God and Science in Merced
Dr. John Oakes gave a lecture on God and Science at UC Merced for the Alpha Omega club Feb. 2, 2023. PPT and audio are here: Science and the Bible PPT God and Science Audio
You suggest that the young earth idea is a Calvinist invention. What about non-Calvinists who reject evolution? How do you respond to them?
Question: This question pertains to your response regarding “Evolution” posted on September 15, 2022. I was somewhat surprised that you weighed in on Calvinist theology as the question was not overtly suggestive of that theology. (I was once espousing that theology until I came across your website). But that made me curious of what you […]
If humans evolve, would we be a different species 100 million years from now? If evolution is true, what about birds before land animals in Genesis 1?
Question: I have a few questions about evolution and the Bible. First of all if we evolved then in 100 million years could humans have evolved into a different animal like how apes apparently evolved into humans? Secondly if evolution is true then that means there were land animals before birds but the Bible says […]
Evolution means that there was death before Adam sinned, but the Bible teaches that there was no death before sin. Evolution cannot be true, biblically.
Question: I have a few questions about evolution. First of all evolution means death of animals before sin and that is super inconsistent with the Bible and there is no way God would allow death and suffering. And the last thing is if we evolved over time couldn’t we humans evolve into something else? Would […]
What diseases known to modern science might be considered by some to be demon possession?
Question: What diseases known to modern science would be considered demonic? Thank you Answer: This is an interesting question. Actually, we had a conference on “Christianity and the Paranormal” a few years ago at which we had a presenter take a stab at this question. (The audio is available at www.ipibooks.com) Please allow me to […]
When Isaiah describes God as “stretching out the heavens” in Is 44:24, 42:5, is this a reference to the expanding universe revealed to us by science?
Question: I see in the Bible lots of references to God stretching out the heavens l.e, Isaiah 44:24, Isaiah 42:5 etc. Is this a potential reference to the universe’s expansion as approved by the vast majority of scientists today? Is there any Hebrew to support this view in these “heaven stretching” passages with the universe’s […]
William Lane Craig mentions you (John Oakes) in a recent podcast about his new book. What do you think about the podcast and the comment?
Question: Recently Dr. William Lane Craig published his book called ‘In Quest of the Historical Adam’ he also mentioned you in his podcast https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5ibHVicnJ5LmNvbS9mZWVkcy9yZWFzb25hYmxlX2ZhaXRoLnhtbA/episode/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5ibHVicnJ5LmNvbS9yZWFzb25hYmxlX2ZhaXRoLzgxNjMzMTkyL3JlYWN0aW9ucy1iZWdpbi1vbi1oaXN0b3JpY2FsLWFkYW0tYm9vay8 What do you think of his thoughts and what he said there? Answer: I love this article and am glad you found a reference to myself by Dr. Craig. This was […]
It has been proved that behavior is determined by biology. The effects of brain injury proves this. Does this not disprove the reality of the soul/conscience/free will?
Question: I wish to bring up some issues regarding neuroscience. I was watching something on television about a man who suffered very serious brain injury. He survived, but his personality and behavior were completely different. Even his friends and loved ones said he was a totally different person. Does this prove that behavior really is […]
Where does the idea that God created the natural laws that act in the universe come from?
Questions: 1. Where does the idea that God created natural laws so these could act (such as evolution) come from? Is it reasonable? 2. What are your thoughts on Christian websites which deny evolution, and even the existence of dinosaurs? 3. As a scientist can you please give me your opinion on this article of […]
What are the scientific dates for the start and end of each of the six days of creation in Genesis 1?
[Editor’s note: We do not normally copy and paste Q & A’s from other websites, but I appreciate Hugh Ross’ courage to put forth actual dates sufficiently to publish this from the website https://reasons.org/explore/publications/questions-from-social-media/what-are-the-scientific-dates-for-the-starts-and-ends-of-the-six-creation-days Like Hugh Ross, I am a day/age creationist] Question of the week: What are the scientific dates for start and end times […]
What is the best argument of atheists? Can science prove the existence of God? What about free will?
Question: 1. Which is the best atheist argument? 2. Can science disprove or prove the existence of god? 3. What do you think about this video on free will debunked? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpU_e3jh_FY You don’t have free will, but don’t worry. In this video I explain why free will is incompatible with the currently known laws […]
What is the best evidence for mind/body dualism? Where can I find such evidence?
