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How Do We Explain the
Existence/Purpose of the Universe?

It took many years of work and billions of dollars to send the Webb telescope into space. Why did we do it and what are the fruits of that labor and expense? What is the purpose of exploring space and learning about the universe? For one thing, it is our home, our reality. Learning more about our universe can help us appreciate our planet and the fact that it was designed especially for us. It is the only place in the universe where we can survive. When we compare Earth to other planets in our solar system, we easily see how we could not survive there. That begs the question of why and who designed it this way.

Exploring the universe beyond our solar system, initially with the Hubble space telescope and currently with the Webb telescope, expands our understanding and knowledge of the vastness of space and the design that makes our solar system and planet unique. When we look at the Sun, we see it as it was eight minutes ago because of its distance from us. Looking beyond our galaxy with the Webb telescope allows us to see things as they were millions of years ago. Seeing the process of star and planet formation shows us the complexities of creation and causes us to appreciate the power and intelligence necessary to create the solar system we live in. This leads us to ask who, what, how, and why our universe was designed like this.

For Christians, the revelations of the Webb telescope further strengthen our faith. Science has already verified that the universe had a beginning, and that beginning had to be caused. The causal agent we know as God demonstrates intelligence, design, and purpose. God's creative ability is not limited to Earth. We can see it continually at work in distant galaxies and solar systems other than our own.

Understanding that “in him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28) takes on a deeper meaning when we realize that it would still be true if we were to leave Earth and go to some distant galaxy. Over and over, the scriptures talk about the heavens being a declaration of God's glory (Psalm 19:1-3). Proverbs 8 speaks of God's wisdom in his creative processes. The more we learn of the creation, the more we understand the depth and complexity of God's nature. “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities — his eternal power and divine nature — have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made” (Romans 1:20).

— Cynthia Clayton

Picture credit:
© Julie Marcussen

Scripture links/references are from BibleGateway.com. Unhighlighted scriptures can be looked up at their website.