OK I'm sure I'm not the first Christian blogger to respond to the news of Stephen Hawking's forthcoming book with the same simplistic thought - "How much does nothing weigh again?" Perhaps I can distinguish myself in some other way then?First off I completely agree with you, I am no where near as smart as Dr. Hawking is. However small my intellect is, I am however still able to call "shenanigans!" when I see them going on.
The article is about Dr. Hawking's new book "The Grand Design" which sounds more than a bit intentional. It's good to be intentional though, especially when you're making claims. Intentionality makes it easier to confirm, and debunk your claims. So I'm glad he's intentionally making an argument against so called "Intelligent Design."
The article starts with these words; "Stephen Hawking says universe not created by God." It is his intention to debunk the creation account by postulating an alternate theory. Good on him! At least he's being honest with a full on frontal attack, not and not being slimy and subversive like some other popular anti-creationists.
Let's check out a couple of quotes from this article shall we?
In the new work, The Grand Design, Professor Stephen Hawking argues that the Big Bang, rather than occurring following the intervention of a divine being, was inevitable due to the law of gravity.
Is it too simple to ask how much nothing weighs again? OK let's continue....
"Because there is a law such as gravity, the universe can and will create itself from nothing," he writes. "Spontaneous creation is the reason there is something rather than nothing, why the universe exists, why we exist."
OK that's rich, but before I get too excited and call the man a fool I must remember I have not yet read his masterful work in which he no-doubt explains how absolutely nothing is affected by gravity that does not yet exist to the point that it does something... and then eventually blows up and becomes everything all neatly ordered and such.
Apparently, Hawking says that it is "M-theory" which is a sort of "string theory" that has allowed us mere mortals to understand how the universe created itself. This of course prompts long time universal sports fans to shout "Go Uni!!" in unison purely by chance, and then quickly stop because their unity made it appear as though some form of intelligence might be at work.
OK the universe isn't really getting cheers... it turns out that humanity is the real star of the day!
"The fact that we human beings – who are ourselves mere collections of fundamental particles of nature – have been able to come this close to an understanding of the laws governing us and our universe is a great triumph."
So I've been taking a few pot shots... and EASY ones at that. I'm sorry, really... well ok I'm not going to lie I've had more than a few giggles writing this post. Here's a more serious point.
Hawking says the first blow to Newton's belief that the universe could not have arisen from chaos was the observation in 1992 of a planet orbiting a star other than our Sun. "That makes the coincidences of our planetary conditions – the single sun, the lucky combination of Earth-sun distance and solar mass – far less remarkable, and far less compelling as evidence that the Earth was carefully designed just to please us human beings," he writes.
I feel the urge to remind you that Dr. Stephen Hawking is much smarter than I am, and I'm aware of this fact. However, saying that because there are other planets (non of which thus far found, or invoked, are even remotely close to being able to support life) orbiting around other stars is even the slightest evidence that the Universe was not "designed" by Creator God is like saying this;
I saw a pile of steel beams on the way home from work today. This is the first blow to the belief that Hyundai Corp designed my car.
Anyway, if you want to celebrate the triumph of the human imagination to come up with any excuse possible not to worship God then check out Dr. Hawking's forthcoming book The Grand Design on Sept 7th, and read the rest of the article I've been discussing at The Guardian.
13 comments:
Well I doubt I'm the first to ask the question, but if you search Google for "How much does nothing weigh?" This article is at the top of the results. :) hahahaha!
http://www.google.ca/#hl=en&q=how+much+does+nothing+weigh%3F&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&fp=844926a0332a620c
The thing to consider also is how did msn become a moral being. Can morality develop from nothing?
Hello Anonymous, (you have a very common name btw *smile*)
Yes the nature of morality, and the "laws" of the universe are interesting in that they are not material. How do none material things exist in a strictly material universe?
Of course if the universe is strictly material then the origines of that material is somewhat problematic as well.
Kev
Nothing does weigh something. Scientists have found that the empty space between quarks-the particles that make up protons and nuetrons in case you didn't know- are made of tiny particles that pop in out of existence. This "nothing". Makes up 90% of the mass of an atom.
LOL yes I know the latest idea to solve the problem is to redefine "nothing" as "something."
Cool strawman though. Who are you arguing against? What does the fact that space is not empty have to do with the fact that before the universe came into existence it was not in existence and so there was no-thing in existence. Nothing means nothing, and has nothing to do with particles in space now.
