When and how did the universe begin?
The answers to these questions are far beyond the scope of this article to dissect. For the time; some say in thousands and some in millions of years. For the cause; there are proponents of evolution, creation, and chance. However, there is a key theme which stands out irrespective of the answers to the above questions. That is the fact that the universe had a beginning. It sounds logical and, though late, the scientific community is also coming to terms with it. Stephen Hawking, the renowned physicist and cosmologist, concluded his lecture on The beginning of Time by stating, “the universe has not existed forever.” The fact that the universe had a beginning, whenever it was, undoubtedly necessitates an external cause behind the origin. In simple terms, there needs to be a creative power behind it. Unless there has been a beginning, we never could have reached a time point as the present. In his book titled The Hidden Face of God, Gerald Schroeder, a Jewish physicist and researcher, writes, “The discoveries of science, those that search the quantum nature of subatomic matter, those that explore the molecular complexity of biology, and those that probe the brain/mind interface, have moved us to the brink of a startling realization: all existence is the expression of an all-encompassing wisdom.” All that means there is a beginning and most importantly there has to be a cause for this Universe with billions of galaxies. Now ask for yourself, Does God exist?
God, nothing else, can conceivably be the wisdom and cause for the beginning of the universe.
“This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful being.” (Sir Issac Newton)
But now how do you explain God?
In the last two decades, unimaginable and amazing innovations in information technology have drastically changed our lifestyle. Each dawn opens up new horizons in research and development. While YouTube is reaching 1.8 billion users, Facebook already has about 2.2 billion active monthly users. Who would have imagined or believed a few decades ago that these mobile technologies would become an integral part of the lives of billions? Moving to our theme, many people argue there is no God just because they can’t comprehend the existence of God. Our limitation in visualizing does not constitute a valid reason for rejecting God. One cannot expect to explain an infinitely existing God when even the brightest human mind struggles to explain simple and common things such as mind and energy.
Nature and scripture unequivocally speak to us about a God who can be truly known and revered by everyone without exception.
Does that mean God cannot be known?
The splendor of the universe attests to a magnificent and brilliant hand behind it. When we know more about science and nature, we are awestruck in adoration. Thus creation attests to the exquisite workmanship and glory of the creator. This emotion and knowledge lead us to worship. In fact, all humans are worshippers. Human history is a story of worship. Sun, moon, stars, waters, kings, animals, man, angels, and even science were a few examples of man’s inclination to worship in the past. The finitude of man’s knowledge and corrupted mind has led to a long line up of an ever-increasing number of deities. God, however, not only communicated through nature but talks in language comprehensible to us. Scripture, also knows as God’s word, reveals to us the creator and sustainer who truly deserves the adoration and praise. Nature and scripture unequivocally speak to us about a God who can be truly known and revered by everyone without exception.
Moreover, the scientific advancements when closely watched are pointing more towards a Creator who designed everything with his mastery. Unfortunately, many scientists are trying to attribute everything they can to evolution and deliberately trying to deny God. Though science and scientists cannot fathom everything about the sovereign God, for a neutral observer science points toward an Almighty and eternal God.
Is God hidden?
This question is the subject of many discourses throughout the centuries. I would like to point out an important dimension for answering this question: What if man is hidden from God? If we are in the dark, that means we are not able to see God. There is a distinct separation between darkness and light. Does that mean man with his hindered vision can never see the light of God? Fortunately, darkness can always be conquered if the divine light is permitted to shine in you. Look how the prolific gospel writer introduces the Word and His shining glory:
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1: 4,5)
Dijo John – Renew in Knowledge Core Team Member
References
The Beginning of Time. Stephen Hawking. Accessed on September 17th, 2018 from http://www.hawking.org.uk/the-beginning-of-time.html
The Hidden Face of God. Gerald Shroeder. Accessed on September 17th, 2018 from http://geraldschroeder.com/wordpress/?page_id=29
A gentle attempt to answer the inevitable question “Does God Exist?”