"I'd rather not be insignificant unless I have to."
In pondering Stephen Hawking's presentation of his conclusions regarding the creation and existence of the universe, a position which I called "The Theory of Random Insignificance", I began to ponder the following question: "In what way would the universe be different if it were created on purpose, for a purpose, by a deliberate act of an all-powerful God?"
For example, would the laws of nature not be fixed? Would the earth have a more prominent place in a more distinguished galaxy? Would we expect the galaxies to line up in formation like a marching band in a parade?
Would a sunset be more beautiful, or good food taste better? Would mountains be more majestic or eagles fly higher?
Would God come and live among us for a time, and show us his way of looking at things and provide some mechanism by which we can relate to him? Would he write a book? A self expression that applies to every culture on the planet and throughout history?
If an eternal God wanted to create an incubator consisting of time, space, matter and energy, in which to cultivate beings who would grow to know him and be like him and eventually leave the incubator and take their place is his paradigm, what would that incubator look like? How would it be different and distinguishable from the random and insignificant universe we live in?
Or is the theory of random insignificance merely one of many interpretations of our universe, rather than a scientific determination as to its nature? Could we not also look at the universe from the perspective of Deliberate Significance?
From that perspective, perhaps every sunset, every eagle, every meal, every mountain, every asteroid, planet, star and galaxy has significance, purpose, destiny and hope. And perhaps every one of us has the invitation, freedom and ability to know God, grow into his image and honor him forever.
Given a choice, I choose that universe. Hey wait. That universe might look just like this one.