NIce try though. Desperate attempts to save a theory even when it doesn't come close to explaining observations is NOT science. People believe theories like this because it helps them avoid a troubling truth, not because they are scientific.
Kev
Sorry for answering an old blog post.
I am myself a believer in God, but it seems like we have to change our perception of God as science progresses. Maybe string theory IS God, and that nothingness is our destiny in an ver ongoing energyspiral. This will explain why there's so much evil and injustice in the world, and why God doesn't intervene when he sees so much suffering. It's because it's not in his nature to do so. His nature is vibrating through the universe and creating everything from nothing. We have to pay respect to that, or we will surely go to Hell for our arrogance and blindfoldedness.
Believe in the Lord as science has shown us, and we as humans will have a future also after the Big Nothing.
Nothing is nothing, and that means that it's nothing. Nothing at all, in fact! But nothing is UNSTABLE. And that's why particles can pop in and out of existence. Over a long enough time, this tendency to be unstable will make Big Bangs happen.
If you strongly believe in God, this facts doesn't make him weaker. But of course, there is reason to rationalyze him away. Science can prove the making of the universe without the need of the traditional concept of God. But I don't think it's anything to be afraid of.
I choose to still believe. In fact, I think God chose it for me!
You can't make up universal definition on concepts based on your own limited mind. Science changes understanding of concepts, just like Einstein changed the concept of time. We wouldn't have GPS if we didn't accept spacetime. Just deal with it please! Otherwise it makes us Christians look like fools...
Hello Anon,
You wrote:
Nothing is nothing, and that means that it's nothing. Nothing at all, in fact! But nothing is UNSTABLE.
How do you know that nothing is "unstable"? What would you even cite as evidence used to theorize such a statement?
And that's why particles can pop in and out of existence. Over a long enough time, this tendency to be unstable will make Big Bangs happen.
It doesn't matter how long you give "nothing", "nothing" will do "nothing" and will produce "nothing" in fact "nothing" will happen to "nothing" no matter how much time you give "nothing"
:)
BUT IT GETS WORSE
Nothing includes the fact that there is no time. There no time exists to give "nothing" so that it can produce something from nothing.
You also wrote:
If you strongly believe in God, this facts doesn't make him weaker.
The strength with which I believe in God, or not, does not change the fact of His existence. Neither does it change Who He is, what He has done, and what He will do.
But of course, there is reason to rationalyze him away. Science can prove the making of the universe without the need of the traditional concept of God. But I don't think it's anything to be afraid of.
Do not propose a straw-man. I don't believe in God because I am afraid of a universe without Him.
Science, can and HAS, confirmed that the Universe had a specific moment where it came into existence. This fact in itself proves that there is a Creator. Nothing can create nothing. This is an established Law.
You wrote:
I choose to still believe. In fact, I think God chose it for me!
Of course you believe in God, there is no one who lacks the knowledge that God exists and is worthy of being worshiped. Romans 1 establishes this clearly. That you "believe" in "God" doesn't mean you know Him, or that He knows you.
You wrote:
You can't make up universal definition on concepts based on your own limited mind. Science changes understanding of concepts, just like Einstein changed the concept of time. We wouldn't have GPS if we didn't accept spacetime. Just deal with it please! Otherwise it makes us Christians look like fools...
This is yet another Straw-Man. I, and every Bible believing Christian, believe in the Scientific Method. That I do not allow politicalize theories which use scientific descriptions to pose as being scientific theories to define the God of the Scriptures does not mean that I don't accept and rely on good science.
What will you do with your sin Anon? The Bible says that you will stand before a the specific God of the Scriptures and be judged. Not be accepted by the god you have made up in your mind based on false science.
You can argue about science that apparently neither of us fully understands all you want. However, Romans 1 is true and you are without excuse.
Repent today while there is still time.
Anon you wrote:
Believe in the Lord as science has shown us, and we as humans will have a future also after the Big Nothing.
Luke 4:8
And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’ ”
Jn 8:23-24
And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.”
Your limited understanding of nothing shines through. You have come up with an understanding that suits your limited worldview and limited knowledge of science.
There have been experiments that supports that your understanding of nothing is wrong. You cannot claim something only because you "feel" it's right for you.
It's the same with faith. You cannot claim that you are right. The Bible is a old and vague book. God's will is hidden in it, making it impossible for humans to make perfect sense of it. His ways are mysterious.
