In the Beginning… was the Multiverse?

In a previous entry, we noted how the universe is seemingly fined-tuned to support life. How precise is this level of fine tuning? Consider the following examples:

Gravity: “If gravity had been stronger or weaker by one part in ten thousand million million million million million million (1 in 10⁴⁰), then life-sustaining stars like the sun could not exist.”
– Brandon Carter (theoretical physicist)

The Big Bang: “If the rate of expansion one second after the Big Bang had been smaller by even one part in a hundred thousand million million (1 in 10¹⁷), the universe would have re-collapsed before it ever reached its present size.”
– Stephen Hawking (theoretical physicist)

These are just two of many so-called anthropic coincidences – extraordinary calibration of the laws of physics without which life as we know it would not be possible. In fact, to describe this fine tuning as a miracle would be by no means an exaggeration - the odds for our existence is astronomically improbable (or incalculable, whichever you prefer) the fact that we’re here fits the definition of one. Astronomer Fred Hoyle seems to agree: “A common sense interpretation of the facts suggests that a superintellect has monkeyed with physics, as well as with chemistry and biology…”

Thus, the conclusion is as unavoidable as it is obvious: the reason why the universe looks fine-tuned for life is because IT IS fine-tuned by an Intelligent Fine Tuner.

To avoid this theistic implication, atheists turn to the so-called Multiverse Hypothesis. There are several variations of the theory but the basic premise is the same: our universe is but one of multiple universes (hence the name), each with its own set of physical laws. For instance, according to the theory, it is possible that in one universe the force of gravity is stronger than our own and in another it is weaker. It may also be that in other universes, the force of gravity is just the same as ours, but greatly differ in some other fundamental physical constant (e.g. speed of light). In any of these cases, the development of any form of intelligent life would have been very unlikely. It just so happens that by an unbelievable amount of luck, we live in one that has met all the necessary conditions to make life possible.

The Multiverse Hypothesis is so fascinating that it has inspired a number of Hollywood movies. And it may as well stay in the realm of science fiction, as there is absolutely no scientific basis of such universes existence. The irony of the situation is this: those who dismiss the notion of a Supreme Being due to lack of evidence, are the very same people who’ll wholeheartedly embrace an equally un-testable hypothesis designed to discredit the existence of one. Astronomer Owen Gingerich hit the nail on the head when he said: “anyone who can believe in multiple universes should have no problem believing in heaven or hell”. 

Reference/s:
Strobel, Lee. The Case for a Creator.
D’Souza, Dinesh (2008). What’s So Great about Christianity. Kaveri Printer Pvt. Ltd.