A Modern Woman's Perspective On The Kingdom of God on Earth


May 7, 2014

Examining Stephen Hawking and His Intriguing Theories

     In no way, can I discredit the advanced theories of famed physicist Stephen Hawking … at least not on a scientific level.  For instance, there is his M-theory, which he concludes is the key to understanding the universe and where humanity fits in.  Though a full description of the theory is not known, the low-entropy dynamics are known to be supergravity interacting with 2- and 5-dimensional membranes.  For those who wish a more analytical explanation, here goes:  M-theory is an extension of string theory in which 11 dimensions of space-time are identified as 7 higher-dimensions plus the 4 common dimensions (11D st = 7 hd + 4D). Proponents believe that the 11-dimensional theory unites all five 10-dimensional string theories (10D st = 6 hd + 4D) and supersedes them.  Got it?  Because I don't!
     In an article on Newsmax.com, Hawking attempts to explain the universe and our existence:  “To understand the universe at the deepest level, we have to understand why is there something rather than nothing. Why do we exist? Why this particular set of laws, and not some other? I believe the answers to all of these things is M-theory.”  He goes on to give a simple, layman's explanation, in which he believes his M-theory provides the most promise in leading to a unified field theory, which would unite the four fundamental forces of physics, and subsequently, explain the universe.
     Ultimately, he reveals that we need to understand how M-theory works, so that we can guarantee humanity's survival.  “We must continue to go into space for humanity,” he said. “We won’t survive another 1,000 years without escaping our fragile planet.”
     Okay, that's one of his theories, but just exactly how do we explore the outer reaches of space, and develop and manage the technology that will take us there?  I ask this question, because Hawking has recently issued a warning that could have great significance on his Space objective.
     Again, Newsmax reports this revelation from the famed physicist:  Stephen Hawking is quoted as saying that the very machines that will take us into the outer reaches of space, may prove detrimental to mankind if humans fail to control them.  You see, Hawking believes that we have created such brilliant artificial intelligence that all the technological advancement might be eclipsed by the potential risks that will accompany our increased reliance on machines.
     Consider these chilling remarks, he made to The Independent:  "One can imagine such technology outsmarting financial markets, out-inventing human researchers, out-manipulating human leaders, and developing weapons we cannot even understand.  Whereas the short-term impact of AI depends on who controls it, the long-term impact depends on whether it can be controlled at all."  Thirty years ago, this would have sounded like the plot of a science fiction movie; today it is our reality, and the tremendous risk that lies behind the inventions of transhumanists like Ray Kurzweil.
     But Hawking has more to warn us about:  "In the near term, world militaries are considering autonomous-weapon systems that can choose and eliminate targets," he added. "The UN and Human Rights Watch have advocated a treaty banning such weapons."
     Does anyone else see that these two theories are diametrically opposed?  On the one hand, he seems to be promoting the development of advanced technology in order to escape the bonds of human existence here on earth; and on the other hand, he is warning us of the dangers of relying too much on this same technology.
     And of course, in both theories, I see a distinct lack of the acknowledgment of God.  To me, what I really see in Hawking's expositories is that the existence of the universe --  and for that matter, man himself -- is still a mystery to this talented physicist.  No amount of string theories or explanations of multiple dimensions can explain how it all came into being.  And our endless search for answers has resulted in us creating something that could eventually destroy us.  All this "research"… and the most brilliant minds in the scientific world do not discover God; and sadly, they cannot even imagine Him.  If only they would realize that our survival does not depend on escaping this planet, or controlling highly intelligent robots … it is depending on the Creator who called all this into existence.  Without knowing Him, no theory in the world or beyond will matter.

Isaiah 48:13   "My hand laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens; when I call to them, they stand forth together."



   










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