Review The Case For A Creator by Lee Strobel
Lee Strobel gives an insight into his investigation of Christianity yet again in a journey that searches for the scientific evidence of a Creator. He is validated in his investigation as it both a personal and skeptical and seeks out the true evidence. Even an atheist would be compelled by his motives, but maybe not his conclusions. Strobel concludes not just that the universe is the creation of a single all-powerful personal creating entity, but that this entity is the God of the Bible.
A design hypothesis is a large fundamental question. John Polkinghorne said “A big fundamental question, like belief in God (or disbelief), is not settled by a single argument. It’s too complicated for that. What one has to do is to consider lots of different issues and see whether or not the answers one gets ad up to a total picture that makes sense” (279). Strobel takes a look at many facets of science to find the evidence and make a conclusion.
The Evidence of Cosmology: The Kalam argument is a millennia old cosmological argument for the existence of a creator, and is now becoming more valid as science seems to back up its premises. 1) Whatever begins to exist has a cause. 2) the universe had a beginning in what we often know as the Big Bang. There is scientifically no way of getting a round the idea of a starting point for the universe’s existence in time. 3) the universe, having a beginning, must have a cause.
The Evidence of Physics: The fine-tuning principle shows that most of the universe seems finely calibrated for the capability of life. The stats are incredible and if any of the numbers representing our universe’s functions were off by the smallest amounts, the changes would be drastic not allowing any way for life to happen. The chance are so improbable that this would a hit or miss accident.
The Evidence of astronomy: Earth’s position in the universe is perfectly conducive for life. Our solar system, our sun, distances from the sun, the right mass, right light, right age, and right kind of galaxy all allow for the nurturing of life on Earth. Coincidence?
The Evidence of Biochemistry: The facts about irreducibly complex molecular machines show that there are some things that could have not evolved to what they are as they would have no function similar to what they now serve, such as cilia or flagella. This shows that these micro-organisms are unlikely to have developed piece-by-piece over time, but rather at once each irreducibly complex molecular machine in place for the total function of the organism. Darwin said “if it could be demonstrated that any complex organ existed which could not possibly have been formed by numerous, successive, slight modifications, my theory would absolutely break down” (281). Woops, sorry Darwin.
The Evidence of Biological information: DNA is code, a sequential arrangement of 4 chemicals that is complex and corresponds to an independent pattern or function; this is always a product of intelligence. Also, The Cambrian explosion shows that there are many species in the fossil record that just appear out of nowhere, coming from now previous ancestor, but of the common age. These two things show mind- “a conscious, purposeful, rational, intelligent designer who’s amazingly creative” (282).
The Evidence of Consciousness: Does the mind exist without the brain? Are they jointly related? Does the brain directly affect the mind? Science proves the answer to be no. The mind is more than just a response to the functions of the brain- it is independent. We all know this. To question is to prove. Cogito Ergo Sum.
So the next question to ask is why this creator has to be the God of the Bible. This God is not the god of deism because the creator-God created purposefully and willfully and still proves actively at work with his creation. He did not just walk away. Ockham’s razor shows that polytheism is overruled by shaving away the multiple gods and simplifying the necessary causes. New Age religions seek an impersonal divine force, but this is disproven by the personal nature of the Creator.
The Bible describes God as/with:
A Creator
Unique
Uncaused and timeless
Immaterial
Personal
Freedom of will
Intelligent and rational
Enormously powerful
Creative
Caring
Omnipresent
Having given humankind purpose
Providing for life after death (285)