Scientific Discoveries That Suggest God Did Create the Universe

By: Ben Campbell | Last updated: Jun 28, 2024

A book written by a Cambridge-educated philosopher aims to prove that the universe was created from intelligent design by a transcendent God.

Stephen Meyer’s arguments are laid out in his book, “The Return of the God Hypothesis,” which suggests that three of the past century’s greatest scientific achievements directly point toward the existence of God.

Scientific Atheists Are Against the Idea of God

The concept of a transcendent God as the creator of the universe has been a longstanding belief held not only by the general public but also by scientists and researchers. However, it is important to acknowledge that others within these groups hold contrasting views.

Advertisement
A photograph of two scientists

Source: Freepik

Richard Dawkins, an Oxford biologist and proud atheist, is part of a wide group of new-age atheists who persistently insist science itself excludes the possibility of a God.

New Book Suggests Atheists Have Been Wrong All Along

In his book, “River Out of Eden,” Dawkins writes, “The universe that we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at the bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil, no good, nothing but pitiless indifference.”

Advertisement
A man in a dark green shirt is pictured reading a book

Source: Freepik

However, another book appears to dismiss the theory postulated by Dawkins and those with similar beliefs. It suggests several of the greatest scientific discoveries made in the last century are evidence that God did, in fact, create the universe.

The Major Discoveries That Support the God Hypothesis

Meyer suggests that findings such as the beginning of the universe, the intricate fine-tuning of the world and the wider universe, and digital coding contained in DNA are all proof that the cosmos was made with intelligent design.

Advertisement
A female researcher is pictured working at her desk

Source: Freepik

Meyer’s three major discoveries in his book appear to directly contradict the theories of scientific atheists, suggesting that God created the universe.

The Beginning of the Universe

First on Meyers’s list of arguments is the idea that the universe came into existence at some distant point in the past. For a long time, the widely accepted theory was that the universe had always existed, with many defining the cosmos as eternal.   

Advertisement
An artist's rendition of an event in space

Source: Wikimedia

However, cosmologists have all but proven this theory wrong, suggesting that the universe did, in fact, have a beginning that occurred around 13.8 billion years ago.

Evidence the Universe Had a Beginning

The evidence supplied by cosmologists to suggest the universe had a beginning stems from the work of Edwin Hubble and Georges Lemaître, who were able to show that galaxies are actually moving away from Earth.

Advertisement
A photograph of a large galaxy in the universe

Source: Wikimedia

This theory is supported by red-shift evidence sourced from distant galaxies, ultimately suggesting that the universe is expanding outwards from a single point or beginning.

Advertisement

Red-Shift Evidence Dismisses Einstein's Static Universe Theory

The redshift evidence dismissed the long-standing steady-state universe theory, which held that the universe had no particular beginning or end. Many renowned physicists, including Einstein, believed in this theory.

Advertisement
A photograph of an event deep in space

Source: Wikimedia

However, in 1931, Einstein paid a visit to Hubble, where he was shown further evidence of the red shift. Einstein later acknowledged the cosmic beginning and called his initial hesitancy the greatest blunder of his professional career.

Advertisement

Creation of the Universe Aligns With Theistic Views

The idea that the universe had a starting point directly aligns with the God hypothesis. Researchers such as Arno Penzias suggested that such a belief aligned with biblical depictions of the creation.

Advertisement
A woman is pictured reading her bible

Source: Freepik

Number two on Myer’s list is the precise nature of the universe as if someone had programmed it using super-intelligence to allow life to exist.

Advertisement

Fine Tuning of the Universe

Scientists often use the term “Goldilocks universe” to define the finely tuned aspects of our universe that allow life to blossom. At its core, the cosmos has fundamental physical laws without which life could not exist.

Advertisement
A photograph of the Earth with the Moon in the background

Source: Wikimedia

Any kind of minor change in aspects such as particle mass or gravitational strength would have rendered life impossible, yet here we are. Many researchers refer to this fine-tuning as credible evidence of a creator God.

Advertisement

Digital Codes in DNA

Meyer’s third argument for his God hypothesis stems from the discoveries made in biology, and more specifically, DNA. In 1953, work completed by James Watson and Francis Crick led to the “sequence hypothesis.”

Advertisement
A depiction of a DNA strand with all of the coding

Source: Wikimedia

Researchers have suggested that DNA functions in a similar manner to a written language or computer coding. The various sequences of genetic information share a striking similarity to software code.

Advertisement

An Intelligent Creator Behind DNA

There is no credible chemical evolution explanation for the origin of the complex sequencing of DNA. To this day, it remains one of science’s greatest mysteries.

Advertisement
A strand of DNA

Source: Freepik

However, reasoning does suggest that any kind of information system results from intentional and intelligent causes. Thus, researchers have used this observation to suggest that an intelligent designer is behind the complex DNA system and, therefore, life in the universe.

Advertisement

Complex Information Arises From Intelligent Design

Meyer goes much further into detail in his book on all three previously mentioned scientific discoveries. Many agree that he makes a fair point about the idea of an intelligent creator or God.

Advertisement
A photograph of the Sun

Source: Freepik

Henry Quastler, the famed Austrian physician and radiologist, once said, “Information habitually arises from conscious activity.” This comment suggests that the discovery of complex systems in the expansive universe and minuscule cells suggests God created life.