Question: What is the best evidence for mind/body dualism? Where can I find such evidence? Answer: The “mind” is a metaphysical idea, which I am convinced does have a physical component in the brain. When we think or when we decide, neurons fire and neurochemicals are released in the brain. However, “mind” is not a […]
Does quantum mechanics inform us that matter and even the universe has consciousness? What are the religious implications?
Question: The following link I have sent you is to a discussion I found online about some interesting theories on consciousness and free will. The article in question notes that it is quite possible that matter and even the universe itself may actually be conscious, as some scientists now believe. It is claimed that consciousness […]
When has God intervened in world history? Does the witch of Endor prove that the Bible talks about ghosts?
Question: 1. Can you tell me when do you think God has intervened in all the history of the world? 2. Does the witch of Endor prove that the Bible talks about ghosts? 3. As a PhD scientist in quantum physics, what do you think about Schrodingers cat? How can something be alive and dead […]
What are your thoughts on irreducible complexity? You seem to argue both sides on this.
Question: What are your thoughts on irreducible complexity? I read your essay on the four kinds of theistic explanations of creation a while ago and I remember you writing that you do not side with Intelligent Design and that irreducible complexity is an ID teaching. I’m currently reading your book “Is There A God?” and […]
My atheist friend says that random events can create complexity, like in evolution. He also says humans create better things than God, for example the banana.
Questions: I have three questions concerning me a little bit. 1. My atheist friend says that random things can make something really complex, like random mutations in evoltuion. 2. He also says that humans create better things than God, for example the wild old bananas compared with the genetically modified ones. 3. What do you […]
Can you respond to a web article that claims to have debunked the fine tuning argument for a Creator?
Question: I was wondering if you could help me with something. Recently I’ve been studying the Fine Tuning Argument for the Universe. I came across this blog that attempts to debunk it. I’ve looked through your questions and answers section but haven’t been able to find anything that addresses the counter argument that this blog […]
What do you think of the recent debate between WL Craig and Graham Oppy about the usefulness of math to describe natural laws?
Question: What do you think about the debate between William Lane Craig (theist) and Graham Oppy (atheist) about the applicability of mathematics to describing the laws of nature? [Editor’s note: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WE1y00bwCU&t=2163s&ab_channel=CapturingChristianity Response: This is a really fun discussion between two absolutely brilliant philosophers. Craig knows less mathematics but more philosophy than Oppy, yet he holds his […]
What do you make of the idea of protocells as a way of overcoming the problem of abiogenesis?
Question: What do you make of the idea of protocells as a way of overcoming the problem of abiogenesis? Answer: If someone can explain how genetic information can self-assemble in these proto-cells, sure, but that is the problem. The concept of proto-cells does not solve any of the major problems of abiogenesis. In order for […]
My atheist friend claims complexity does not necessarily imply design. He uses evolution as an example. Your response?
Questions: I have an atheist friend, and we debated recently about religion and the existence of God. He made two points: 1. Just because something is complex it doesn’t mean it is designed. He mentions evolution as an example of his point. 2. He also says he is glad that he isn’t a Christian because […]
Your thoughts on the doughnut-shaped universe, so time is infinite? Is the evidence for biblical miracles?
Questions: 1. What do you think of the idea of an infinite/eternal universe based on the theory of the doughnut shaped universe? (since it has no starting or ending point) 2. Are there evidences of biblical miracles? Answers: As a physics professor, my answer is that the dougnut-shaped universe is either EXTREMELY speculative or, more […]
Will science be able to explain consciousness? If so, what would that do to our understanding of the soul? Why did God create us using evolution?
Questions: Will science be able to explain consciousness? What if this happened, how would it affect our understanding of spirit and soul? Why did god created us using evolution ínstead of creating us ex nihilo? Answers: This is a good question, but it is also a difficult question. It is a hard question because consciousness […]
Does our soul leave our body when our heart stops working, when our brain stops working, or both?
Question: Does our soul leave our body when our heart stops working, when our brain does, or both? Answer: Obviously, I do not know the answer. The Bible does not answer this question and neither can science answer this question. However, we can use common sense to try to answer the question. There are plenty […]
Why is space something instead of nothing? Are there mythological creatures in the Bible?
Questions: 1. Why would you say that space is something instead of nothing? I’m asking this because of hawking quantum model. 2. Are there mythological creatures in the Bible? Answers: Your first question is not a “Christian” question. It is not a theological question. I am not sure how it is related to questions about […]
What is your response to the “puddle analogy” which refutes the fine tuning argument for a Creator by saying that life tuned itself to the universe, not that the universe is tuned for life?
