Week Two - Day Three: What We Believe

I really like Tim Keller’s approach to the question of the existence of God. While Keller acknowledges that one cannot prove God’s existence, he contends that there are many clues which, when taken together, become very, very compelling.¹ This list of clues is designed to appeal to logic and reason. Remember, we said that we were going to approach this question honestly and objectively. Now, you may think of others clues, including some that appeal to more than just your logic. Still, I’d like for us to look at five of these clues over the next six days. And I happen to like that these clues appeal to logic. This is sometimes the place where our doubts attack our faith: at the point of logic. So, let’s go right to their supposed home turf and take back some ground. Hopefully, as we consider these clues together our confidence will be bolstered.

Clue #1: The presence of something.

Why should there be something rather than nothing? If you’ve ever tried to read anything written by a theoretical physicist (and stay awake) you know that they know that they are constantly treading on questions of theology. Many of them admittedly do not believe in God, but they know that they are asking questions that rub up against belief in something like God – especially the big question of where it all came from. I suppose some of them would say that given enough time, science will be able to answer the big question (isn’t this just “faith” in science?), but many would acknowledge that we can’t ever know what started it all and why it (the universe) ended up delivering something like us. Stephen Hawking put it like this: “The odds against a universe like ours emerging out of something like the Big Bang are enormous. I think there are clearly religious implications.”

So, assume that modern science is correct in saying that the universe began with a big bang. That would mean that the universe came into existence with an explosion that sent pieces of matter flying in all directions at an enormous rate. We don’t need to argue about the idea of the Big Bang. First of all, I’m not smart enough to argue about it and, besides, this idea does not contradict anything Christianity teaches about God.

But if the Big Bang concept is correct, that still doesn’t answer the big question. Where did the matter that blew up come from? I mean, what blew up? And where did that stuff originate? Then who pushed the “blow this thing up” button? Why did anything happen? And how in the world did it happen in such a way that eventuated in us?

The Law of Causality

Everything in our experience is, to use Keller’s word, “contingent.” That is, everything is caused by something else. And taken as a whole, the entire universe is just a collection of causes that lead to effects which then become causes of yet further effects. Does that make sense? In other words, nothing happens without something(s) happening to make it happen. So everything that happens is contingent on other things happening to make it happen.

It seems unavoidably logical, therefore, to assume that the whole universe had to come from some initial cause. Something had to happen to make everything then happen! We know that the universe itself is not infinite. So, at some point, now believed to be around 14 billion years ago, the universe itself was caused. But by what? Think of the kind of force it would take to hurl the entire universe into motion. What force could have done that? This is not a force to be trifled with, that’s for sure.

Of course, even if we admit that the most logical answer to the big question is that some really, really powerful force outside of the universe itself caused the Big Bang – even if we admit that, it does not mean necessarily that that force is a personal God. But He does present us with a very good candidate!

Like all the other “clues” about God’s existence that we will discuss, clue number one can be avoided. You can say that you simply don’t believe it. You can insist that there must be some other explanation. But now that’s starting to sound like an act of faith, isn’t it? Even our most skeptical selves have to admit that God as an answer to the big question is possible, maybe even reasonable.

Before You Start Your Day

1. Reflect on Psalm 102:25-27 this morning.

   (25) In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth,
         and the heavens are the work of your hands.

   (26) They will perish, but you remain;
         they will all wear out like a garment.
         Like clothing you will change them
         and they will be discarded.

   (27) But you remain the same,
         and your years will never end.

   1. What does the Psalmist believe about the eventuality of our universe?
   2. What does He believe about God’s eventuality?
   3. As you read this section, what phrase stands out to you? Rehearse that phrase for a few minutes. Explore whatever thoughts come to mind.
   4. (Remember: use your worry list and to do list as necessary.)
2. Try to imagine what it would be like to not be contingent on anything. God is without a cause. He is absolutely independent. He is the first cause! As thoughts cross your mind today about our meditation and about God Himself, let this idea inform your thoughts.
3. Pray.
   1. Thank God that He exists, and that we are not alone.
   2. Praise Him for His unfathomable power.
   3. Ask God to continue to increase your confidence in His existence.

Comments (1)

cause and effect

1Wednesday, 06 October 2010 06:19

lori bedsole

We talk about cause and effect in history all the time in school, but I never thought of it beyond history or human behavior. I love the fact that God is independent of this loop of contingency. Thanks for the thoughts to ponder today.

yvComment v.1.25.3