Just Right Universe

Did the universe happen by chance? That is the conventional view, but the facts of science seem to be challenging that view.

As I point out in my book, A Biblical Point of View on Intelligent Design, astronomers have discovered that the parameters associated with the universe, our galaxy, our solar system, and Earth are intricately balanced. They are so balanced and finely tuned that some people have said they are essentially on a knife-edge. If there were a slight change in either direction, life (especially complex life) would not exist. In many cases, the universe itself would not exist.

For example, if the strength of gravity were weaker by only one part in a trillion, trillion, trillion, the universe would expand too rapidly for galaxies and planets to form. But if gravity were stronger by one part in a trillion, trillion, trillion the universe would collapse upon itself. Similar fine-tuning can be found for the constants in equations for gravity, electromagnetism, strong and weak nuclear forces. It can also be found in the ratio of proton to electron mass.

This delicate balance is one of the reasons that many refer to our universe as a “just right universe.” Some even call it the Goldilocks universe because the forces are not too strong and not too weak. They are just right.

One way to imagine this is to think of the parameters of the universe like giant dials on a control panel. All of the dials are adjusted to favor life. One science reporter put it this way: “They are like the knobs on God’s control console, and they seem almost miraculously tuned to allow life.”

Of course, some scientists discount this. Peter Ward (coauthor of the book, Rare Earth) once remarked, “We are just incredibly lucky. Somebody had to the win the big lottery, and we were it.” Christians, however, have a different view: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and earth.” I’m Kerby Anderson, and that’s my point of view.