Multiverse vs. God: Does the Theory Undermine Creation?

“Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it.” Isaiah 42:5

One of the ways that astronomers and astrophysicists attempt to explain the apparent fine-tuning of the universe is by suggesting the possibility of an infinite number of possible universes. This is called the multiverse theory. It posits that perhaps there are numerous universes, all existing simultaneously, that operate under similar laws but with different outcomes. One might have carbon-based life forms; another might not. One might have humans in it; another might not.

Our universe seems to be perfectly designed for life, something that is difficult to explain without reference to God. The multiverse theory enables people to do so. The theory has some supporters and many critics. To suggest a theory does not mean it is correct, of course. As someone said, “Everyone is entitled to have a theory.”

Critics of the theory have suggested that Occam’s Razor makes a multiverse unlikely. Occam’s Razor is the idea that the simplest solution is probably the most correct. The universe in which we live seems to have an elegant simplicity to it. Occam’s Razor says that complicated scenarios tend to be necessary when we are off base. It is a much simpler solution to suggest that the universe appears to be designed because it has been. Critics argue that the idea of a multiverse is a philosophical theorem rather than a scientific one. It is also one that cannot be tested.

Another criticism of the multiverse theory is that, if it is true, every possible imagined scenario will be true in some universe. There will be one universe, for example, in which the entire University of Georgia library, as it currently exists, will also exist. Such an outcome would seem to be absurd.

One of the interesting things about the universe is that it is not static. We think of it this way because of the limits of our lifetimes and civilization’s history. The universe, however, is progressing in time. It turns out that our time in the history of the universe is a perfect time for human civilization. At the beginning of the universe, it was chaotic and dangerous. Stars were being born and exploding in massive supernovas. It would have been difficult for life to exist in such a dangerous environment. Presently, however, we exist in a stable time in the life of the universe, at least in our particular part of it.

The Bible gives us a theological framework for creation and our relationship to it. It tells us that God created the heavens and the earth. It teaches us that God is separate from creation. He made the world, but the world is not God. For that reason, we do not worship anything in creation. God has given creation to us as a home and for our use. We see his glory in creation, and it causes us to praise our Creator.