Is Science Consistent With Belief in God? Robert J. Marks IIDistinguished Professor Of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Abstract Some believe those who objectively pursue truth through the scientific method cannot realistically embrace the truth of God. The opposite is true. Indeed, both today and in history, numerous scientists, mathematicians and engineers are motivated in their work by the uncovering of the precise orderliness and wonderful interrelations in God's creations. Recent advances in science have exposed numerous insights into God's existence. We will discuss some of these, including anthropic principles, string theory, and the meanings of phrases like "before the beginning of time", "nothingness" and "infinity".

The QuestionQ: Can a faith in God be consistent with science? Can a scientist believe in God?A: Science & Mathematics offer overwhelming evidence that there is a God.

Some Atheist Thoughts about Belief in God Christian theism must be rejected by any person with even a shred of respect for reason George H. Smith, Atheist Philosopher[Bible miracles] are very effective with an audience of unsophisticates and children Richard Dawkins.Faith is when you believe something no one in their right mind believes. Archie Bunker

Newton on AtheismAtheism is so senseless and odious to mankind that it never had many professors.Isaac Newton quoted from Newtons Philosophy of Nature: Selections From His Writings (Hafner Publishing, 1953)

Washington Post article describing international conference on the nature of nature in Washington D.C. in 1989 Many scientist who were not long ago certain that the universe was created and peopled by accident are having second thoughts and concede the possibility that some intelligent creative force may have been necessary.

... and what does God tell us about Science?

Science and Theology[My fellow astronomers are] scaling the mountains of ignorance, conquering the highest peak, pulling [themselves] over the final rock [to be] greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries. Robert Jastrow, founder and director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space

Examples...Cosmology: The Big BangMathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number TheoryPhysics: Fine Tuning of the UniverseBiology: Evidence of DesignMathematics & Physics: DimensionalityEngineering: Conservation of Information and Complexity

Cosmology: The Big BangCosmology: The Big BangMathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number TheoryPhysics: Fine Tuning of the UniverseBiology: Evidence of DesignMathematics & Physics: DimensionalityEngineering: Conservation of Information and Complexity

Cosmology: The Big BangThe PossibilitiesStatic homogeneous universeCant be finite (collapse!)Cant be infinite (too bright!)Dynamic expanding universe Big Bang Evidence of Old EarthHubbles Red Shift (1929)Radioactive DatingAntarctic ice drillings (20-25 Million Years)Background Radiation (Penzias & Wilson @ Bell Labs, 1965).

The Dead Mans Syndrome...We think in accordance to our presuppositions.

Cosmology: The Big BangThe Big Bang awoke Dead Man Syndrome argumentsThe difficulty of [the theory] is that it seems to require a sudden and particular beginning of things.Philosophically, the notion of a beginning of the present order of Nature is repugnant to me I should like to find a genuine loophole.

Arthur Eddington (1882-1944)

Faith: What do we know and when do we know it?Cosmologists think they know about the big bang from 10-43 seconds. What about before? No one knows! There is lots of guessing. all physical theories break down at the beginning of the universe. Stephen HawkingHebrews 11 3 (NIV) By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Passage 11:3: 3

Cosmology: The Big Bang Before, there was NothingAbsence of matter & energy Absence of SPACEAbsence of TIME

Cosmology: The Big Bang Time was createdtime had a beginning at the big bang, in the sense that earlier times simply would not be defined. Stephen Hawking

Cosmology: The Big Bang Time was created1 Corinthians 2:7 No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.Titus 1:2 a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Passage 1:1: 1 1

If God created the universe, then He exists outside of time. If God created us, who created God? The question presupposes the flow of time. It is without meaning. Some Old Questions AnsweredCosmology: The Big Bang

Gods TimeIf God existed before time, then God can exist outside the framework of time.Movie AnalogyWriting AnalogyConsequencesGod can have personal relationships with allFrom Gods perspective, there is no conflict between free will and predestination (fate). Both are temporal concepts.

Cosmology: The Big Bang

Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number TheoryCantorian Cosmology: The Big BangMathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number TheoryPhysics: Fine Tuning of the UniverseBiology: Evidence of DesignMathematics & Physics: DimensionalityEngineering: Conservation of Information and Complexity

Cantorian Georg Ferdinand Ludwig Philipp CantorBorn: 3 March 1845 in St Petersburg, RussiaDied: 6 Jan 1918 in Halle, Germany

Georg Cantor developed the set theory for transfinite numbers.

