First Baptist Church

G.K. Chesterton said, “If you will not believe in God, you will believe in anything.” It is quite true that people who do not believe in God seem to search for anything and everything to fill the “God-shaped” vacuum which exists inside of them. It was true in ancient times and it remains true today. In fact in our day and age the prevalence of strange and exotic beliefs is beyond comprehension.

Last week atheist and British astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, raised a few eyebrows when he said, “aliens are out there and Earth had better watch out.” He has stated, more than once that extraterrestrials are almost certain to exist – but instead of seeking them out, humanity should be doing all it can to avoid contact. Hawking believes that alien life almost surely exists at other places in the vast universe. He reasons that this “vastness” somehow proves we could not be alone. He points out that the universe has 100 billion galaxies, each containing hundreds of millions of stars. In such a big place, Earth is unlikely to be the only planet where life has evolved. He says, “To my mathematical brain, the numbers alone make thinking about aliens perfectly rational. The real challenge is to work out what aliens might actually be like.” Hawking suggests that, for the most part, this “life” he feels certain about is the equivalent of microbes or simple animals – the sort of life that has dominated Earth for most of its history. Although we should by no means take for granted that it is limited to simply that.

Hawking believes that extraterrestrials visiting earth would be the equivalent of Christopher Columbus arriving in the Americas in the late 1400s. He points out that this did not turn our well for native-Americans and we, as the human race, should not expect anything any different if visited by aliens who would certainly be more advanced they we ourselves. More than likely they would be looking to conquer and colonize. Ironically enough this is a man who has made a career out of dismissing the Bible, yet is able to conjure up images reminiscent of an episode of Star Trek or some other science-fiction production.

Many might assume that Hawking would study with greater interest to try and see the correlation between the vastness of the universe and the inexhaustible nature of microbial organisms, the DNA code, and all living matter. However he, like many others in his profession, seemingly look past the obvious and set up and promote their speculations as “hard-science.” This is nothing new. This is exactly what has been going on with the theory of evolution for 150 years. There is virtually no scientific evidence to support “macro-evolution,” but there is no alternative theory other than creationism. Scientists have had pounded into their heads that good scientists do not believe the Bible, even though from a rational, evidential perspective it seems virtually undeniable.

Hawking, along with men like Richard Dawkins, Karl Sagan, and others have continued their life’s work of essentially denying the undeniable. When talking about them it is hardly possible to not think about Paul’s words to the Romans when he wrote,

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man . . . who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator who is blessed forever Amen . . . and even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness . . .

(Rom. 1:18ff.)

When one hardens their heart and refuses to believe God, they have left themselves open to believing anything. At the point where a person says, in essence, I do not trust God on this issue, this doctrine, this decision, etc. they have already started down the path of denial. Denial comes in stages. At first one denies minor side issues then it escalates to bigger issues, and finally, if left unchecked it leads to the ultimate denial of God Himself.

There is certainly no scientific reason not to believe in God. The evidence is overwhelming for an intelligent design. Scientists do not disbelieve because of lack of evidence, they disbelieve for spiritual reasons. If you can link yourself to microbial organisms in a pool of water somewhere then you feel no accountability to anyone. In fact, you feel pretty good about yourself knowing that you are simply the latest step in the evolutionary process. But, if you believe there is a higher being which created you then you either have to live in open rebellion against him, or you have to submit to him. The sinful nature of mankind is such that it’s proclivity is to be rebellious above all else.

Stephen Hawking is simply following the pattern of the natural man. One who is already on a predetermined course which brings forth both physical and spiritual death. At 67 and confined to a wheel chair, Hawking is coming very close to his physical death. He is already “dead in his trespasses and sins,” spiritually speaking. He has no concern about spiritual matters. He is more concerned with speculative arguments for alien colonization of the earth than the historical Jesus. Again, the irony defies explanation. The bottom line is all this shows just how desperate mankind is to absolve himself of any responsibility to submit to and serve his creator. Once again, to quote G.K. Chesterton, “If you will not believe in God, you will believe in anything.”

In Christ,

Pastor Allen Raynor