I believe God didn't mean for you, a limited blogposter, to tell the rest of us what is right. I think he meant for us to search for the truth no matter what, and to use the brains he gave us. That's why the Bible is how it is, and why we have to discuss the meaning of it.
You can choose to hop along or spend an eternity in Hell, which I think will happen if you have too much faith in yourself and your ego: You put yourself before God, and lessen Him by claiming you know it all.
If you claim to know the truth about nothing, you are in fact making yourself God, because only He knows the truth and no one else.
For that, you will spend your afterlife in Hell and not in Heaven with the rest of us. So please take a step aside, and let God into your life again. Ask questions, don't assume you have the answer. Only God has!
Hello Anon,
You wrote:
Your limited understanding of nothing shines through. You have come up with an understanding that suits your limited worldview and limited knowledge of science.
My "limited view of nothing"? Has any human ever experienced "nothing" at all?
This is why arguing about "science" with the average-Joe is useless.
There have been experiments that supports that your understanding of nothing is wrong. You cannot claim something only because you "feel" it's right for you.
What experiment has ever been done on "nothing." Where exactly does "nothing" exist so that it can be tested?
Who is claiming something because it they "feel" it is right for them? Perhaps that accusation is better levied toward the other side of this discussion.
It's the same with faith. You cannot claim that you are right. The Bible is a old and vague book. God's will is hidden in it, making it impossible for humans to make perfect sense of it. His ways are mysterious.
LOL you have never read the Bible if you think it is vague.
I believe God didn't mean for you,
If it is impossible to discern the will of God then this statement by you is nonsensical. Much like your complaint that I have a "limited understanding of science"... who doesn't? LOL
a limited blogposter, to tell the rest of us what is right. I think he meant for us to search for the truth no matter what, and to use the brains he gave us. That's why the Bible is how it is, and why we have to discuss the meaning of it.
God gave a command to Believers.
1Thes 5:21
Test (critically examine) all things. Hold fast that which is good.
He further states that the Scriptures are profitable for study (not discussion) 2Tim 3:16 that we are to rightly divide the Word of Truth. Thus it is possible to understand properly, and given for that purpose. 2Tim 2:15
Believers are to shun vain babbling. 2Tim 2:14-19 such as that which tries to usurp the solid Word of God for vain theories about "nothing."
You wrote:
You can choose to hop along or spend an eternity in Hell, which I think will happen if you have too much faith in yourself and your ego: You put yourself before God, and lessen Him by claiming you know it all.
You can think what you like but the Word of God says that those who do not believe in Christ are condemned. Jn 3:18
Let's see how vague Rev 21:8 is:
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
If you claim to know the truth about nothing, you are in fact making yourself God, because only He knows the truth and no one else.
Does this accusation fit with you as well?
Of course man can know truth! Oh foolish man! Man has always been able to discern truth but it has been fully revealed in the Lord Jesus Christ! Jn 1:17
You wrote:
For that, you will spend your afterlife in Hell and not in Heaven with the rest of us. So please take a step aside, and let God into your life again. Ask questions, don't assume you have the answer. Only God has!
By what authority do you spout this toward me? What Scripture can you quote to back up such a statement? None of course.
I abide in the Lord Jesus Christ, and His Word! He is the Truth! He has said this!
Jn 8:31-32
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Give up the wisdom of the World that tells you to make up and embrace any story other than the Bible. That tells you to tell stories like that "nothing" has been experimented with. Dear Soul, there is no place in this Universe where "nothing" exists. We are dwelling inside of Creation.
Well, it's not me that has a problem with God, it's you. I hope you can find peace with him, and receive his message of love, honesty and humanity. Don't stop asking question, and don't close your eyes on God's creation just because you don't agree with what you see. God will punish you for that, but he also knows that there is hope for you. He has never given up on you, and never will.
God bless you, and thanks for this discussion which I hope can get you closer to God.
Hello Anon,
You wrote:
Well, it's not me that has a problem with God, it's you.
Based on what? You said that "string theory might be God"... You don't know Who God is, let alone who does or does not have "a problem" with Him.
Don't stop asking question, and don't close your eyes on God's creation just because you don't agree with what you see.
What? Do you think about what you write before you write it? What do I see that I don't agree with?
Also, if you are going to post again you will have answer the questions I asked in previous comments before I will allow your comments to be posted.
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