You would think that smart scientists would at some point have to defer to God for their answers, even if it’s out of respect, awe, or hallowed wonderment.But not theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking.
Hawking, 69 who suffers from degenerative motor neuron disease, told the Guardian newspaper,
"I regard the brain as a computer which will stop working when its components fail. There is no heaven or afterlife for broken down computers; that is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark."
He says there is nothing left for a man after the last flicker of life leaves the body, heart, and brain.
His remarks draw a line in the sand between the use of God as a metaphor, and the belief in an omniscient creator whose hands guide the workings of the universe.
His 2010 book "The Grand Design" provoked a backlash among religious leaders for arguing there was no need for a divine force to explain the creation of the universe saying,
“You don’t need a God to explain the universe and the creation of man.”
When asked what the value of knowing why we are here he said,
“The universe is governed by science. But science tells us that we can't solve the equations, directly in the abstract. We need to use the effective theory of Darwinian natural selection of those societies most likely to survive. We assign them higher value.”
Hawking has had lots of health scares during his life due to his illness, but none as serious as the one he had in 2009.
Related: Hawking Rushed To Hospital – Very Very Ill
The famous theoretical physicist is best known for his theories on black holes, his best-selling book “A Brief History of Time”, and his 2010 best seller “The Grand Design”.
Personal Note:
It fascinates me when I see individuals with enough brain power to solve the theory of relativity, comprehend the infinite space of our universe, decipher the complexity of space and time, but not have the ability to put their faith or belief in a higher power simply because no one has proven it exists to them yet.
I don’t know if it is due to pride, ego, or a combination of both, but I think it would be depressing to understand all these wonderful elements of science and not be able to give the ultimate credit to God.
It’s as if God is standing right in front of them yet they are unable to see Him. They have brilliant eyes, but cannot see.
So sad. As much as I admire Mr. Hawking, I can’t help but feel terribly sorry for him at the same time.
Tonight, after dark, I will walk outside and stare off into the night sky, and there, I will see God.
And I’m not even a theoretical physicist.
Can I get an Amen?
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