Week 5: Chapter 4 — Divine Design

1.The authors describe the universe as 'fine-tuned' for life, pointing to dozens of physical constants that must be set with extraordinary precision for life to be possible. Were you previously aware of this argument? How did reading the details of it affect you?

2.Geisler and Turek cite scientists like Stephen Hawking and Fred Hoyle — men not known for religious belief — who nonetheless marveled at the apparent design in the universe. Why is it significant that this evidence comes from scientists who had no theological agenda?

3.The authors present three possible explanations for the fine-tuning: Law (it had to be this way), Chance (it just happened to be this way), or Design (Someone set it up this way). Walk through each option. Which do you find most persuasive, and what would it take to change your mind?