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Explore the compelling connection between physics and belief in God. “As a Physicist—Is Belief in God and the Universe Having a Beginning Reasonable?” examines the scientific principles that point to a universe with a beginning and a Creator. Dive into the coherence and beauty of the universe through a physicist’s lens and discover how science and faith can coalesce into a harmonious understanding of existence.

Sir Isaac Newton drew similar conclusions. His discoveries moved him to write: “This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being.”

Fred Hoyle was a well-known physicist who initially might not have believed in any higher power or intelligence governing the universe. However, as he studied the natural world, he began to change his mind. In the 1980s, he said: “A common sense interpretation of the facts suggests that a superintellect has monkeyed with physics, as well as with chemistry and biology, and that there are no blind forces worth speaking about in nature. The numbers one calculates from the facts seem to me so overwhelming as to put this conclusion almost beyond question.”

In simpler terms, Hoyle is saying here that when he looked at how the universe works—the rules of physics, chemistry, and biology—he felt like everything fit together too perfectly to be just a coincidence. The way everything functions, and the calculations he made led him to believe that some higher intelligence, a “superintellect,” must have designed or influenced these natural laws. He felt that the evidence for this idea was so strong that it was almost impossible to doubt.

Our Creator has given us the ability to think and explore the world, helping us find answers to the questions we have. (1 John 5:20) This idea is supported by physicist and Nobel prize winner William D. Phillips, who said: “When I examine the orderliness, understandability, and beauty of the universe, I am led to the conclusion that a higher intelligence designed what I see. My scientific appreciation of the coherence and the delightful simplicity of physics strengthens my belief in God.”

In simpler terms, William D. Phillips is saying that when he looks at how well-ordered, understandable, and beautiful the universe is, he believes that there must be a higher intelligence that created it. His study of physics, seeing how everything fits together in a coherent and simple way, makes him believe even more strongly in the existence of God. He sees the harmony and beauty in the universe as evidence of a deliberate design by a higher power.

The Universe’s Beginning

1. The Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory, which is widely accepted in the scientific community, posits that the universe began from a singularity around 13.8 billion years ago. This initial singularity was a point of infinite density and temperature, and it marked the beginning of space and time. The universe’s expansion from this point has been confirmed through observations of cosmic microwave background radiation and the redshift of distant galaxies.

This beginning suggests a finite past, and therefore it implies a cause or reason for the universe’s existence, which can be interpreted as evidence for a Creator.

2. Second Law of Thermodynamics

The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that the total entropy (disorder) of an isolated system always increases over time. If the universe had been in existence for an infinite amount of time, it would have reached a state of maximum entropy by now, where all matter and energy were evenly distributed. Since this is not the case, the universe must have had a beginning.

Existence of God

1. Fine-Tuning Argument

The fine-tuning of the universe’s physical constants and initial conditions is a compelling argument for the existence of God. Constants such as the gravitational force, the strong nuclear force, and the electromagnetic force are set at precise values. A slight deviation in any of these values would make life, as we know it, impossible.

This fine-tuning is often interpreted as evidence for a Designer who set the parameters in such a way to allow for the existence of life. The likelihood of these parameters being exactly what they are by random chance is astronomically low.

2. Causality and the Cosmological Argument

The principle of causality states that every effect has a cause. Since the universe had a beginning (as supported by the Big Bang Theory), it must also have a cause. The cosmological argument posits that this cause must be uncaused, changeless, timeless, immaterial, and incredibly powerful.

The properties of this uncaused cause align closely with the traditional attributes of God. Thus, the cosmological argument, supported by the evidence from physics, provides a logical basis for belief in the existence of God.

The fields of cosmology and physics have brought forth evidence that supports the universe having a beginning, and this, in turn, can be interpreted as evidence for the existence of God. From the Big Bang Theory to the fine-tuning of the universe, these physical principles align with a theistic understanding of reality. Of course, not all scientists or philosophers will interpret this evidence in the same way, but for those looking for harmony between science and faith, physics offers compelling support for belief in God.

Engaging the Critics

Engaging with a critic who claims that the scientific status of the beginning of the universe is not supported by physics, I would provide the following response:

Counterarguments to the Critic’s Claim

1. Empirical Evidence for the Big Bang Theory

The Big Bang Theory is supported by several key pieces of empirical evidence:

Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (CMBR): The discovery of the CMBR provided a snapshot of the universe when it was just 380,000 years old. It’s considered the “afterglow” of the Big Bang and has been observed by multiple experiments, including the COBE and WMAP satellites.
Redshift of Distant Galaxies: The observation that light from distant galaxies is shifted toward the red end of the spectrum indicates that these galaxies are moving away from us. This is consistent with the universe’s expansion, which started from the initial singularity.
Abundance of Light Elements: The Big Bang Theory predicts the proportion of hydrogen, helium, and other light elements found in the universe. Observations match these predictions remarkably well.

These substantial pieces of evidence point to the beginning of the universe as described by the Big Bang Theory.

2. Second Law of Thermodynamics

As previously mentioned, the Second Law of Thermodynamics supports the idea that the universe had a beginning. An infinite past would lead to a state of maximum entropy, which we do not observe.

3. Theoretical Considerations

Theoretical physics, including General Relativity, also points to the beginning of the universe. The equations of General Relativity can be used to model the universe’s expansion, leading back to an initial singularity.

Addressing Alternative Models

Some critics may point to alternative models like the oscillating universe or the multiverse as ways to circumvent the need for a beginning. However, these models face significant challenges:

Oscillating Universe: An eternally oscillating universe faces problems related to entropy. Each cycle would increase entropy, leading to larger and longer oscillations. This would still imply a beginning.
Multiverse: The multiverse hypothesis posits the existence of multiple universes. However, this idea is largely speculative and lacks empirical evidence. Moreover, it doesn’t necessarily negate the need for a beginning or an ultimate cause; it merely pushes the question to a higher level.

Conclusion

While it’s true that there are debates and discussions within the scientific community about the nature of the universe’s beginning, the prevailing evidence supports a finite past. This is not merely a philosophical or theological stance but is grounded in well-established physics. It is always healthy to question and challenge our understanding, but the current data and theoretical frameworks point to a universe that has a definite beginning.

About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).