[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ first=”true” last=”true”][fusion_title title_type=”text” rotation_effect=”bounceIn” display_time=”1200″ highlight_effect=”circle” loop_animation=”off” highlight_width=”9″ highlight_top_margin=”0″ before_text=”” rotation_text=”” highlight_text=”” after_text=”” content_align=”left” size=”1″ font_size=”” animated_font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animated_text_color=”” highlight_color=”” style_type=”default” sep_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
The Caused Evidence – Part 4
[/fusion_title][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”5%” padding_right=”5%” padding_bottom=”5%” padding_left=”5%” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”yes” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ first=”true” last=”true”][fusion_text]
Testing Worldviews
[/fusion_text][fusion_text]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ANSWERED by the Discoveries about the Cause of the Universe.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ first=”true” last=”true”][fusion_accordion border_size=”1″ hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility”][fusion_toggle title=”1/2. Isn’t science against religion and religion just blind faith?” open=”no”]
Science and religion aren’t enemies or friends, they are tools we use to gather information about reality. When science and different belief systems look at the same part of reality, these two tools should see the same thing. If they do see the same thing, then science and the belief system confirm each other; if not, then one needs to look further into the tools.
We will follow the basic steps of the scientific method (observation, hypothesis, test, conclusion) to test the different worldview belief systems on one of biggest questions in life: Where did we come from?
Step 1. Observation: The universe had a beginning, so what was the cause?
- Premise 1. Whatever begins to exist has a cause.
- Premise 2. If the universe began to exist, then it has a transcendent cause.
- Premise 3. The universe began to exist.
Conclusion: Therefore, the universe has a transcendent cause.
This is a deductive argument, and this specific one is a version of the Cosmological Argument.
ANSWER: We will use the greatest discovery of modern science to show how science provides amazing verification of the biblical view of the universe, while at the same time exposing critical errors in all other worldview beliefs.Believing in something is only “blind faith” if there are no reasons or support, which is not true of the Bible. Would you like to consider some evidence from science?
In a deductive argument, if the premises are true, then the conclusion MUST be true. Premise one is common sense and follows from cause and effect, which science and rational thought are based upon.
Premise two is simply based on the fact that the universe cannot create itself, so if it began to exist, then the cause must be something beyond itself (transcendent).
Premise three was shown to be true in the previous blogs “The BEGINNING Evidence.” Therefore, the universe has a transcendent cause.
The next logical step is this: What was the cause of that beginning? Again, there are only two possibilities.
Step 1. Hypotheses: the claims of different worldview models
Below are what some prominent worldview models claimed before all the tests came in.
Agnostic Model – Agnostics either claim they do not know or claim it is impossible to know what the cause of the universe is.
Atheist Model – There was no cause. The universe is eternal and therefore needs no cause. This was accepted as fact by the scientific community and was a primary belief of atheism. Once the beginning was proven, atheists now try many ideas of natural causes, which are covered in “The CAUSED Evidence Part 1.”
Biblical Model – The cause (God) that led to creation is outside of space, spiritual or immaterial (supernatural: not made of matter or energy of the universe); outside of time; eternal, an uncaused first cause; all-powerful, miracle-working, personal, and acted with a purpose.
Buddhism, Hinduism – Buddhists believe similarly to atheists. Depending on the time period as Hindu beliefs change, Brahma, the creator, is part of the universe with no beginning, or in a cyclic universe born from a lotus in Vishnu’s navel, or hatched from a cosmic egg.
[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”3. What do we know about the cause of the universe?” open=”no” class=”” id=””]
The entirety of the universe—all the matter, energy, space, time, all natural and physical things making up the universe—had a beginning, which is shown by the blue boundary line in Figure 4.2. If all natural things came into existence at the blue-vertical line dividing the image above, and exist on the right side of the picture, then what caused or brought those things into being from nothing, MUST be outside or beyond those things (point 1 shown above). Something beyond all nature is, by definition, supernatural.
The cause cannot be natural as it brought about nature; material, as it brought all matter into being; subject to time, as it brought about time. If the cause were part of those things, then it too would need a cause.
(Points 2 and 3) Also, the cause must be outside of time, as time was created at the beginning. This cause also does not require a beginning, is on the left side of the blue line, and therefore, does not require a cause, but can be an uncaused, eternal first cause. Scientists and philosophers wrote of the need for an uncaused first cause, but just used to think the uncaused, eternal first cause was the universe. Now the universe, or anything in it, is not an option, as it all had a beginning. All natural stuff is on the right side of the blue line and was caused.