Question: I have run across arguments by atheists that say that the universe is not fine-tuned for life, but life is fine tuned to the universe and they describe this in the “puddle” analogy. Basically they say it only appears the world is fine-tuned for life, but in actuality life was able to adapt to […]
Was Jesus born on Christmas? Why did God make antimatter?
Questions: Was Jesus born on Christmas? Why did god make antimatter? Answers: Jesus definitely was not born on Dec. 25 (or on Jan 7, which is the Orthodox Christmas) No one knows the date of Jesus’ birth. Anyone who says they do is wrong, and should be ignored, in my opinion. The Bible gives us […]
My materialist friend says we are merely some cells that have not reached entropy. Your response? Why does God torture his sons in hell?
Questions: My materialist friend says that we are just some cells that have not reached entropy yet. How should I answer this? Why would a loving God torture his sons in hell? Answers: On the first question, we are certainly more than mere cells. Your friend is taking an hyper-materialist stand here which will not […]
Are ghosts real? Do we have evidence of Jesus’ miracles? According to the big bang model, is God the cause of the big bang?
Questions: 1. As a Christian, do you believe, at least one ghost video is real, and if it is why does the soul stay on earth instead of going to heaven or hell? 2. Do we have evidence for Jesus’ miracles? 3. According to the standard big bang models, is God the cause? Answer: 1. […]
Why does God allow natural disasters?
Question: Why does God allow natural disasters? Answer: God allows natural disasters because they are natural. This may sound like too simple an answer, but I believe it is the correct answer. God created a universe in which planets sustain life. In order for a planet to sustain life, it must have what we call […]
How do I refute the infinite past theory of the universe?
Question: How do I refute the infinite past theory of the universe? Answer: The “infinite past” theory is normally called the idea of the eternal universe. This is the belief of Eastern cosmologies such as Hinduism and Buddhism, as pantheism requires an eternal universe. This idea is refuted by science. Before the 1940s physicists in […]
How do I convince my atheist friend evolution does not contradict God. What about my young earth creationist friend that it does not contradict Genesis?
Question: 1. How do I convince my atheist friend that evolution does not contradict God? 2. How do I convince my young earth creationist friend that evolution does not contradict Adam and Eve or Genesis? Answer: I am fairly sure I already answered this question for you earlier. If not, then you can find a […]
Did the big bang just happen?
Question: Did the big bang just happen?? Answer: The phrase “just happened” has two meanings. It can mean that the thing happened quite recently. It can also mean that it happened, but that there was no cause or reason for it to happen. In other words, when we say it “just happened” we mean that […]
Is time real? How did it begin to exist? How can we still be evolving if we are in God’s image?
Question: Is time real and how did it start to exist? How can we still be evolving and be in God’s image? Answer: Is time real? I suppose that depends on how you define realness. This is a deep, philosophical question. However, I am going to duck the philosophical question of the definition of realness […]
Do you use the teleological argument? Can you respond to a video I found from a guy who claims to totally disprove the teleological/watchmaker argument?
Question: I have read on your website that you are in great support of the Cosmological Argument, but I have not been able to find what your thoughts are on the Teleological Argument (That everything is fine-tuned and directs to belief in a creator). I also know this argument is favored by Intelligent Design supporters […]
We have plenty of evidence that modern humans do not descend from a single original couple, yet Genesis says that we do? What are your thoughts on this?
Question: We have plenty of evidence that the world didn’t start with an original couple, but Genesis says that it did. What are your thoughts on this? Answer: Actually, the evidence says that the universe started about 13.5 billion years before there were any people, and the earth began about 4.6 billion years before there […]
How can I respond to those who say that evolutive processes such as star formation and animal evolution do not need God, and who therefore reject the existence of God?
Question: How would you respond to people who say that evolutive processes ( like the creation of stars and animal evolution) need no God, and therefore who reject the idea of God on that basis? Answer: I believe that the processes of star-formation and animal evolution are natural processes which proceed according to the natural […]
Which is preferrable, the kalaam cosmological argument or the original cosmological argument of Thomas Aquinas? How can one refute the idea of an eternal universe?
Question: 1. Which do you prefer: the kaalam cosmological argument or the original cosmological argument of Thomas Aquinas? 2. How can one refute the idea of an eternal universe? Answer: That is an easy question. The kaalam cosmological argument is definitely the superior one. That is why it was proposed in the first place. Here […]
Why do Christians say that the earth was created 6000 years ago? Why does God love us?