Advertisement

Quantum Mechanics and the God Hypothesis

Quantum mechanics reveals the strange behavior of particles at the smallest scales. Quantum entanglement shows particles remain connected over vast distances, suggesting an underlying order.

Advertisement
A sunrise over clouds in the early morning

Source: Public Domain/RawPixel

This mysterious interconnectedness points to a level of design that some argue aligns with a transcendent creator. The intricate nature of quantum phenomena challenges purely atheistic explanations.

Advertisement

The Anthropic Principle

The anthropic principle notes that the universe’s laws seem perfectly tuned for life. Small changes in fundamental constants would make life impossible.

Advertisement
Depiction of the universe/depiction of an exoplanet/ A photograph of a red dwarf star

Source: Canva/Canva/Wikimedia

This fine-tuning suggests intentional design, as the exact conditions needed for life appear more than coincidental. The precise balance of physical laws supports the idea of a creator who designed the universe with purpose.

Advertisement

The Role of Consciousness

Consciousness remains one of science’s most profound mysteries. It cannot be fully explained by physical processes alone. Some researchers propose that consciousness points to a higher intelligence.

Advertisement
An X-class solar flare seen on the sun.

Source: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Wikimedia Commons

The existence of self-awareness and subjective experience supports the notion of a creator who imbues life with consciousness, challenging atheistic materialism.

Advertisement

The Kalam Cosmological Argument

The Kalam Cosmological Argument states that everything with a beginning has a cause. Since the universe began to exist, it must have a cause. This cause, proponents argue, must be transcendent and intelligent.

Advertisement
A close-up of an X-class solar flare seen on a dark orange sun amid black space.

Source: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Wikimedia Commons

The argument complements scientific discoveries about the universe’s origin, suggesting a divine creator rather than a random occurrence.

Advertisement

The Multiverse Theory

The multiverse theory suggests numerous universes with varying laws of physics. While some atheists use this to explain fine-tuning, it lacks empirical evidence.

Advertisement
A blue and yellow swirl of a galaxy in space

Source: Robert Gruszecki/Pexels

Critics argue that the multiverse theory raises more questions than it answers. The debate highlights the challenges in explaining the universe’s fine-tuning without invoking intelligent design.

Advertisement

The Moral Argument for God's Existence

Universal moral values suggest the presence of a moral lawgiver. Objective moral truths, which transcend cultures and eras, point to a higher source.

Advertisement
A view of the Bible pointed toward the sun.

Source: Timothy Eberly/Unsplash

This argument posits that a transcendent God best explains these universal morals. The existence of innate ethical principles challenges the atheistic view of morality as a human construct.

Advertisement

The Role of Mathematics in the Universe

There is an idea that the universe operates on precise mathematical principles. The elegance and consistency of these laws suggest a rational designer. Mathematical structures in nature point to intentional design.

Advertisement
One of Bianchini’s trigonometric tables from Tabulae primi mobilis B, showing his use of decimal points.

Glen Van Brummelen/Historia Mathematica

The inherent orderliness of the universe’s mathematics challenges the idea of a random, purposeless cosmos.

Advertisement

The Limitations of Naturalistic Explanations

Naturalistic explanations often fall short in accounting for life’s origin and complexity. Relying solely on natural processes overlooks the possibility of purposeful design.

Advertisement
Close-Up Shot of a Holy Bible

Source: K2 Production/Pexels

The gaps in naturalistic theories invite consideration of intelligent design as a viable alternative. This perspective challenges the atheistic rejection of a creator.

Advertisement

Testimonies from Prominent Scientists

Many renowned scientists have expressed belief in a higher power. Nobel laureate Arthur Compton said, “An orderly universe that conforms to the laws of physics must have a divine origin.”

Advertisement
Scientist works on a new theory from the comfort of his desk

Source: Freepik

Such testimonies add credibility to the idea of intelligent design. Highlighting these views supports the argument for a creator.

Advertisement

The Evolutionary Argument Against Naturalism

Philosopher Alvin Plantinga argues that if evolution and naturalism are both true, our cognitive faculties may be unreliable. Natural selection favors survival, not truth.

Advertisement
A 3D-rendered image of two early hominid silhouettes, ostensibly a child and adult, walking together under the night sky.

Hubble Space Telescope/Wikimedia Commons

This paradox challenges the trust in human reason and science under atheism. It suggests a designed and purpose-driven universe where cognitive faculties are reliable.

Advertisement

The Intersection of Science and Theology

Science and theology can coexist and complement each other. Scientific discoveries can enhance spiritual understanding, suggesting that the pursuit of knowledge leads to greater appreciation of a divine creator.

Advertisement
Several scientists are pictured working on a theory in her laboratory

Source: Freepik

This perspective bridges the gap between scientific inquiry and faith, supporting the idea that both can point to intelligent design.

Advertisement

Future Scientific Discoveries

Future scientific discoveries may further support or challenge the God hypothesis. Anticipating new findings encourages curiosity and dialogue about the universe’s origins.

Advertisement
Two scientists are focused on a large multi-screen display showing colorful data visualizations and graphs

Source: Alex Ingle/Schmidt Ocean Institute

Continuous exploration may reveal more about the possibility of intelligent design. This forward-looking view keeps the debate dynamic and open-ended, inviting ongoing investigation into the nature of existence.

Advertisement