“We are the nuclear waste from the fuel that made those stars shine.” That comment out of context may sound cynical, but it should be humbling in its proper perspective.
Science has answered a lot of questions. However, it cannot answer all questions. For all of our knowledge, it becomes evident that the more we learn, the more questions that appear.
We live in a complex world. Yet, for all of the millions of objects and living things in this universe, everything we can see, touch or smell is made up of only 92 building blocks called atoms. These atoms are arranged in different ways to make up you, me and everything we see around us.
If the universe started with the Big Bang, and if there were only hydrogen and helium atoms present at the time, where did the other atoms come from? What powerful forces created all those atoms from the simple hydrogen and helium atoms?
However, that isn’t all. There is the “glue” of the universe that is not made up of atoms. It is called “dark matter”. It makes up 85% of our universe. “And we have no idea what it is.”
And what of the complexity of life? Is all of that matter necessary for life? “I’m not convinced actually that we have anything in this universe that is completely unnecessary to life.”
Yet, there is an opposite to gravity called “dark energy” that threatens to stretch the universe to the point of breaking. Giving it a name doesn’t explain what it is. We have no idea what it is, either.
I hope this long introduction brings up enough of a curiosity in you to watch this 48 minute video where Martin Rees explores “What We Still Don’t Know: Why Are We Here?” It’s a bit shorter than a TV documentary, and it is packed full of interesting discoveries and theories on what makes up the universe. They explain things like dark matter and dark energy in layman’s terms, so you don’t have to be a cosmologist to follow it. So, fire up the popcorn, pull up a chair and enjoy!
This film is probably a bit old by now. I remember reading probably a year ago about how scientists finally figured out how to detect some dark matter. Yet, even when you calculate the matter that we can detect, only half of it accounts for the mass necessary in order for the universe to behave as it does. In other words, we cannot detect half of the matter of the universe!
If we cannot detect about half of the matter in the universe, how can we so casual in saying the spiritual realm doesn’t exist because we cannot “see” it or observe it?
Human thought and imagination may be one of most convincing proofs of God that exists. Yet, when you consider the power behind these huge forces, you realize that God is much, much larger and more powerful than we can even imagine with our God-given minds.
However, we must keep in mind the “two books” that prove God exists. The natural universe is only half the answer.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
~ Ps 19:1
And, yet, the natural universe would only be able to bring us to the conclusion that a god or set of gods exists. It cannot point us to the true God. We also need revelation to fill in the other half.
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
~ vv 7-8
Yet, those who say the Bible is not evidence of any type are arguing and not debating the matter. Even God Himself throws down the challenge in the debate that it is His word that will stand (Isa 41:21-26).
Yes, even time itself and the destiny of humankind is in the hands of an all-powerful, all-loving Creator.