Universe

 I have an insatiable interest in the origin, the make-up and the outcome of the universe.

 Since the work of Carl Sagan and the discoveries of the Hubbell telescope, a plethora of information regarding our universe has attracted the attention of scientists and laymen alike.

 Owen Gingerich is one of the latest authorities attempting to answer the questions described above. He is a believing Christian and an outstanding scientist.

 He is a historian of science, retired from Harvard University. He is also the senior astronomer with the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.

 Gingerich’s latest book is, “God’s Universe,” and though small in size-121 pages- is chuck full of provocative information.

 Did you know, for example, that there are more stars in the universe than there are grains of sand on all of the beaches of Earth?

 However, take one human brain. It has 100 billion neurons, each connected with 10,000 other neurons. There are not that many stars. All of this according to Gingerich.

 As a believing Christian he revels in the connection of God with the universe. The Psalmist says, “The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament reveals His handiwork.”

 Two great historical scientists are essential to an understanding of Gingerich, Copernicus and Einstein. He quotes them often. Copernicus said, “So vast, without any question, is the Divine Handiwork of the Almighty Creator!”

 He is convinced that science supports the view that the universe is very hospitable to the development of intelligent life. He quotes Einstein when he said, “the sense experiences are the given subject matter. But the theory that shall interpret them is manmade . . . never completely final, always subject to question and doubt.”

 There are several prized tenets espoused by Gingerich. He affirms “the universe seems so congenially designed for the existence of intelligent, self-reflective life.”

 Quoting Freeman Dyson, “this is a universe that knew we were coming.”

 Back of all this is his affirmation of a final cause, a Creator-God.

 Gingerich is also an advocate that life exists on other planets. He affirms that a hundred billion galaxies exist beyond the Milky Way.

 Thus he says: “How dare we think we are so special, so privileged, that intelligent life would not arise aplenty and everywhere.”

 Remember. He is a world –renowned astronomer and believes that communication with aliens is a distinct possibility. He sums up this view with the words, “The probability of success is difficult to estimate, but if we never search, the chance of success is zero.”

 In 1969 the Allende meteorite fell in Mexico and scientists date it at 4.6 billion years old. Gingerich ties the universe into purpose and direction with man being the ultimate objective. The word he uses is teleology.

 It refers to design and purpose. The universe came into being and is so constituted as to encourage the existence of self-conscious life. That is, you and me.

 He quotes the Psalmist who said of man, “Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels and hast crowned him with glory and honor.”

 It is refreshing to hear and read about an educated scientist who affirms a belief in God.

Amen. Selah. So be it.

 

WORDS TO THINK ABOUT

G. W. Abersold Ph.D.