Reason 12 of 13
A universe tuned for life
Physicists of many beliefs point out that several constants and starting conditions of the universe sit within narrow ranges that permit life. The tuning is better explained by design than by chance.
What is meant by fine-tuning
If certain physical constants, such as the strength of gravity relative to the other forces, or the initial conditions of the universe, had been slightly different, stars, chemistry or life could not exist. The cosmologist Martin Rees, who is not a Christian, set out six such numbers in Just Six Numbers. Luke Barnes and Geraint Lewis survey the evidence in A Fortunate Universe (Cambridge University Press, 2016).
Three explanations
The tuning is due either to physical necessity, chance or design. Nothing known requires the constants to have their values. Chance on this scale is not a satisfying explanation. Design fits what Scripture says: the creation shows the wisdom of its Maker.
1The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork. 2Day after day they pour out speech, and night after night they display knowledge.
Psalms 19:1-2 (WEB) · context
25Yahweh says: “If my covenant of day and night fails, if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth,
Jeremiah 33:25 (WEB) · context
16For by him all things were created in the heavens and on the earth, visible things and invisible things, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things have been created through him and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things are held together.
Colossians 1:16-17 (WEB) · context
The strongest objection, stated fairly
Perhaps there are countless universes with different constants, and we simply live in one where life is possible.
How it answers
There is no observational evidence for other universes, and the mechanisms proposed to produce them seem to need fine-tuning of their own. Positing an unseen infinity of universes to avoid a designer is not simpler than a designer.
Where Christians disagree
- Scientists and philosophers debate how to measure the probability of the constants and whether a multiverse is real. Fine-tuning itself is widely acknowledged; its explanation is what is disputed.
Sources
- Martin Rees, Just Six Numbers (Weidenfeld & Nicolson, 1999)
- Geraint F. Lewis and Luke A. Barnes, A Fortunate Universe: Life in a Finely Tuned Cosmos (Cambridge University Press, 2016)
- Robin Collins, The Teleological Argument, in The Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology (2009)
Why the evidence matters
If Jesus rose, His offer is real
God loves you and gave His Son so that whoever believes in Him should not perish.