DAY 231
CHALLENGE
“The quantum mechanical argument is flawed: (1) There are other interpretations of quantum mechanics; (2) there could be more than one initial physical observer; (3) the first physical observer could be actualized by a physical observer from another universe; (4) a non- physical observer other than God could actualize the first physical observer; and (5) God doesn’t observe things the way we do.”
DEFENSE
None of these objections overturn the quantum mechanical argument.
First, there are different interpretations of quantum mechanics, but this is a legitimate interpretation that cannot be eliminated on scientific grounds.
Second, the odds of two or more initial conscious physical observers becoming actual at the same moment is very improbable. Even if it happened, some observer would still have to make them actually alive. Saying they simultaneously observed one another at the first moment of their existence—a causal loop—would be improbable and wouldn’t explain why the loop exists rather than not.
Third, physical observers from another universe only kicks the problem back a step. How did physical observers become actually there? Without an infinite regress of such universes (for which we have no evidence and which would create its own problems), we would still need a non-physical observer to start the process.
Fourth, non-divine observers not made of physical matter/energy would—in human terms—be angels. That would itself establish a plank in the Christian worldview, and it would raise questions of how the angels came to exist, again leading in the direction of God.
Fifth, God doesn’t observe things the way we do, through physical senses. He has a direct, immediate knowledge of what he creates, and his act of knowing created things is not distinct from his act of creating them. Therefore, his knowledge of created things actualizes them on the most fundamental level.
This suggests possible ways of expanding the argument. Here we have focused on what actualized the first physical observer. However, if (as common sense would suggest) there were definite events before this in this history of the universe (e.g., at the Big Bang), a non-phys- ical observer like God would be needed to actualize those. The same would be true of definite events occurring today that are not seen by physical observers (e.g., a rock falling off a cliff on Mars).