How is it that the universe seems so ably designed for human life? Cambridge physicist Brand Carter, speaking at a 1973 conference in Poland honoring 16^th century astronomer Copernicus, suggested that what we observe is the anthropic principle. The anthropic principle states that the laws of physics seem to be biased toward life. As physicist Freeman Dyson put it, “the universe knew we were coming.”

In “A Universe Built for Us” (Discover, December 2008), Tim Folger reported that physicists are trying to come to terms with the question of why the universe is adapted to us. “Call it a fluke, a mystery, a miracle. Or call it the biggest problem in physics. Short of invoking a benevolent creator, many physicists see only one possible explanation: Our universe may be but one of perhaps infinitely many universes in an inconceivably vast multiverse. Most of those universes are barren, but some, like ours, have conditions suitable for life” (p. 54).

Bernard Carr, a cosmologist at Queen Mary University in London, commented on this multiverse theory. “If there is only one universe, you might have to have a fine-tuner. If you don’t want God, you’d better have a multiverse” (“A Universe Built for Us,” p. 58).

It is strange, isn’t it. While the scientific method demands that all possible answers receive consideration, the idea of a Creator must be rejected on general principles—although it seems to be the most logical, obvious answer. Instead, a “multiverse,” which is only speculation, is accepted. It is sad that so many scientists will discard a basic principle of science because it does not fit their biases.

Science still has not come up with a better explanation for how our universe came about than the first chapter of Genesis. “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).  It is not a coincidence that our universe is planned for human life. And we might add, God did much more than simply fine tune the universe. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).