Let's say the multiverse theory is true, how would a Christian insert God...?

[Mr. Moncrieff]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiverse

The multiverse (or meta-universe) is the hypothetical set of infinite or finite possible universes (including the historical universe we consistently experience) that together comprise everything that exists and can exist: the entirety of space, time, matter, and energy as well as the physical laws and constants that describe them. The various universes within the multiverse are sometimes called parallel universes.



The theory goes, in simple terms, that billions of universes exist in a space outside that of which we perceive our universe to "be in." That would explain what out universe is expanding into.

In other words, our expanding universe, with its billions upon billions of stars, galaxies and systems, is actually only one of billions and billions of other universes.

Because the laws of physics determine that matter must behave in a certain way, the theory considers that of all of these billions of universes, almost every one would be near identical to ours aside from minute changes. We may even exist in slightly different contexts, but look and sound and otherwise appear to be the same.

The theory goes that if these universes are so numerous, there would almost certainly be one that is so startling similar to ours, that it would be a perfect clone. This is a matter of simple odds.

The crux of my question being, if this theory was proven true, surely it would be almost impossible to posit the existence of God?

[fr0d0]

Why?

Say a parallel human race had an entirely different religious expression. I would expect an equally cogent model from both. Both would be essentially identical in conclusion, or one would be better, and we'd adopt the best.

[Alex K]

To make the discussion a bit more concrete, can you add your argument why it would be almost impossible?


Btw.:* I disagree with the "expanding into" part, that's neither what parallel universes are for nor is the notion true that ours needs some outside space for the perceived expansion to go into

* I'd like to add relative state "many worlds" QM to the mix

[Mr. Moncrieff]

But then we wouldn't be the special little delights we think we are...

We'd be an insignificant speck.

In insisting that God existed, you'd have to question why he felt it necessary to create an infinite amount of existences when he is allegedly omniscient and omnipotent.

Surely that either suggests one of two things...

He either kept fucking it up and so he isn't perfect.

Or he just wants to watch what happens and so he possesses a hubris that renders him highly questionable.

[Esquilax]

Since christian theology is simplistic at best, the most direct solution is merely the claim that god created all those other universes too. He's just got so much love that he needed to spread it around through multiple realities.

Status quo is maintained, we're all still special snowflakes, etc etc.

But then, I'll actually admit that I'm a fiction writer, so coming up with an idea like that isn't too much of a stretch.

[Alex K]

No. God knows that the multiverse is the best way to both give the individual person effective free will while still remaining omnipotent and all-knowing because in complete control of he whole.

But then we wouldn't be the special little delights we think we are...

We'd be an insignificant speck.

In insisting that God existed, you'd have to question why he felt it necessary to create an infinite amount of existences when he is allegedly omniscient and omnipotent.

Surely that either suggests one of two things...

He either kept fucking it up and so he isn't perfect.

Or he just wants to watch what happens and so he possesses a hubris that renders him highly questionable.

[max-greece]

"We'd be an insignificant speck. "

Tee hee.

We ARE an insignificant speck in this universe. Its just the in a mutliverse the universe itself becomes an insignificant speck, potentially.

Once you get to the level of insignificance we are at now, in the one universe we are certain exists, it doesn't really make much difference onwards from there.

For me one of the biggest weaknesses in the whole "God did if for us" bit is exactly the level of insignificance we, the human race, hold in terms of both space and time.

The only logical conclusions are that either the universe wasn't created for us or God is the least efficient designer imaginable.

[Alex K]

Ugh double post, damn cellphones

[Mr. Moncrieff]

Why not create a better single world then - just make the place what it needs to be? Why mess about? Is he the equivalent of a toddler burning ants with a spyglass?

Is he prone to mistakes? Does he lack foresight or have episodes of lesser cognitive thought?

Or does have to play by the laws of physics? Is he that weak?

[Esquilax]

Why not create a better single world then - just make the place what it needs to be? Why mess about? Is he the equivalent of a toddler burning ants with a spyglass?

Is he prone to mistakes? Does he lack foresight or have episodes of lesser cognitive thought?

Or does have to play by the laws of physics? Is he that weak?

If you were cognitively capable of inspecting multiple realities, in their entirety, without any division of your attention between them, wouldn't it follow that focusing on a single reality would get rather boring, if you're aware of the extents your consciousness could stretch to? It's not his fault that the variables of our universe turned out a planet with less than optimal settings.

Granted, that makes god a hugely detached jerk just looking for entertainment, but we already knew that just from the bible, multiverse or no.