Tag: God

STEPHEN HAWKING, THE BIG BANG, AND CHRISTIAN FAITH

As a college student back in 1973, I read an article by the eminent physicist Stephen Hawking. He was imploring his fellow scientists to stop asking the question, and to stop exploring how the Big Bang came to be. Hawking was afraid that by asking the question it would allow for the possibility of GOD. He feared that people of Christian faith would use the question as a proof that God must exist. If we ignore the question, he felt, then those scientists who oppose the belief in a creative power outside nature could insist that God is unnecessary.

Shortly before his death, Hawking doubled down on his view by writing a book entitled “Brief Answers to the Big Questions.” In his chapter on God, he states that science has largely shown that God is unnecessary. In fact, Hawking died believing that all the questions we are asking of the universe will be solved by the end of this century. Since we can now see this accomplishment in our near future, God is obsolete. Hawking insists that if God is unnecessary, then He cannot exist. God can only exist if one can prove that He is necessary.

For some time now, people of faith have asked some uncomfortable questions about the beginning of our universe. How did all those atoms necessary for the Big Bang come into being? How did they coalesce into a form? How did they collide with each other at just the right speeds, directions, and combinations to produce a Big Bang that not only went against all known laws of physics, but resulted in an orderly universe that follows a set of rules as can be defined by physics?

When scientists refused to go along, Hawking began to articulate a theory that seems better suited to Star Trek fans: The Multi-Universe Theory. This theory states that an infinity of universes were all begun at the same instant. In this theory, our universe would have had to form as it is without God, because in an infinity of Big Bangs at least one would have had to be formed that matches our own. Therefore, God is not needed. Therefore, He does not exist.

The problem with this theory should be evident to any who seriously consider it. The same questions articulated above still need answers. In each of these worlds, how did the atoms form, coalesce, move at various speeds, etc.? This puts us right back at the question that Hawking insists we should not ask. It permits the existence of God, therefore, maybe He does exist.

Hawking and others have proposed several other theories over the years, all leading to similar questions, all leading to the possible conclusion that God IS. Notice that I have not stated that God IS, only that the questions lead us to the possibility that He DOES exist. While I believe in His existence, I understand that science can neither prove nor, contrary to Hawking the eminent physicist, disprove scientifically that He does not. All Hawking can say is that he knows God is unnecessary. Even there he overreaches.

As a confirmed skeptic turned Christian, all I can say, unlike Dr Hawking, is to keep asking questions. Perhaps you too will find God somewhere in our vast universe. Until next time, take care.

Introduction to the Pastor

I have always enjoyed interacting with those who are unchurched . For the past several months I have been encouraged to post a blog, as well as videos. If you don’t know about me or the church I lead, please let me introduce myself. I am Steve Hilby, pastor of the house church “AtHome Church.” and yes, we are really a house church, that meets in people’s homes, rather than a traditional church building.

My wife and I came to Tracy, CA back in 1998, from the SF Bay area to start a church here. But we wanted to do it with a difference. Instead of having a church for those who are searching for a church, or those who like going to church, we would start one that reached out with the message of God’s love to atheists, agnostics, those who hate God, or those who were turned off and maybe mad at “CHURCH.” In other words, people who want nothing to do with church.

Eventually, after some trial and error, we decided that the house church was the best place for our endeavors. Here in the house church people can ask all the questions they desire, debate one another, search together whether there really is a meaning to life, and for those who need it, a place for healing. It would be a place where no one is judgmental, where people are taken as they are, where one is able to “kick the tires” before they are asked to commit. It was to be a place of love and learning. I think we have largely succeeded.

A brief note about myself: My father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great great grandfather Hilby were all atheists. When I announced I was becoming a preacher, some members of the family declared me dead. (I can assure you I am not) Meantime, my mother claimed to be a christian, while professing a hatred for what she called “those CHURCH christians!” In a later blog I would like to share some of my journey into believing there is a God, and why I have maintained my faith.

I will try to use this blog to talk to those of you who want nothing to do with God or His Church. Hopefully you will find something useful. If you already love God and His Church, then I encourage you to read-maybe you will find something useful as well.