ANSWER: A video from a science documentary (https://vimeo.com/145795089) explains the beginning well.
The bottom line is that the biblical model was shown to be accurate, while all competing beliefs, including atheism, agnosticism, and the general view of science, were shown to be inaccurate on a fundamental issue.
(Point 4) A cause needs to be greater in power and potential order than its effect, and the effect in this case is the sum of all power and order in the universe. The second law of thermodynamics, one of the best proven laws in all science, basically states the universe started with a certain amount of usable energy to do work over time, which is power, and a certain amount of order, and every moment both usable energy and order decrease (entropy always increases), meaning both were highest at the beginning. The cause must be greater in power and be sufficient to account for the order in the universe.
(Point 5) The law of conservation of matter and energy states matter/energy cannot be created, nor destroyed, yet all the matter and energy were created at the beginning from nothing. That is miraculous! It violates outside natural limits of the universe and is at least miraculously rare in our universe.
Further, (Point 6) whatever cause you choose to believe, it must be sufficient to explain other applicable discoveries, including (a) the fine-tuning found throughout the universe (discussed in the “FINED-TUNED Evidence” series), (b) the predictive model provided by the Bible, and (c) the ability to make a choice, which is explained in Part 1 of the CAUSED Evidence series.
Those close to the discoveries understand what the discoveries meant:
- Robert Jastrow, founder of NASA’s Goddard Institute of Space Studies said, “…astronomical evidence leads to a biblical view of the origin of the world…the essential element in the astronomical and biblical accounts of Genesis is the same.”[1]
- Nobel Prize winners Penzias and Wilson add respectively: “The best data we have (concerning the Big Bang) are exactly what I would have predicted had I had nothing to go on but the five books of Moses, the Psalms and the Bible as a whole.”[2] And, “Certainly there was something that set it all off…. I can’t think of a better theory of the origin of the universe to match Genesis.”[3]
- Mathematical physicist Frank Tipler said, “From the perspective of the latest physical theories, Christianity is not a mere religion, but an experimentally testable science.”[4]
- “The world began abruptly in an act of creation. . . That there are what I or anyone would call super-natural forces at work is now, I think, a scientifically proven fact,”[5] stated astronomer Robert Jastrow and echoed by astronomer, physicist, mathematician Sir Arthur Eddington and others.[6]
What does this cause, which is beyond all nature (supernatural), timeless (eternal), all-powerful, and miracle-working sound like to you? Saying it sounds like God is not ad hoc, because—realize—this exact description of God was predicted by the Bible thousands of years before modern science confirmed these characteristics!
Again, if you want to claim that is not unique, find another example that predicts many clear, specific claims, against all science & other beliefs of the time, and is proven accurate thousands of years later by modern science.
Predicting what will be discovered, particularly when going against all competing models (other religions and belief systems, including atheism, agnosticism, and the general view of science) is a standard and strong support for the reliability of the model or belief system. Humanity alone is not capable of providing what the Bible provides. If this were not true, then we would have many other comparable examples throughout history. Can you provide any examples?
ANSWER: No. An example of a “God-of-the-gaps” claim is when a person from ancient times didn’t have knowledge regarding lightening, so he claims it’s the result of Zeus’ weaponry. This clam has no verified information to support it, or go against it, there is a gap or lack of knowledge, which makes this claim nothing but a bad guess.
On the other hand, this is specifically not the case with the cause of the universe. In this case, the argument for the biblical God is made directly from the scientific evidence we do have.
One cannot rationally walk past this point, unless other examples show the Bible is not entirely alone in this. Name a single book, or anything ever produced by humans, that matches the number and level of clear, accurate predictions given so far in advance of scientific recognition.
Furthermore, as noted in part 1 of this blog series, if you do a study of scientific and philosophical peer-reviewed literature regarding possible causes of the universe, there is only a handful of options for you to choose from. The evidence shows all have fatal flaws, and no supportive evidence – except one. A purposeful, immaterial agent is the only cause that comes with significant supportive evidence and is reasonable to believe in.
[1] Jastrow, Robert. God and the Astronomers. New York, W.W. Norton,1978, p. 116.
[2] Penzias, Arno. New York Times, 12 March 1978.
[3] Robert Wilson in interview with Fred Heeren. “Show Me God: What the Message from Space Is Telling Us About God.” Day Star Publications, 2000, p.157.
[4] Tipler, F.J. The Physics of Christianity. New York, Doubleday, 2007.
[5] Robert Jastrow, as quoted by B. Durbin, “A Scientist Caught Between Two Faiths: Interview with Robert Jastrow,” Christianity Today, vol. 26, 6 Aug 1982, p. 15.
