Does the Universe Have Meaning and Purpose?

Awestruck scientists will occasionally express wonder about the ingenuity, harmony and sheer excellence embedded in the physical universe. Astrophysicist Paul Davies states that "the universe conforms to an orderly scheme, and is not an arbitrary muddle of events." He acknowledges it causes one to wonder, "God or no God—whether there is some sort of meaning behind it all" (The Goldilocks Enigma, 2006, pp. 15-16).

Although the Bible itself attributes great meaning to the universe (Psalm 8:3-5; 19:1-6; Romans 1:19-20), many scientists remain blind to its purpose. Physicist Richard Feynman stated: "The great accumulation of understanding as to how the physical world behaves only convinces one that this behavior has a kind of meaninglessness about it" (quoted by Davies, "Beyond Belief" conference lecture, Nov. 6, 2006). Cosmologist Steven Weinberg similarly wrote, "The more the universe seems comprehensible the more it seems pointless" (The First Three Minutes, 1977, p. 149).

The minds of many of the intelligentsia of this world are blind to the awesome significance of the universe and how it fits into God's great plan and purpose for humanity. Jesus Christ said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes" (Matthew 11:25). GN