Atheistic pitfalls, self deification, and the gravitational constant of the universe

Every time I get into an argument with an atheist about something as deep as the existence of a god, the same thing happens over and over again.

Some will say it’s about time I used a Star Trek quote, so here it goes. A decent summation of an atheist’s argument, when they get backed into a philisophical or scientific corner, is very similar to a statement made by a certain entity known as Q. In the episode “Deja Q” (man, I’m a geek), Q was forced to become human as a punishment. The crew of the Enterprise, which unfortunately had to house him, was trying to figure out a way to keep a moon from hitting the planet it orbited. Q was attempting to help LaForge come up with a solution. Q simply looked at a computer screen and said “It’s simple. Just change the gravitational constant of the universe.” Maybe Q could’ve done that if he still had his powers, but LaForge was just a mere human and didn’t have that capability. He did, however, figure out a way to extend the warp field around the moon to change the moon’s gravitational constant, rather than changing it for the entire universe.

Now, for most of you, that little synopsis probably didn’t make much sense. You’re probably saying “Mike, you lost me at gravitational constant.” Or, for the less cultured of you out there, you’re probably saying “Mike, you lost me at Star Trek.” However, the discussion between Q and LaForge is exactly what happens between an atheist and a Christian once they get down to the nitty-gritty.

Both sides of the argument can be in complete agreement on scientific theory all of the way up to the origin of the universe. Even on sticking points, like evolution, you can have an honest scientific discussion about the theory without mentioning religion. Unless, of course, the atheist treats Darwinian evolutionary THEORY like a Catholic treats an ex cathedra statement from the Pope. It all falls apart, though, when you get to where all of “this” came from.

In the “Big Bang,” which is the most well known origin theory, all matter within the universe was condensed into a single point in space under infinite pressure. Eventually, it exploded, giving rise to forces, subatomic particles, atoms, etc. The atheist should agree that that is a scientifically plausible theory. Then the big question enters: where did all of that matter come from? It is a scientific law that matter cannot be created or destroyed. Even if the matter was converted into energy, there still needs to be an explanation about where the energy came from.

So, either the matter was always there, or some higher being had a hand in it all. Notice, that is the true Intelligent Design theory. Too often the “Christian God” is inserted into it, and when that happens atheists shut their ears off and call you a fundamentalist whacko. In any event, in every single one of my conversations that I’ve had about this subject, the atheist was more willing to accept that the matter was just always there rather than accept the possibility that that, in fact, is scientifically impossible.

Enter Q. When Q was trying to figure out a near impossible problem, his first reaction was to go AGAINST all scientific theory and laws to answer the question. LaForge, however, USED scientific theory and law to come up with a solution. The exact same thing applies in the origin of the universe argument. The Christian (or theist) ends up being the party that is much more willing to accept scientific theory and law to come to his conclusion. The atheist, on the other hand, is essentially making the argument that something which is considered scientific law is wrong. For me personally, I believe that the scinetific laws were written by God, in order for us to better understand his presence and his work in the universe. The atheist is willing to throw out the very thing he based his argument upon, leaving diametrically opposed voids in his wake (matter can never be created or destroyed, except for that one time). The former keeps scientific theory and law where they are. The latter uses science and then contradicts it, leaving the science meaningless.

In the end, atheism is really the ultimate form of selfishness. An atheist does not want to accept that there is a form or truth higher than their own perception or rational thought. Since we are the only rational beings (that we know of) in the universe, then we, as humans, are the highest form of intelligence. To me, that is the ultimate form of self deification: believing that nothing can exist outside of the realm of your own thought and perception. There can be no God because I am the highest form in the universe.

Those who are Christian should be very comforted. Christ’s sacrifice stays the same thoughout all of time. God stays the same throughout all of time. For the atheist, your whole world view and belief can crumble in a day. One day you think the world is flat, the next day a new scientific breakthrough shows the world is round. Christians should find great solace in the ever-consistent love of God.