Question: 1. Why do some people say the earth was created 6000 years ago? (since the bible does not mention this at all) 2. Why do you think God loves us so much? 3. Is your website Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, or a different type of Christianity? Answer: The reason that some Christians claim that the […]
What are some good arguments to support the claim that evolution needs to have an intelligent creator in order for it to work?
Question: What are some good arguments to support this statement: Evolution needs to have an intelligent creator so it can work? Answer: Normally I write out answers to all questions, but in this case I am going to do something different. I am going to give you a list of resources you can use to […]
What are your thoughts on the theory of an eternal universe based on the idea of a quantum world?
Question: What are your thoughts on the theorem of an eternal universe because of the quantum world? Answer: To tell you the truth, I have never seen quantum theory used to defend belief in an eternal universe. The steady-state theory, also known as the theory of continuous creation, was formerly defended by a minority of […]
Did God create the sun as is, or did it form by natural physical processes? Should we expect a scientific explanation of Genesis 1, or is it just poetry?
Question: Do you think God made the sun by himself, or do you think used physical laws as a plan so the sun could be created from the elements? Also, should we find a scientific explanation of what we read in Genesis or we should just interpret it as something merely poetic and not literal? […]
Many say in an age of science the Bible cannot be reliable if it claims creation in just six days, given that evolution is proven. Your response?
Question: Many say that in the age of science it’s absurd to say that Bible is reliable when it says that the Creation took 6 days to complete and God created man when evolution is proven. How do I answer them? I’m not a science student but how can we answer such questions? Answer: I […]
Some propose that the universe is self-thinking and conscious. How would this work if the universe was created? Would this prove pantheism?
Question: How would you respond to someone who says the universe is self-thinking and conscious? How would this work in terms of the universe creating itself and also fine tuning? Would that prove pantheism? Answer; As you appear to recognize, you are describing a view of the cosmos known as pantheism. This is a theology […]
A friend says before the universe existed, there was a quantum vacuum that created it. Your thoughts? Does God know all future events, including possible events?
Question: 1. What would you say to a person that claims this: Before the universe there was a quantum vaccuum that created the universe? 2. Does god know all the future events that may or may NOT happen? Answer; On the first question, if anyone says this then I assume that they do not know […]
I read recently that Elon Musk said that religion and/or spirituality, has no place in science. What are your thoughts on this?
Question: I read recently that Elon Musk said that religion and/or spirituality, has no place in science. What are your thoughts on this? Answer: Believe it or not, I agree that Elon Musk is correct on this question. Religion involves things like the supernatural, ultimate purpose, meaning, faith. Science involves things that can be measured […]
If God created nature perfect, and if nature has two sexes, how should we act toward LGBT and hostile feminists?
Question: Since the Bible and we as Christians think that God made nature perfect with only 2 sexes, what do you think about the following questions? 1. How do we answer and how do we act toward with hostile feminists and lgbt supporters? 2. Is interex the 3rd sex? Answer: First of all, we need […]
Does science know what happens when we die? Do we have any evidence for the existence of soul/spirit?
Question: Does science know what happens when you die? Do we have any evidence for our soul/spirit? Answer: On the first question, it depends on what you mean. Science can answer physical questions about physical, measurable things. Science can tell us that, when we die, our bodies begin an immediate process of decay back to […]
Should Christians believe in ghosts? Is it stupid to believe in ghosts?
Question: Should Christians believe in ghosts? What do you say to people who think believing in ghosts is stupid? Answer: First of all, we need to define what a “ghost” is. If we do not know exactly what we are talking about, then we will not be speaking precisely, and I want to speak precisely. […]
Which is the better opinion for a Christian: theistic evolution, natural evolution or evolutionary creation?
Question: In your opinion which is better, theistic evolution, natural evolution or evolutionary creation? Answer: I see no measurable difference between natural evolution and evolutionary creation. One is an essentially atheist view, while the other comes from believers, but as far as science is concerned, they cannot be distinguished. Both propose that all living things […]
If humans created clones, would it be a sin to kill one of them? Would they have a soul? Also, why do people say that belief in God and in evolution is inconsistent?
Question: 1. If humans created clones, would it be a sin to kill one of them? Would they have a soul? 2. If we have a lot of evidence of God, and a lot of fossil evidence of evolution, why do some people say one has to be true and the other one has to […]
