Religion, Science and the Universe
Introduction
The debate on the existence of God has been on the minds and across the tables of many intellects, philosophers, religious leaders, even scientists. Different theories come up proving the existence or the nonexistence of a supreme being who controls all systems and is the giver and sustainer of life. Theories like these suggest that God exists and different religions have established and proved the existence of God.
On the other hand, scientists and evolutionists have also gathered irrefutable evidence against the existence of God. They believe that nature, universal sequences, and changes revolve from time to time and this defines occurrences in the past, present and determine what will be in the future. These scientists establish theories and evidence to prove that the world does not need a supernatural power and those things that happen in nature to the living and non-living creatures can be explained scientifically.
Religion, Science and the Universe Proof for the existence of God is necessary for all who believe in his existence. This is because religion is founded on the knowledge of God’s existence; an attempt to prove otherwise removes the foundation of any theist religion. Every human being tends to be inclined to religion and to thirst for religious fulfillment. In most cases, the religion is a source of answers for many questions that man has in mind about creation and circumstances in life. The proof that God exists does not have to be touchable as seen in laboratory results, the proof, however, happens as a strong conviction in the heart of man and it is necessary for man to understand life and all that is in it. The proof that God exists helps man to understand the reason and need for existence. It is the believe of man, as explained by religion, that once a being ceases living his soul is taken up by God to the next world of the afterlife. This kind of explanation may not be testable for concrete truth, but it is believed that there is a being that exists and does not cease to exist and controls life in the universe. This explanation gives man a peace of mind, controls human behavior and, therefore, assists in maintaining rationality in the society. The proof that God exists is important for human beings to find peace with their soul and existence. The subjectivity this belief creates in them regulates human behavior and assists in establishing a just society (Griffin, 2000, p. 17).
Given the fact that the debate on the existence of God has been discussed for as long as man’s history, many arguments have been put across trying to prove it. One of the strongest argument for the existence of God is the ontological argument that was formulated by philosophers among them Rene Descartes and St. Anselm.
The ontological argument suggests the proof that God exists is self-evident and can be perceived by any man of sound mind. This argument highlights that God is the greatest imaginable in the minds of human beings. His universal concept and conviction that God exists is in itself a proof that God actually exists. Since God does not fail to exist, this in itself proves that he was and has always existed (Harris, 2002, p. 105). This argument is the strongest because if in every part of the world every man has a conviction that God exists and all people are convinced that God is stronger than man and is able to control the universe, then this unshakable believe is actual proof that God does exist, man need not look for any other proof but trust this conviction.
The question of the foundation and purpose of the universe is one that is yet to get satisfactory answers. The universe is basically made up for two very important things. The earth and man both have a purpose, if the two have a purpose so does the universe. The earth operates on the principle of eliminating the weak and, therefore, only the strong ones survive. On the other hand, man’s struggle is with