Posted by
Brian Norton on Monday, November 24, 2008 12:21:57 PM
Hello, I wanted to thank you for writing yet another excellent column. After reading most of the recent books on string theory, black energy and multiverses, I have been forced to conclude that it is physicists who make huge and unwarranted leaps of faith, because every ratonale they use to explain the world without God involves more faith than believing in the Bible does. For example, in the standard model of physics it seems there are some 25 or so variables that must be entered by hand, and all of them must be calibrated within a very small range for life to exist and our observable natural laws to function, yet these are mathematical equations they tout as proof there is no God. I can prove that 2+2 does not equal 4 if given enough latitude in designing the equation and variables: mathematics that one can adjust to get the answers one is looking for is not mathematics, it is faith based manipulation. String theory and multiverses are even worse, in that as a basic premise they postulate the existence of spatial dimensions which cannot be verified empirically (ie they are purely mathematical constructs), we can never directly observe them, and yet the whole mathematical theory will not function without at least 9, or 11, or some other number of these mythical beasts. Multiverses are even worse, because the basic postulate here is that if there is any mathematical chance of anything at all happening, which is to say an infinity of choices, there will be a universe somewhere that contains that set of laws allowing for that event to occur. Then of course life is inevitable: for that matter Gods are inevitable, but are bounded by the universe they created. Or maybe not..., I can conceive of an infinite Christian god, so under the multiverse theory He must exist! Absurd ad infinitum is the pathetic ploys of people who are too smart and ever learning, but never coming to a knowledge of the truth. Truly, I do not have enough faith to be an atheist:-) Thank you for writing your books and columns, the truth is good to hear. Sincerely, Brian Norton