Evidence
God Will Not Let Us Destroy Ourselves, Despite Our Best Attempts
by Eric Elkin
“The more I look at the universe, the less convinced I am that something benevolent is going on.” This is how acclaimed astrophysicists Neil deGrasse Tyson responded to the question, “Do you believe in God?” The question was posed by news correspondent Martha Teichner on a 2017 episode of CBS’ Sunday Morning show.
I am not sure why deGrasse Tyson is always asked this question, but I loved his answer. I disagree with it, but I loved it. The more detailed explanation of his answer is the part I find entertaining. Neil deGrasse Tyson does not see evidence of a God because there are so many forces in the universe trying to simultaneously destroy human life. In the interview, he cites natural disasters, wars, famine, and diseases.
Based on his line of reasoning, one would assume life (human and universal) is barely holding on for survival. We have survived and thrived plagues, world wars, atomic disasters, and, yes, pandemics. The Jewish people have survived multiple attempts at being eradicated from the earth. Yet, despite it all, human existence thrives, and the universe is expanding. How is this not evidence?
When Neil deGrasse Tyson goes searching for evidence of God, what does he go looking for? In deGrasse Tyson’s defense, he never intentionally goes looking for evidence of God. It is not his field of study nor his interest. Still, the question remains, what would qualify as evidence of God?
Personally, I have no interest in proving God. The truth is, no amount of evidence will suffice when someone is determined not to believe something. If you disagree with me, you need to spend more time reading current events. However, if I were to discuss the matter with Neil deGrasse Tyson, I would invite him to invert his argument.
Consider for a moment the human dedication to destruction. Throughout history, we have tried to kill each other and destroy the planet. We have lived in ways that promoted horrible diseases. These diseases threatened the security of the world population. Leaders have tried to starve their own citizens. People have tied bombs to their bodies just to kill a neighbor.
Yet, despite every human attempt to destroy, something intervenes to stop the destruction. Was it God? Was it just a random chance? I do not know, but there seems a little too much coincidence for it to be luck.
Prognosticators on the news will try to convince you today; the end is near. They will play on your natural inclination to meet challenges with fear. Fear sells all kinds of products. Yet, I invite you to speak the words of Psalm 124. If it had not been for the Lord who was on our side, where would we be?
The more I look at the universe, the more I see evidence of God. God will not let us destroy ourselves despite our dedication to the contrary. Eventually, we will tire of hatred. We will become exhausted from battling human-inspired natural disasters. At the end of the day, we do not have the stomach to endure killing each other. God has woven these traits into our hearts. It is why for thousands of years, people have said, “Our help is in the name of the Lord.”
Click to read Psalm 124
Reflection Questions:
Where do you not see God in the world?
Where do you see God at work?
How does fear affect your soul, today? How real is the fear?
Where do you find evidence of hope in the world?