How Did Our Universe Get Here? -Attempts to Explain the Beginning

Can experts now explain the origin of the universe? Many scientists, uncomfortable with the idea that the universe was created  by a higher intelligence, speculate that by some mechanisms it created itself our of nothing.  Does that sound reasonable to you? ( Note: Not by a long shot! Nothing can create itself out of nothing. You need to be logical and analytical here.) Such speculations usually involve some variation of a theory (inflationary universe model) conceived in 1979 by physicist Alan Guth. Yet, more recently, Dr. Guth admitted that his theory "does not explain how the universe arose from nothing." Dr. Andrei Linde was more explicit in a Scientific American article:  "Explaining this initial singularity-where and when it all began-still remains the most intractable problem of modern cosmology." 

If experts cannot really explain either the origin or the early development of our universe, should we not look elsewhere for an explanation?  Indeed, you have valid reasons to consider some evidence that many have overlooked but that may give you  real insight on this issue.  The evidence includes the precise  measurements of four fundamental forces that are responsible for all properties and changes affecting matter.  At the  mere mention of fundamental forces, some may hesitate, thinking, "That's solely for physicists.'   Not so.  The basic facts are worth considering because they affect us. 

Fine-Tuning

The four fundamental forces come into play both in the vastness of the cosmos and in the infinite smallness of atomic structures. Yes, everything we see around us is involved.

Elements vital for our life (particularly carbon, oxygen, and iron) could not exist were it not for the fine-tuning of the four forces evident in the universe.  We already mentioned one force, gravity. Another is the electromagnetic force. If it were significantly weaker, the electrons would not be held around the nucleus of an atom.  'Would that be serious?'  some might wonder. Yes, because atoms could not combine to form molecules. Conversely, if this force  were much stronger, electrons would be trapped on the nucleus of an atom.  There could be no  chemical reactions between atoms-meaning no life. Even from this standpoint, it is clear that our existence and life depend on the fine-tuning of the electro-magnetic force.  

Next time: Conclusion of Fine-Tuning 

From the book Is There a Creator That Cares About You