Seriously – The Universe – Created or Not?

 

Prior to the 1960’s, the universe was thought to be eternal, a brute reality that just – is.  At that time, the words “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” were given precious little credence in scientific circles.  Over the past fifty years, multiple revelations via modern astronomy and mathematics have brought about a change in thought, convincing modern science to conclude that the universe is not eternal and did indeed have a finite beginning.  It goes without saying that modern scientific understanding is not required to reach the conclusion that a “beginning” thus requires a “beginner” – a “cause”.  This applies to all characteristics of existence – matter, energy, space and time.  All had to have a beginning.

Likewise, it is commonly agreed upon that every effect must have a cause.  The cycle of cause and effect seems to stretch continually back in time.  I am the effect of my parents (my cause) and my parents are the effect of my grandparents (my parent’s cause), and so on.  My lineage stretches back further and further into the past via the pattern of cause and effect as it was constructed.  But, we know that this process cannot stretch back infinitely.  Real infinities do not exist.  Therefore, a creative force is required to initiate the process.  This force can be referred to as the “uncaused cause” or “first cause”.

With respect to our universe, a first cause must possess the ability to create – or nothing would or could come into existence.  Likewise, such a creation would require “intent” - a “will” to create, otherwise no potential for a beginning exists.  So, we now have a requirement of “will” in the creation of the universe.

A “first cause/”uncaused cause” also must be dependent upon nothing but itself, for reliance upon anything else would very simply make it just another “effect” in a chain of causes and effects.  Therefore, the uncaused cause must be self-reliant.

The cause of the universe must exist outside of and apart from the universe – for the universe is that which was created by the first cause – nothing in the universe existed before the beginning.

So, what does this leave us with?

·         The universe had a beginning.

·         Any beginning must have a first cause.

·         The first cause must, by necessity, be uncaused.

·         The first cause must have the ability to create.

·         The first cause must have the intention or will to create.

·         The first cause must be self-reliant.

·         The first cause must exist outside of and apart from the universe.

As stated earlier, it is now commonly accepted that the universe had a beginning.  Based upon the characteristics above, I would argue that it required a Creator.

Best Regards,

Mark