How Did Our Universe Get Here? -The Controversy -Conclusion of Fine-Tuning

And consider the cosmic scale:  A slight difference in the electromagnetic force would affect the sun and thus alter the light reaching the earth, making photosynthesis in plants difficult or impossible.  It could also rob water of its unique properties, which are vital for life. So again, the precise tuning of the electromagnetic force determines whether we live or not.

Equally vital is the intensity of the electromagnetic  force in relation to the other three.  For example, some physicist figure this force to be  10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 (1040) times that of gravity. It might seem a small change to that number to add one more zero (1041). Yet, that would mean that gravity is proportionally weaker; and Dr. Reinhard Breuer comments on the resulting situation: "With lower gravity the stars would be smaller, and the pressure of gravity in their interiors would not drive the temperature high enough for nuclear fusion reactions to get under way:  The sun would be unable to shine."  You can imagine what that would mean for us!

 What if gravity were stronger than proportionately, so that the number had only  39 zeros (1040)?  With just that tiny adjustment," continues Breuer,  "a star like the sun would find its life expectancy sharply reduced." And other scientists consider the fine-tuning to be even more precise.

Indeed, two remarkable qualities of our sin and other stars are long-term efficiency and stability. Consider a simple illustration. We know that to run efficiently, an automobile engine needs a critical ratio between fuel and air; engineers design complex mechanical and computer systems to optimize performances. If that is so with a mere engine what of the efficiently "burning" stars such as our sun?  The key forces involved are precisely tuned, optimized for life. Did that precision  just happen? The ancient man Job was asked:  "Did you proclaim the rules that govern the heavens, or determine the laws of nature on earth?"  Job 38:33, The New English Bible)  No human did. So from where does the precision come?

Next time: How Did Our Universe Get Here-The Controversy -The Two Nuclear Forces

From the book Is There a Creator That Cares About You?