The ‘God particle’
Dear Friends,
This week scientists announced that, after years of searching, they have found evidence consistent with the existence of the Higgs boson, popularly known as the ‘God particle’. It is an astounding achievement. And, even if it turns out not to have been found yet, scientists are getting closer all the time, and discovering more and more of how the universe works at a sub-atomic level.
Without wanting to sound flippant, I found myself wondering what God himself might make of the discovery. I imagined him saying something like, “Well done, you’ve found it!” After all, God has known of its existence (assuming it really is there) since he put it there, and he also knows exactly how it works – which is beyond most of us!
It is possible to feel threatened by such scientific discoveries, as if they push God into an ever tighter and smaller corner, with less and less need for a God to ‘fill the gaps’ in our knowledge. Nothing could be further from the truth. God is simply waiting for us to discover more of what he has made. These discoveries should lead us to marvel at the intricacy and complexity of the universe beautifully crafted by our loving Creator – the God we know as Father through Jesus Christ. They should bring us to our knees in worship, knowing that “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1, NIV)
Chris Hobbs,
Senior Minister (Vicar)