[6] Eddington, Sir Arthur. The Expanding Universe. Penguin: Harmondsworth, Middlesex UK, 1940, p.117.
[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”4. How can you believe in anything supernatural or in miracles? ” open=”no” class=”” id=””]
We have scientific verification of a supernatural cause.
Aside from numerous reasons to believe in miracles, the greatest miracle already occurred, and we have scientific confirmation (all matter and energy coming into existence from nothing, violating natural law and coming from a supernatural cause).
[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”5. Isn’t this just a “God-of-the-gaps” argument?” open=”no” class=”” id=””]
No. An example of a “God-of-the-gaps” claim is when a person from ancient times didn’t have knowledge regarding lightening, so he claims it’s the result of Zeus’ weaponry. This clam has no verified information to support it, or go against it, there is a gap or lack of knowledge, which makes this claim nothing but a bad guess.
On the other hand, this is specifically not the case with the cause of the universe. In this case, the argument for the biblical God is made directly from the scientific evidence we do have.
[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”6. If God created the universe, then what created God?” open=”no” class=”” id=””]
Anyone asking this question is committing an error in thinking known as a “category error.” The things in the universe all had a beginning, and therefore, require a cause. God would be in an entirely different category as not part of the universe or nature, so not having a beginning, and therefore, not requiring a cause.
Peer-reviewed writing in science and philosophy have long recognized the need for an uncaused first cause of all other things, and it was just assumed it was the universe itself. When it was discovered the universe, all of nature, had a beginning, now there is a need for a different uncaused first cause.
[/fusion_toggle][fusion_toggle title=”7. What is the best explanation of the CAUSE of the universe? ” open=”no” class=”” id=””]
In all scientific and philosophical literature, there are only four potential causes of the universe, and the three no-intelligent-agent-involved options, have been shown to
- Fail to meet even the NECESSARY PROPERTIES of the first cause,
- Lack ANY EVIDENCE to support belief in them, and
- Have FATAL EVIDENCE against them.
If you expect (hope) someday some other cause will be found, you are involved in wishful thinking and standing on blind or delusional faith as it goes against the biblical model, which does have significant evidence.
If you have faith that something other than the biblical God caused the universe, then why? Is it due to reason, logic, or evidence? If so, then what are your reasons, logic, or evidence that has greater explanatory power, scope, predictive ability, and other features of an accurate model that surpass the biblical model? If you don’t have a lot, then that says something very significant about how you approach your beliefs—because the biblical model has such evidence.
[/fusion_toggle][/fusion_accordion][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” gradient_start_color=”” gradient_end_color=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ first=”true” last=”true”][fusion_text]
FAQ 1 & 2
[/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
Science and religion aren’t enemies or friends, they are tools we use to gather information about reality. When science and different belief systems look at the same part of reality, these two tools should see the same thing. If they do see the same thing, then science and the belief system confirm each other; if not, then one needs to look further into the tools.
We will follow the basic steps of the scientific method (observation, hypothesis, test, conclusion) to test the different worldview belief systems on one of biggest questions in life: Where did we come from?
Step 1. Observation: The universe had a beginning, so what was the cause?
- Premise 1. Whatever begins to exist has a cause.
- Premise 2. If the universe began to exist, then it has a transcendent cause.
- Premise 3. The universe began to exist.
Conclusion: Therefore, the universe has a transcendent cause.
This is a deductive argument, and this specific one is a version of the Cosmological Argument.
ANSWER: We will use the greatest discovery of modern science to show how science provides amazing verification of the biblical view of the universe, while at the same time exposing critical errors in all other worldview beliefs.Believing in something is only “blind faith” if there are no reasons or support, which is not true of the Bible. Would you like to consider some evidence from science?
In a deductive argument, if the premises are true, then the conclusion MUST be true. Premise one is common sense and follows from cause and effect, which science and rational thought are based upon.
Premise two is simply based on the fact that the universe cannot create itself, so if it began to exist, then the cause must be something beyond itself (transcendent).
Premise three was shown to be true in the previous blogs “The BEGINNING Evidence.” Therefore, the universe has a transcendent cause.
The next logical step is this: What was the cause of that beginning? Again, there are only two possibilities.
Step 1. Hypotheses: the claims of different worldview models
Below are what some prominent worldview models claimed before all the tests came in.
Agnostic Model – Agnostics either claim they do not know or claim it is impossible to know what the cause of the universe is.
