Cold-Case Christianity by J. Warner Wallace
Week 13: Chapter 12 — The Design of the Universe
Read Chapter 12 of Cold-Case Christianity.
Previewing Week 13 of Cold-Case Christianity
Read 3 of 6 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 16-week guide when you’re ready.
When a detective finds a body with seventeen stab wounds, they don't call it a natural death — evidence of intent and design demands an explanation that goes beyond chance.
Discussion Questions
6 questions1.Wallace introduces the fine-tuning argument: the observation that the fundamental constants of physics are calibrated to an astonishing degree of precision to permit life. What are some of the examples he gives of these "just right" conditions? How fine is the tuning, and what are the odds of it occurring by chance?
2.He uses detective reasoning to argue that the appearance of design is most reasonably explained by an actual designer. How is this different from claiming that everything we don't understand must have a designer? What specific features of the universe push the argument beyond mere appearance?
3.Wallace addresses the multiverse hypothesis — the idea that if there are infinitely many universes, at least one of them would have life-permitting constants by chance. How does he evaluate this as an alternative explanation? What are its strengths and weaknesses as a response to the fine-tuning argument?