For me, one of the most convincing evidences of our creator is found whenever I consider the expanse of stars over my head on a clear night. David was right on the mark when he wrote, “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” (Psalm 19:1)
Some people deny that the universe was created and believe that instead, it came about by natural means. These people hold to a form of naturalism, the view that our reality is only governed by natural law.
As Christians, we believe that God created the universe (Genesis 1:1). One of the best ways to help a naturalist come to the same conclusion is through the Kalām cosmological argument.
The Classical Kalām Argument
What is the Kalām, you ask? It is an old, simple argument that logically refutes the assertion that the universe began without cause. The beauty of the Kalām is that it forces atheists to argue against the evidence given by science.
1) Everything that has a beginning of its existence has a cause of its existence;
2) The universe had a beginning of its existence;
Therefore:
3) The universe had a cause of its existence.
Children can understand this concept pretty easily. Ask them if their dinner or their favorite toy just appeared out of nothing for no reason. No! These things had to be made by an outside force: people. In the same way the universe was made by an outside force: God.
The Big Bang is your Friend
The big bang theory is often regarded warily by Christians but it is actually useful evidence of creation! Study of our universe shows that it is expanding and this expansion strongly suggests that the universe had a point of origin and a cause; this fits well with the Genesis creation account. Such discoveries should not surprise us. The Bible consistently proves trustworthy under scrutiny, and science continually reveals what God’s people have known for so long; His creation declares His glory!
Practical Exercise for Families
Bake some delicious chocolate chip cookies! While they are still warm, place them on a plate and sit around the plate with your family. Ask your children:
- Where do you think this cookie came from?
- Did it appear out of nowhere?
- Did someone make/create this cookie?
- How do you know this cookie was not always here?
- Is it still hot?
- Does it smell fresh?
- If it had always been here, do you think it would still be hot and still smell fresh?
- If our universe had always been here, do you think the sun would still be hot?
- Enjoy cookies and milk after you have finished discussing
