#myscience

mickey. mickey watch out

I'd pay to go to a place that's like, make your own bisque/chowder/goulash/stew with exotic ingredients so I could just see what blended scallop and saffron tastes like.

Are we alone in this universe?

It’s a big question, full of mystery and intrigue. Many human beings love the notion that there could be thriving, intelligent life forms elsewhere in the universe; many others feel uncomfortable with such a thought. But the sheer volume of the universe throws out questions; surely, in such an expanse, the chance that something could exist somewhere other than here isn’t to be written off.  

For now, at least, the subject remains purely speculative. Life hasn’t yet been discovered on other planets, and we are certainly far from finding a level of intelligence and high-order thinking comparable to that we are used to on Earth. But, allow me to take you on a hypothetical journey. Just think; what would the implications be if life were found elsewhere in the universe? In particular, how compatible is the existence of intelligent extra-terrestrial life with a Christian view of God? Would it undermine Him completely? If it would, it surely merits some consideration. Here goes nothing…

Firstly, let’s consider the existence of extra-terrestrial life in the first place. There exists legitimate argument that we, the human race, are in some way special. This may point towards the conclusion that intelligent life as we understand it should not exist elsewhere; that we must be the only ones. The Rare Earth Hypothesis argues that the complex evolution of human intelligence required a very rare combination of factors to be aligned. The idea of the finely-tuned universe ties into this somewhat; it is true that the conditions on Earth, and the physical constants that govern them, are required to be almost exactly as they are in order to support human life. Maybe then such life-supporting specificity is indeed a rarity in the universe, making intelligent life elsewhere improbable.

Biblically, the notion that humanity is somewhat special is supported by the concept that we are made in the image of God. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God he created them, male and female” [Gen 1:27]. This differentiates us from the animals we see on Earth, which God made “according to their kinds” [Gen 1:24]. We are made differently from other creatures. We are also the only species known to be able to enjoy a relationship with God. God is Trinity, by definition relational; yet we, human beings, are the ones with whom He wants a relationship. God loves to know us; Luke 15:6 describes the “rejoicing in heaven” that occurs when just one human being turns to Jesus. It is clear that God thinks people are special. Therefore, considering the animals we see on Earth who do not have this privilege, it would not be illogical to conclude that we were the only species to be given this special differentiation.

Conversely to this, consideration of the wider character of God supports the existence of extra-terrestrial intelligent life within His created universe. There is nothing to say that other species elsewhere are not also known and loved by God. If He loves relationships with intelligent beings (humans), why would He not want more and more of such relationships? God loves life itself. God created life, and Jesus suffered death on a cross in order to save the lives of many. He said “I am the way, the truth and the life” [John 14:16]. Surely then, a God who values life so dearly would indeed value it in abundance, wherever it may be? From this, it is reasonable to conclude that the existence of intelligent extra-terrestrial life would not be inconsistent with the Christian view of God.  

This considered, let’s delve deeper into the hypothetical. Say extra-terrestrial intelligence is discovered; as discussed, its mere existence does not undermine the life-breathing character of God. But what about the things it may have to say?

Human beings are hard-wired to question where we are from, and to consider the existence of a deity beyond ourselves. Whatever the conclusion of each individual, the nature of our consciousness means that we are a species capable of abstract, higher-order thought such as this. I would argue that being created by God means that humans have an inbuilt instinct to search for him somehow. Certainly, religion and the search for a higher power in many forms has been an integral part of human history. But what of our newfound extra-terrestrial life forms? Do they have an awareness of a deity?

If such an awareness were present in another life form, it would be a key indicator that they were indeed equivalently “intelligent” to human beings, as this notion of God is a key differentiator between us and less evolved, less conscious creatures. It would also provide reassurance that God does want a relationship with such other beings, as He has given them the minds to be able to consider Him already. It would not substantially challenge the existence, or character, of the God that we know.

However, examine the scenario whereby our new acquaintances have no conceptual grasp of a higher power. This may challenge our perception of God more than anything discussed thus far. Would this mean God only “applies” to the Earth? No, God is infinite. Though surely, a loving God would not isolate an entire civilisation, an entire planet, from understanding Him? ET’s, capable of abstract thought but incapable of comprehending a deity, would certainly raise questions; is God solely a human construct? Even if you believe Him to be so, why would these other intelligent minds not have reached a similar conclusion? How do they explain their life? This scenario may cast doubts on the existence and character of God that we currently understand.

Alternatively, such a scenario would merely challenge our view of God’s work for mankind. Our perception of “the world” is continually expanding. Discovery of other countries and the development of cars, trains and planes have made our Earth far ‘smaller’ and more accessible than we could have imagined even a few hundred years ago. Space missions and exploration of our solar system have caused human beings to further expand their horizons. In the same way, would finding extra-terrestrial intelligent life be just another expansion of our understanding of what is? There was once a time when the notion of another earthly civilisation, another country across the sea, another culture and language vastly different to one’s own, would have felt entirely ‘alien’. Yet there is clearly no question now that the message of Jesus is for all such civilisations, regardless of any initial preconceptions or lack of knowledge they may have; “I…will draw all people to myself” [John 12:32]. Perhaps the same would apply to ET’s with no concept of God. Perhaps, in a universe where the call to be God’s witnesses “to the ends of the earth” [Acts 1:7] is an ever-increasing task as horizons broaden, such a scenario would merely present a colossal missionary challenge; intergalactic evangelism…?!