0 12o ?3Georg a Protestant, the religion of his father. Georg's mother was a Roman Catholic

Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian Cantorian InfinitiesDavid Hilbert described Cantor's work as:...the finest product of mathematical genius and one of the supreme achievements of purely intellectual human activity."I see it but I don't believe it. Georg Cantor on his own theory. the infinite is nowhere to be found in reality David Hilbert.

http://www-gap.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/%7Ehistory/Mathematicians/Cantor.htmlHilbertMathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian Cantorian Infinities is not a number it is a process. is approached, never achieved. limnMathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian Cantorian InfinitiesThe set of all counting numbers C={1, 2, 3, 4, }has cardinality* 0 . Other sets have cardinality* 0 if each element in the set can be placed on a one-to-one correspondence to C.0* The number of elements in a set.Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian The Hottentots (Gamow)One

Two

Three

ManyMathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian Cantorian InfinitiesThe set of even numbers has cardinality 0 E={2, 4, 6, 8, }Why? Because of the correspondence:

0Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

C123nE2462n

Cantorian Hilberts Hotel0 Rooms all full.One more person comes.No Problem!Send guest in room 1 to room 2, guest 2 to room 3, etc. This frees room 1 for the new guest.

0Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian Hilberts Hotel0 Rooms all full.0 more person comes.No Problem!Send guest in room 1 to room 2, guest 2 to room 4, 3 to 6, etc. This frees all the odd rooms for the new guests.

0Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian Hilberts Hotel0 Rooms all full. 0 guests leave. How many rooms are left occupied?Guests from all rooms leave.0 - 0 = 0Guests from rooms 4 and higher leave.0 - 0 = 4Guests from all the even rooms leave, or, guest from every tenth room leaves.0 - 0 = 0

0Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian Hilberts Hotelhttp://www.buzzle.com/editorials/9-9-2002-26002.aspMathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian Hilberts Hotelhttp://www.buzzle.com/editorials/9-9-2002-26002.aspMathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian Cantorian InfinitiesA number is rational number if it can be expressed as the ratio of two integers. The set of rational numbers, R, has cardinality 0.

0NumeratorDenominatorMathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

123411/12/13/14/121/22/21/41/531/32/33/34/341/42/43/44/4

Cantorian Cantorian InfinitiesThe set of all subsets of a set with 0 elements is of cardinality 1. This is a bigger infinity.

1Example: the set of irrational numbers between 0 and 1 (points on a line) is of cardinality 1.

Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian Cantorian InfinitiesProof by counterexample: Suppose a mapping exists:

1Choose any other digit other than the one circled say the number after. The number 0.86314 is not in the table. Contradiction!Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

10.756837394757833874757583920.958575734893838475843939930.193848485765782920293848240.500000000000000000000000050.6549383493904949848484943

Cantorian Cantorian InfinitiesThe number of points on a line, 1, is the same as the number of points in a square - or in a cube. Consider a unit interval and a unit square.

1The point on the line is z=0.132456754. Taking every other digit, corresponds to x=0.12574 and y=0.346754z10x(0,0)(1,1)yPPFor every point, P, in the square, there is a unique corresponding point on the line segment, and visa versa.Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian Cantorian Infinitiesn+1, is the set of all subsets of n . Q: What is an example of 2?A: All the squiggles that can be drawn on a plane.2Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian Cantorian Infinitiesn+1 is the set of all subsets of n . Q: What is an example of 3?A: Like a fifth spatial dimension, this is beyond comprehension.2Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian Cantorian Infinitiesn+1 is the set of all subsets of n . There is no biggest infinity. < < 2Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory 0 1 0

Q: Can we use Cantors Theory as evidence that the universe must have a beginning?A: Yes, in the sense that otherwise, absurd things happen.