Atheist Model – There was no cause. The universe is eternal and therefore needs no cause. This was accepted as fact by the scientific community and was a primary belief of atheism. Once the beginning was proven, atheists now try many ideas of natural causes, which are covered in “The CAUSED Evidence Part 1.”
Biblical Model – The cause (God) that led to creation is outside of space, spiritual or immaterial (supernatural: not made of matter or energy of the universe); outside of time; eternal, an uncaused first cause; all-powerful, miracle-working, personal, and acted with a purpose.
Buddhism, Hinduism – Buddhists believe similarly to atheists. Depending on the time period as Hindu beliefs change, Brahma, the creator, is part of the universe with no beginning, or in a cyclic universe born from a lotus in Vishnu’s navel, or hatched from a cosmic egg.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ first=”true” last=”true”][fusion_text]
FAQ 3
[/fusion_text][fusion_text column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
The entirety of the universe—all the matter, energy, space, time, all natural and physical things making up the universe—had a beginning, which is shown by the blue boundary line in Figure 4.2. If all natural things came into existence at the blue-vertical line dividing the image above, and exist on the right side of the picture, then what caused or brought those things into being from nothing, MUST be outside or beyond those things (point 1 shown above). Something beyond all nature is, by definition, supernatural.
The cause cannot be natural as it brought about nature; material, as it brought all matter into being; subject to time, as it brought about time. If the cause were part of those things, then it too would need a cause.
(Points 2 and 3) Also, the cause must be outside of time, as time was created at the beginning. This cause also does not require a beginning, is on the left side of the blue line, and therefore, does not require a cause, but can be an uncaused, eternal first cause. Scientists and philosophers wrote of the need for an uncaused first cause, but just used to think the uncaused, eternal first cause was the universe. Now the universe, or anything in it, is not an option, as it all had a beginning. All natural stuff is on the right side of the blue line and was caused.
ANSWER: A video from a science documentary (https://vimeo.com/145795089) explains the beginning well.
The bottom line is that the biblical model was shown to be accurate, while all competing beliefs, including atheism, agnosticism, and the general view of science, were shown to be inaccurate on a fundamental issue.
(Point 4) A cause needs to be greater in power and potential order than its effect, and the effect in this case is the sum of all power and order in the universe. The second law of thermodynamics, one of the best proven laws in all science, basically states the universe started with a certain amount of usable energy to do work over time, which is power, and a certain amount of order, and every moment both usable energy and order decrease (entropy always increases), meaning both were highest at the beginning. The cause must be greater in power and be sufficient to account for the order in the universe.
(Point 5) The law of conservation of matter and energy states matter/energy cannot be created, nor destroyed, yet all the matter and energy were created at the beginning from nothing. That is miraculous! It violates outside natural limits of the universe and is at least miraculously rare in our universe.
Further, (Point 6) whatever cause you choose to believe, it must be sufficient to explain other applicable discoveries, including (a) the fine-tuning found throughout the universe (discussed in the “FINED-TUNED Evidence” series), (b) the predictive model provided by the Bible, and (c) the ability to make a choice, which is explained in Part 1 of the CAUSED Evidence series.
Those close to the discoveries understand what the discoveries meant:
- Robert Jastrow, founder of NASA’s Goddard Institute of Space Studies said, “…astronomical evidence leads to a biblical view of the origin of the world…the essential element in the astronomical and biblical accounts of Genesis is the same.”[1]
- Nobel Prize winners Penzias and Wilson add respectively: “The best data we have (concerning the Big Bang) are exactly what I would have predicted had I had nothing to go on but the five books of Moses, the Psalms and the Bible as a whole.”[2] And, “Certainly there was something that set it all off…. I can’t think of a better theory of the origin of the universe to match Genesis.”[3]
- Mathematical physicist Frank Tipler said, “From the perspective of the latest physical theories, Christianity is not a mere religion, but an experimentally testable science.”[4]
- “The world began abruptly in an act of creation. . . That there are what I or anyone would call super-natural forces at work is now, I think, a scientifically proven fact,”[5] stated astronomer Robert Jastrow and echoed by astronomer, physicist, mathematician Sir Arthur Eddington and others.[6]
What does this cause, which is beyond all nature (supernatural), timeless (eternal), all-powerful, and miracle-working sound like to you? Saying it sounds like God is not ad hoc, because—realize—this exact description of God was predicted by the Bible thousands of years before modern science confirmed these characteristics!
Again, if you want to claim that is not unique, find another example that predicts many clear, specific claims, against all science & other beliefs of the time, and is proven accurate thousands of years later by modern science.