Today I attended a talk at my SU entitled “5 things science has proved about God”. Such a title immediately sparked my interest as, being both a physicist and a Christian, clearly some big themes were likely to come up that would be relevant to me. I particularly liked the way this title was phrased; I had relatively high hopes that the talk might debunk some of the assumptions about the science/God crossover and show how investigating science so often reveals certain aspects of God.

Sadly, I hate to say this wasn’t the case. The misleading title described, in fact, the exact opposite of what the talk was about. Instead of “5 things science has proved about God”, I listened for half an hour to “5 things materialism cannot explain about the world”, with the message that “this is why you need God to explain such things instead”.

I’m sorry to go overboard on this, but it is wrong on so many levels. And, as a Christian and as a scientist, it makes me angry. I agree that everyone needs to consider God. I agree that science cannot tell us everything. I agree that issues such as the improbability of the universe and the origin of human morality are big questions of our time. But there is a huge distinction between acknowledging these things, and presenting one as a solution to the other.

Doing so ultimately worsens the problems it is trying to remedy. The perception that science has eradicated the ‘need’ for God is only fuelled and exacerbated by the implication that God is the only explanation when science runs out. If your primary argument for Christianity is “How do you explain x/y/z without God?”, where does that leave you in 10/20/100 years’ time when science goes and does exactly that? Suddenly, it’s true; your god is not ‘needed’.

Faith is not a concept limited to religion. I have faith in science. I believe that it will continue to progress, continue to amaze us and continue to uncover more and more about the universe we live in. I want it to do so. Which is why any faith that I have in God must be able to withstand the ever changing face of scientific discovery.  My faith in God cannot rely on incomplete scientific understanding, because the gaps and inconsistencies in science are, and should always be, being remoulded and diminished. I am certain that science will prove many more incredible things, in my lifetime and beyond; I am also certain that not one of these will be inconsistent with the creator God who placed them there, ripe for discovery.

My God is not a ‘god of the gaps’. My God is not there as an easy answer to scientific questions left unexplained. My God blesses us with those questions; blesses us with the minds and equipment to investigate them. My God doesn’t want me to choose between scientific facts and a relationship with Him; my saviour said “I am the truth”.

This is the God I want to tell people about. Issues with science aside, the approach of “here is everything wrong with your worldview; therefore, consider mine” is unlikely to inspire a room full of people to feel open to investigating Christianity anyway. It immediately establishes a “us and them” atmosphere; “you’re wrong, I’m right”. It fuels defensiveness, competition and feelings of exclusion. Telling someone about Jesus should be a joy; to nurture curiosity, encourage openness and show somebody how much they are loved and welcomed by God. It shouldn’t be an accusation; I can never imagine Jesus making someone feel belittled just because they hold a widely accepted opinion that they may not yet have been given the chance to question.

Today the winners of the 2015 Nobel Prize for Physics were announced; Takaaki Kajita and Arthur McDonald. These scientists made the exciting discovery that neutrinos possess mass, and can change their form as they move. This changes the way we view the Standard Model; it shows that our current understanding of the pieces that make up the universe is incomplete. It opens up a whole new realm of research and possibility.

This is exciting! What was thought to be an anomaly now has an explanation. But a whole other minefield of physics has been unearthed, explanations hidden and waiting to be uncovered. I love the fact that we will never truly, 100% understand the innermost workings of the universe. One discovery leads to another, and another, each opening doors into further depths of knowledge. The world around us is infinitely complex and beautiful.

McDonald, speaking today in Tokyo, said of his success, “I want to thank the neutrinos, of course. And since neutrinos are created by cosmic rays, I want to thank them too.”

Arthur McDonald, as could only be expected of a Nobel Prize winner, has some very sound logic. When we find something great, it would be absurd to just thank the thing for existing; we want to praise whatever it was that provided it to us!

Naturally, eventually, this takes our thanks right back to the source and genius behind it all, the big guy up there. When science reveals the intricacies of the universe, bit by bit, I continue to marvel at the incredible power and beauty of God. His knowledge far surpasses anything we will ever know; he designed the very things that we celebrate beginning to understand. He’s always got another layer of detail, another puzzle to challenge and fascinate us. I see this as a brilliant gift.

This is why I will never comprehend those who feel science has replaced the ‘need’ for God. He is so entwined in the things we love to discover; he is the creator of it all. My love of physics ever increases my awe of God, and my love of God ever increases my desire to learn more of how His universe works. I hope Kajita, McDonald and every other scientist out there might end that speech with “And since all things are created by our Father in heaven, I want to thank Him too”.

Here’s a little bit I wrote a while back, that expresses all this in a slightly more poetic manner.

 “Science”.

“Religion”.

They say there's a battle there.

And perhaps there is,

between growing research and the view of the world

of what “religion” is.

But the conflict's a construct,

a mask behind

which cower defiant, intelligent minds,

Afraid of the one who knows all.

Who made all, imagined each piece of this world,

Gave us life.

Gave us science.

That wonderful gift to research

To discover

increasing fragments of the design of my lover,

my God.

Surely then science is no opposing force

To the one who imagined every fundamental law?

No, science is spiritual,

A gift by which I see

increasing patterns of this world

and deeper facets of His majesty.

I thank science for the blessing

That's the privilege to learn

More of the mind of the creator