Cantorian William Lane Craigsince the actual infinite cannot exist and infinite temporal regress of events is an actual infinite, we can be sure that an infinite temporal regress of events cannot exist, that is to say, the temporal regress of events is finite. Therefore, since the temporal regress of events is finite, the universe began to exist.Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian William Lane CraigSome absurdities of an infinite past: To try to instantiate an actual infinite progressively in the real world would be hopeless, for one could always add one more element. (0 versus .)Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian William Lane CraigSome absurdities of an infinite past: Tristram Shandy Paradox (Russell): If Tristram Shandy wrote his autobiography 365 times as slow as he lived life, he could live 0 days and be finished with his autobiography now.Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian Tristram Shandy ParadoxWriting from t = 0 onward: Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian Tristram Shandy ParadoxWriting from the past to end at t = 0: Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Cantorian William Lane Craig an infinite temporal regress is absurd.Thus: Time and the universe are finite. The universe must have been created ex nihilo.Mathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number Theory

Physics: Fine Tuning of the UniverseCosmology: The Big BangMathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number TheoryPhysics: Fine Tuning of the UniverseBiology: Evidence of DesignMathematics & Physics: DimensionalityEngineering: Conservation of Information and Complexity

Why are constants what they are?Physics: Fine Tuning of the Universe

John WheelerPrinceton University professor of physics "Slight variations in physical laws such as gravity or electromagnetism would make life impossible . . . the necessity to produce life lies at the center of the universe's whole machinery and design,"(Reader's Digest, Sept., 1986). Physics: Fine Tuning of the Universe

J.L. Mackie, Atheist (Miracle of Theism, p.141)

There is only one actual universe, with a unique set of basic materials and physical constants, and it is therefore surprising that the elements of this unique set-up are just right for life when they might easily have been wrong. This is not made less surprising by the fact that if it had not been so, no one would have been here to be surprised. We can properly envision and consider alternative possibilities which do not include our being there to experience them. Physics: Fine Tuning of the Universe

Sir Fred Hoyle, Agnostic (The Intelligent Universe)

"Such properties seem to run through the fabric of the natural world like a thread of happy coincidences. But there are so many odd coincidences essential to life that some explanation seems required to account for them."

Fred Holye (1915-2001) coined the term big bang- mocking the theory. He promoted, instead, the steady state theory.Physics: Fine Tuning of the Universe

Physics: Fine Tuning of the Universe Astronomy leads us to a unique event, a universe which was created out of nothing, and delicately balanced to provide exactly the conditions required to support life. In the absence of an absurdly-improbably accident, the observations of modern science seem to suggest an underlying, one might say supernatural, plan.

Arno Penzias, Nobel laureate in PhysicsPhysics: Fine Tuning of the Universe

Example: Why Three Spatial Dimensions?Schrodingers equation only gives stable, bound energy levels for 3-D or less universe.Maxwells equations are only valid for a 3-D universe.High fidelity transmission of light and sound is optimized in a 3-D universe.

Physics: Fine Tuning of the Universe

Another Example[If the attraction of gravity] went down faster with distance, the orbits of the planets would spiral into the sun, If it went down slower, the gravitation forces from distant stars would dominate over that from earth. Stephen Hawking

Physics: Fine Tuning of the Universe

Hawking ... why should we live in a four dimensional world, and not eleven, or some other number of dimensions... [In] two spatial dimensions, are not enough for complicated structures, like intelligent beings. On the other hand, four or more spatial dimensions would mean that gravitational and electric forces would fall off faster than the inverse square law. In this situation, planets would not have stable orbits around their star, nor electrons have stable orbits around the nucleus of an atom. Thus intelligent life, at least as we know it, could exist only in four dimensions.Physics: Fine Tuning of the Universe

Hawkings Flat Dog3-D is fit for human & animal lifeA 2-D dog would drift apart in 2 DimensionsPhysics: Fine Tuning of the Universe

The Anthropic Principal: Week & Strong What is the Anthropic Principle?Many physicists dislike the Anthropic Principle. They feel it is messy and vague, it can be used to explain almost anything, and it has little predictive power. I sympathize with these feelings, but the Anthropic Principle seems essential in quantum cosmology. http://www.hawking.org.ukStephen HawkingPhysics: Fine Tuning of the Universe

Stephen Hawking Why is the universe so close to the dividing line between collapsing again and expanding indefinitely?...If the rate of expansion one second after the big bang had been less by one part in 1010 , the universe would have collapsed in a few million years. If it had been greater by one part in 1010 , the universe would have been essentially empty.One has either appeal to the anthropic principle or find some physical explanation for why the universe is the way it is.Physics: Fine Tuning of the Universe

Biology: Evidence of Design

Cosmology: The Big BangMathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number TheoryPhysics: Fine Tuning of the UniverseBiology: Evidence of DesignMathematics & Physics: DimensionalityEngineering: Conservation of Information and Complexity

Evidence of Design: Irreducible ComplexityDarwins Black Box by Michael BehePremise: Irreducibly complex machinery cannot evolve.

Mathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

Cosmology: The Big BangMathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number TheoryPhysics: Fine Tuning of the UniverseBiology: Evidence of DesignMathematics & Physics: DimensionalityEngineering: Conservation of Information and Complexity

The Hottentots (Gamow)One

Two

Three

ManyMathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

DimensionsOne Dimension = A LineTwo Dimensions = A PlaneMathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

DimensionsThree Dimensions = SpaceFour (Spatial) Dimensions = ???????It is impossible to envision a four dimensional space Stephen HawkingTime as a dimensionMathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

Time As A DimensionNeed 4 numbers to specify a point (ball) in time and space timeMathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

How Long is a Second?186,000 miles/sec 1 sec = 186,000 milesMathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

Building DimensionsA POINT (Zero Dimensions) has no width, height or length. Here is a representation: A LINE (1-D) is a sequence of pointsA LINE (1-D) has length, but no width or height. It is infinitely thin!Mathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

Building DimensionsA PLANE (2 Dimensions) is a sequence of lines:An infinite number of lines is needed to make a plane. The plane has NO thickness,Mathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

Building DimensionsSPACE (3 Dimensions) is a sequence of planes:An infinite number of planes is needed to make space.Mathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

Building DimensionsFOUR Spatial dimensions is a sequence of spaces:PARALLEL UNIVERSES .What of five, six, seven or an infinite number of dimensions?Reality or Theory?Mathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

Building Dimensions: Time as a DimensionSPACE TIME (4 Dimensions) is a sequence of spaces: timeTIME is different. It only can be traversed in one direction.Mathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

(Flatland) -- Edwin A. Abbott (1884)Two Dimensional Creatures & the Theory of UPMathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

-- by Edwin A. AbbottStrange VisitationMathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

Properties of High DimensionsLefties in Flatland

Once a lefty always a lefty.Mathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

Properties of High DimensionsOnce a lefty always a lefty?

Not if you can flip in three dimensions.

Mathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

Application to BaseballFlip into the fourth dimension & backMathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

Breaking ChainsChains in Flatland

Links can be separated in three dimensions.Mathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

Breaking Chains: Chains linked in three dimensions can be separated in four.

Acts 12:6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. "Quick, get up!" he said, and the chains fell off Peter's wrists.YESMaybeMathematics & Physics: Dimensionality: Passage 12:6-7: 6 7

Walking Through WallsLocked in a box in FlatlandMathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

3-D walls are no obstacle in four spatial dimensionsJohn 20:26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"

Mathematics & Physics: Dimensionality: Passage 20:26: 26 YESMaybe

Consequences A higher dimensional entity Can be infinitely close without physical appearanceIs able to intersect our universe at willIs able to see inside youExplanation of certain miracles Walking through wallsChains droppingMathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

Dimensions In MathMultidimensional spaces are common mathematical models.

Some mathematical spaces contain an infinite number of dimensions (e.g. certain Hilbert Spaces.)These spaces are not physical spaces.

Mathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

Are Extra Dimensions Real? Strings & DimensionsAtoms, Protons, Quarks & Strings[Strings work only] if space-time has either ten or twenty-six dimensions Stephen Hawking

Q: Where are the other dimensions? A: Compactified. They were never birthed in the big bang. Only three spatial dimensions and time were.Mathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

Hawkings Flat Dog3-D is fit for human & animal lifeA 2-D dog would drift apart in FlatlandMathematics & Physics: Dimensionality:

Engineering: Conservation of Information and Complexity: Cosmology: The Big BangMathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number TheoryPhysics: Fine Tuning of the UniverseBiology: Evidence of DesignMathematics & Physics: DimensionalityEngineering: Conservation of Information and Complexity

Engineering: Conservation of Information and Complexity: See my presentation... Does Evolution Require External Information? Some Lessons from Computational Intelligence

SummaryCosmology: The Big BangMathematics: Cantorian Transfinite Number TheoryPhysics: Fine Tuning of the UniverseBiology: Evidence of DesignMathematics & Physics: DimensionalityEngineering: Conservation of Information and Complexity

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