Jun
20
Size Doesn’t Matter
Filed Under Devotional
Carl Sagan is a hero to many guys my age with similar interests (that is to say, geeks heading into middle-age). He was on PBS frequently as I grew up. Some of my friends were more interested in catching “Cosmos” than “The Dukes of Hazzard” or “Knight Rider”. Sagan did do quite a bit to bring cosmology to the layperson. He’s also famous for the way he described the immense size of the universe by speaking of the “billions and billions” of stars and galaxies. He often discussed his opinion on our importance and place in the universe:
“Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum star lost in a galaxy tucked away in some forgotten corner of a universe in which there are far more galaxies than people.” – Carl Sagan
Now, his conclusions were purely based on a couple of assumptions. First, he’s assuming that our planet is just like many others. There’s no evidence of that. In fact, the more we learn, the more likely it becomes that our planet is very unique and clearly designed. The vastness of the universe begins to argue against him.
Secondly, he’s assuming that because there are so many galaxies, then we cannot possibly be important. But, that’s just a category error of logic. Since when does physical size or the size of the pool of choices imply value? Would we be more or less valuable if the universe were smaller or larger? Is the value of a human being determined by physical size? Does that mean Shaquille O’Neal has three times more worth than my son? Or, am I worth much more than my young niece? This makes no sense.
No, the truth is a little different. There’s someone even larger and more powerful than all of the galaxies in the universe. We know this because He created them. The size and power comparison between Him and us is even more vast than Sagan’s. And, yet, He is very much interested in us:
” ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’ ” Jeremiah 29:11-13
Don’t let this misdirection slide. It is simply a faulty argument.