Why the Universe Is the Way It Is (Reasons to Believe)

Increasingly astronomers recognize that if the cosmos had not unfolded exactly as it did, humanity would not, could not, exist. Yet these researchers--along with countless ordinary folks--resist belief in the biblical Creator. Why? They say a loving God would have made a better home for us, one without trouble and tragedy. In Why the Universe Is the Way It Is, Hugh Ross draws from his depth of study in both science and Scripture to explain how the universe's design fulfills several distinct purposes. He also reveals God's surpassing love and ultimate purposes for each individual. Why the Universe Is the Way It Is will interest anyone who wonders where and how the universe came to be, what or who is responsible for it, why we are here, or how and when the universe ends. Far from leaving the reader at this philosophical jumping-off point, Ross builds toward answering the big question of human destiny and the specific question of each reader's personal destiny. "Why?" may be the most common and emotionally charged question in human experience. With the Bible in one hand and the latest scientific findings in the other, astronomer Hugh Ross tackles many of our most pressing cosmic "why" questions. If God made the universe, • why would he make it so vast? • why would he wait to bring humans onto the scene? • why would he allow decay and death to be part of it? • why would he let one man and one woman ruin it for everyone? • why should I believe my life has any real meaning? • why is the future of the cosmos so bleak? Within these pages you will find compelling answers to these questions--answers that give you reasons to believe that our finely tuned universe "shouts loudly that life is more than a cosmic accident." "This book will expand your mind with the universe it describes. It is a challenging, fascinating, and mind-stretching discussion of the nature and purpose of our amazing universe in the light of Scripture by one of America's foremost evangelical astronomers."--Norman L. Geisler, cofounder and former dean of Southern Evangelical Seminary "Absolutely delightful! Ross's ability to take science and show the biblical correlation in prophecy and application is unparalleled; it makes God's wisdom and the biblical text seem so much more magnificent."--James M. Tour, Chao Professor of Chemistry, professor of computer science, professor of mechanical engineering and materials science, Rice University, Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology "A groundbreaking look at the enduring questions that confront every person regarding our existence. Utilizing today's cutting-edge scientific research from a Christian worldview, Ross offers the most developed answers to date on key concerns regarding creation, God, and humanity. This book is a must-read for anyone who craves scientific information that interacts with tough biblical issues."--John Ankerberg, bestselling author and host of the John Ankerberg Show "Ross simultaneously challenges skeptics and Christians alike with his fresh take on scientific discoveries that point to the existence of God."--Ben Young, Second Baptist Church, Houston; author of Why Mike's Not a Christian Contents Cover Page Title Page Copyright List of Illustrations List of Tables Acknowledgments Introduction: Let’s Play “I Spy” 1. Why Ask Why Questions? The Search for Answers To Address Complaints and Concerns To Embrace the Incomprehensible 2. Why Such a Vast Universe? Visibility Super-Sized The Matter of Mass An Exquisite Balance Dark Matter Dark Energy Clear and Present Purposes 3. Why Such an Old Universe? Just-Right Age to Support Humanity Just-Right Terrestrial Age for Support of Humanity Just-Right Age for Observing Powerful Purposes 4. Why Such a Lonely Universe? The Search for Answers A Matter of Mediocrity It’s a Jungle Out There A Prime Location Finding Simple Life One Viable Option Alone in the Cosmos Not So Alone 5. Why Such a Dark Universe? Dark Moon Dark Planetary Companions Distant Star Clusters Dark Nebulae Dark Galaxy Clusters Other Kinds of Darkness Where Does Cosmic Darkness Reside? Signs of Design and Purpose 6. Why a Decaying Universe? Cosmic Heat Death No Escape Clause Time Line of Cosmic Consequences Going against the Grain The Magnitude of an If 7. Why a Realm beyond This One? Temporal and Spatial Coincidences Providential Time Windows Just Right for Humankind So Much Invested for Such a Short Time Drive for Preservation Unique Human Drives Greater Reasons 8. Why This Particular Planet, Star, Galaxy, and Universe? Echoes of Goldilocks The Case for Fine-Tuning Grows 9. Why Believe the Bible? Cosmic Owner’s Manual A Trustworthy Testament 10. Why Not a Perfect Universe—Now? A Lavish Domain Perfectly Prepared Perfection Defined by Purpose Triumph of Good over Evil 11. Why These Physical Laws and Dimensions? God’s Training Program Laws of Physics and Behavior Modification “Curses” on Humanity A Primary Purpose of the Physical Laws Natural Consequences Curb Poor Choices A Primary Purpose of Space and Time The End of Cosmic Physics, the End of Evil and Suffering Ideal Stage for Redemption A Primary Purpose and Destiny for Humanity Cosmologists’ Oversight Two Creations 12. Why Two Creations? An Unimaginable Realm Distinct Differences One Realm Makes Way for Another Eternal Freedom A Necessarily Arduous Process Transformed Will 13. Why Is the New Creation Better? Beyond Imagination Where “Up” and “Down” Are Located A Matter of Time “Physical” Features and Laws Different Dimensions Work Prepared by Grace Learning without Limits Play and Rest Relationship Pleasures Better Than . . . All for Us The Just-Right Vehicle Appendix A: Biblical Basis for an Ancient Universe and Earth Appendix B: Where Is the Cosmic Density Fine-Tuning? Appendix C: Designed for Life Appendix D: Creation Accounts in the Bible Appendix E: Entrance to the New Creation Notes Index Increasingly astronomers recognize that if the cosmos had not unfolded exactly as it did, humanity would not, could not, exist. Yet these researchers--along with countless ordinary folks--resist belief in the biblical Creator. Why? They say a loving God would have made a better home for us, one without trouble and tragedy. In Why the Universe Is the Way It Is, Hugh Ross draws from his depth of study in both science and Scripture to explain how the universe's design fulfills several distinct purposes. He also reveals God's surpassing love and ultimate purposes for each individual.
Why the Universe Is the Way It Is will interest anyone who wonders where and how the universe came to be, what or who is responsible for it, why we are here, or how and when the universe ends. Far from leaving the reader at this philosophical jumping-off point, Ross builds toward answering the big question of human destiny and the specific question of each reader's personal destiny.