Predicting what will be discovered, particularly when going against all competing models (other religions and belief systems, including atheism, agnosticism, and the general view of science) is a standard and strong support for the reliability of the model or belief system. Humanity alone is not capable of providing what the Bible provides. If this were not true, then we would have many other comparable examples throughout history. Can you provide any examples?
ANSWER: No. An example of a “God-of-the-gaps” claim is when a person from ancient times didn’t have knowledge regarding lightening, so he claims it’s the result of Zeus’ weaponry. This clam has no verified information to support it, or go against it, there is a gap or lack of knowledge, which makes this claim nothing but a bad guess.
On the other hand, this is specifically not the case with the cause of the universe. In this case, the argument for the biblical God is made directly from the scientific evidence we do have.
One cannot rationally walk past this point, unless other examples show the Bible is not entirely alone in this. Name a single book, or anything ever produced by humans, that matches the number and level of clear, accurate predictions given so far in advance of scientific recognition.
Furthermore, as noted in part 1 of this blog series, if you do a study of scientific and philosophical peer-reviewed literature regarding possible causes of the universe, there is only a handful of options for you to choose from. The evidence shows all have fatal flaws, and no supportive evidence – except one. A purposeful, immaterial agent is the only cause that comes with significant supportive evidence and is reasonable to believe in.
[1] Jastrow, Robert. God and the Astronomers. New York, W.W. Norton,1978, p. 116.
[2] Penzias, Arno. New York Times, 12 March 1978.
[3] Robert Wilson in interview with Fred Heeren. “Show Me God: What the Message from Space Is Telling Us About God.” Day Star Publications, 2000, p.157.
[4] Tipler, F.J. The Physics of Christianity. New York, Doubleday, 2007.
[5] Robert Jastrow, as quoted by B. Durbin, “A Scientist Caught Between Two Faiths: Interview with Robert Jastrow,” Christianity Today, vol. 26, 6 Aug 1982, p. 15.
[6] Eddington, Sir Arthur. The Expanding Universe. Penguin: Harmondsworth, Middlesex UK, 1940, p.117.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ first=”true” last=”true”][fusion_text]
FAQ 4
[/fusion_text][fusion_text column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
We have scientific verification of a supernatural cause.
Aside from numerous reasons to believe in miracles, the greatest miracle already occurred, and we have scientific confirmation (all matter and energy coming into existence from nothing, violating natural law and coming from a supernatural cause).
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ first=”true” last=”true”][fusion_text]
FAQ 5
[/fusion_text][fusion_text column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
No. An example of a “God-of-the-gaps” claim is when a person from ancient times didn’t have knowledge regarding lightening, so he claims it’s the result of Zeus’ weaponry. This clam has no verified information to support it, or go against it, there is a gap or lack of knowledge, which makes this claim nothing but a bad guess.
On the other hand, this is specifically not the case with the cause of the universe. In this case, the argument for the biblical God is made directly from the scientific evidence we do have.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ first=”true” last=”true”][fusion_text]
FAQ 6
[/fusion_text][fusion_text column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
Anyone asking this question is committing an error in thinking known as a “category error.” The things in the universe all had a beginning, and therefore, require a cause. God would be in an entirely different category as not part of the universe or nature, so not having a beginning, and therefore, not requiring a cause.
Peer-reviewed writing in science and philosophy have long recognized the need for an uncaused first cause of all other things, and it was just assumed it was the universe itself. When it was discovered the universe, all of nature, had a beginning, now there is a need for a different uncaused first cause.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_blend_mode=”none” video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” box_shadow=”no” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” background_type=”single” gradient_start_position=”0″ gradient_end_position=”100″ gradient_type=”linear” radial_direction=”center” linear_angle=”180″ background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_blend_mode=”none” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_type=”regular” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″ first=”true” last=”true”][fusion_text]
FAQ 7
[/fusion_text][fusion_text column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
In all scientific and philosophical literature, there are only four potential causes of the universe, and the three no-intelligent-agent-involved options, have been shown to
- Fail to meet even the NECESSARY PROPERTIES of the first cause,
- Lack ANY EVIDENCE to support belief in them, and
- Have FATAL EVIDENCE against them.
If you expect (hope) someday some other cause will be found, you are involved in wishful thinking and standing on blind or delusional faith as it goes against the biblical model, which does have significant evidence.
If you have faith that something other than the biblical God caused the universe, then why? Is it due to reason, logic, or evidence? If so, then what are your reasons, logic, or evidence that has greater explanatory power, scope, predictive ability, and other features of an accurate model that surpass the biblical model? If you don’t have a lot, then that says something very significant about how you approach your beliefs—because the biblical model has such evidence.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]