a few scientists. Then we shall all, philosophers, scientists and just ordinary people, be able to take part in the discussion of the question of why it is that we and the universe exist. If we find the answer to that, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason -- for then we should know the mind of God." (Clearly we aren't there yet, because this "just ordinary person" has finds this to be completely incomprehensible.)
Evidently even un-ordinary physicists had some problems with string theory, as there was controversy among them; there are apparently 5 or so different string theories. The M-theory attempts to find harmony among them by explaining that strings are actually 1-dimensional slices of a 2-dimensional membrane vibrating in 11-dimensional space.
THAT clears it up, right?
As I was reading some of the recent commentary on Hawking's assertions about God's irrelevance, I ran into lots of quotes from folks who have categorically stated that, not only is God irrelevant, but also nonexistent. And I started to wonder what would make an atheist or an agnostic spin their wheels trying to convert others to their point of view. What would be the point of trying to convince someone to believe in God's non-existence? And if one is certain that God doesn't exist, why bring him up at all? I don't believe in this critter (whatever it is)... so I won't even mention it!
On the other hand, I also started to wonder why those of us who believe in God sometimes act as if God is so far out there that his existence doesn't really matter to our daily lives.
Pastor Craig Groeschel has written a soon-to-be-published book titled The Christian Atheist: Believing in God But Living as If He Doesn't Exist. The title intrigues me, for I've met folks like that. At times, I've lived like that.
Hawking, an apparent agnostic (or atheist?) says that God is irrelevant. Do we as Christians live as though that is true?
Interesting topic Sue (and no, I can't get my head round this physics stuff either.)
ReplyDeleteA couple of sayings spring to mind: "God brings comfort to the distressed, and distress to the comfortable" - this explains why folk who rather like doing their own thing, prefer to think of God as an insurance policy in case they cock things up completely, not someone to follow. Heck, He might ask them to do something unpleasant!
The other saying is "When people stop believing in God, they start believing in anything." Strings?? Like ley-lines maybe?
I admire Stephen Hawking - I pray God calls him home.
And who wrote the laws of nature? Did anyone ask him that question? Sure would like to know who he thinks did it! This is a brilliant man! Imagine all the beauty he would witness if he believed. Praying he will have a conversion story to add to all his other publications! Great post. Like Marion I don't get physics either! Have a grand day! Cathy
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