J.John's Response to Stephen Hawking & God

Tuesday, 07 September 2010 06:28

In a slow week for news the theoretical physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking has made headlines by stating in his latest book that he now sees no necessity for God in the creation of the universe. (He also said that ‘philosophy is dead’ which suggests that when it comes to promoting books even the best scientists recognise the commercial value of a controversial statement.) His view raises issues for Christians; so let me respond to them.

First, Hawking’s apparent change in belief is not as radical as it seems.The way the story is being portrayed is that Hawking the believer has now, as a result of his research, become an atheist. But was he ever really a believer? His association with the idea of God came about when, in his best-selling book, A Brief History of Time, he concluded by mentioning the possibility of a theory of the universe that would allow discussion of the great question of its origin. In a final sentence he wrote, ‘If we find the answer to that, it would be the ultimate triumph of human reason – for then we should know the mind of God.’ It was a great line to end with and his editor must have loved it; Hawking himself has said that, ‘In the proof stage I nearly cut the last sentence … had I done so, the sales might have been halved.’ Now many people read that final sentence or heard it quoted and felt that Hawking was supporting religious faith. Indeed, in the twenty odd years since it was written it has sometimes been quoted as a defence of religious belief. Yet when you read more about Hawking’s thought it is clear that the ‘God’ he mentioned in that throwaway comment was little more than a philosophical concept. His god was an academic answer to a cosmological puzzle and no more. So his denial of God in his most recent book is hardly a backtracking from a living faith but rather a shifting of position on what is a purely intellectual debate.

Second, it is very clear that even if Hawking ever really seriously believed in a Creator, such a figure bore very little resemblance to the God of the Bible. A God who does no more than ‘light the blue touch paper of the universe’ and then disappears is not the God of Scripture. The Bible’s God is a being who doesn't just create the cosmos but is intimately involved in every aspect of it and continues to sustain it. The God of the Bible did not create once but continues to create things every second. He is involved in the world at this moment; see for example Job 38, Psalm 104:10-30 and Matthew 6:26; 10:29. The Christian God is a God who was not just the Ultimate Physicist at the dawn of creation but someone who through Jesus Christ can be our heavenly Father.

Third, we need to listen to such pronouncements on the origin of the cosmos with some caution. Hawking is a very brave man in his confident belief that the origin of the universe does not need God. He is saying that he understands how, 13 or so billion years ago, this unimaginably vast and complex universe came into being. Given that serious cosmological research is barely 300 years old and has been conducted from only one small planet in a tiny corner of just one galaxy, perhaps a greater degree of humility would be appropriate. The mind of man is extraordinarily clever – and Professor Hawking’s is especially so – but it is wise to know our limits and to recognise that there are some things about which we may not have all the data and even some that may be utterly beyond our comprehension.

I am not at all surprised that Stephen Hawking did not find any proof for God in the incredibly complex mathematics of the Big Bang. Let us suppose for a moment that he had – that he had detected unmistakable evidence of God’s handiwork in the early history of the cosmos. On the one hand, it would be gratifying for the believer. Yet wouldn't it suggest that God was some sort of academic snob who only really wanted to reveal himself to those who were extraordinarily intelligent? What would such a revelation say to those of us who struggle to add up our shopping bills? Or to those who can't either read or write? No, I think I prefer the God of the Bible, who makes himself accessible through Jesus Christ to all who seek him.

Finally, it is worth making the point that an enormous problem still remains for Stephen Hawking and his followers. One of the most fundamental of all questions is ‘Where did the universe come from?’ The Christian answer is to simply state that God made it out of nothing. Hawking's answer to such a question is to say that nothing made the universe: that this greatest possible something came, of its own accord, out of absolutely nothing. Both views require faith but I know which of the two I find it easier to believe in!

J.John - Philo Trust

Used with permission. 

Prison Events Update - August

Wednesday, 01 September 2010 00:00

August is always a busy month in the life of the Trust with regard to prison events and this year has been no exception. Barry has spoken in: New Hall, Downview, High Down, Brixton, Feltham, Rochester, Featherstone, Doncaster and Stoke Heath prisons. Many of these were extremely well attended and in some cases extra seating had to be provided in order to accommodate all the inmates who wanted to attend. This year, the reaction has been exceptional with 287 people responding to Barry's talks.

Here is an extract from an email that we received from one of the prison officers:

‘Hi Barry,

I am a prison officer who sat and listened to you two days ago as you told us your story in the chapel.  I was sat to the side and haven't stopped thinking about your talk since Sunday.   I found you to be an excellent speaker and you made me listen so intently that I forgot I was supposed to be watching the cons!

When we got back to the wing, I was listening to the cons talking about you and the buzz around the wing felt like God had really touched some of them.  There’s one particular con who is a young lad in for life, and I watched him on Sunday repeat the prayer that you spoke. I have decided to try and talk to him about how he felt on Sunday and I am going to try and get hold of a copy of your book for him to read…’

The Trust considers it a privilege to be able to work with people who are on the margins of our society who are in UK prisons. Please remember them, their victims and all prison staff in your prayers.

An Introduction to Libby Redman

Monday, 09 August 2010 00:00

In July 2010, Barry started to work with singer-songwriter Libby Redman. Libby is a solo artist whose sound is fresh, current and soulful.

After doing several venues with Libby the Trust are looking to involve her more with some of our future events.

Libby is based at the Ark Church in York, which is linked to the Ground Level Network.

Read Libby’s bio:

Libby’s keyboard is an extension of her soul! Writing music and lyrics is as natural to her as singing. Her voice is unique, powerful and emotionally stirring as it spills out from her core, articulating beautifully life experiences of faith, hope and love. With an edginess compared with singers such as Joss Stone and the fervour of Alicia Keys, the depths of Libby’s voice and lyrics belie her youthful 21 years. A pastor’s daughter, Libby has seen and experienced more than her fair share of both hope and despair.  Growing up in an environment of gospel music and serving as Director of Music and Worship in the church has endowed her with a striking ability to create music and lyrics that entertain, uplift and stir the spirit.

Influences such as renowned gospel artists like Andraé Crouch, and The Winans, along with soul singers such as Aretha Franklin, The Isley Brothers, and the more recent Anthony Hamilton have encouraged and stimulated Libby to create her own style of music with a message of love and hope. Her debut EP ‘Sweet and Sparkling’ was released in November 2009, recorded and mixed by Joe Johnson of Shed Seven fame.

Watch this space to see where Libby will be touring with Barry. Or if you’re looking for a singer for one of your events then you can contact her direct by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Why not take a look at her website - www.libbyredman.co.uk

Blast from the Past

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 14:10

One of the things that people often ask Barry is, does he ever see anybody who he knew in the days when he was dealing and using drugs? Of course, over the years there have been various times when he has bumped into people from his past, but nothing as significant as the time when he met up with the guy who used to supply him with heroin when he was a dealer.

About five years ago, Barry picked up a Christian Magazine and was amazed to see the face of his former drug supplier on the front! After reading the article inside he discovered that ‘Big Tony’ is now a Christian, and that he is now leading Street Pastors in Manchester. Barry contacted Tony straight away and they met up. Since then, their paths have crossed on many occasions; the most recent was in early June when they were attending a Leader’s Day in Salford.

A Prisoner's Poem

Wednesday, 12 May 2010 11:52

Since the beginning of this year, we have received many letters from prisoners in UK prisons. Mostly, they have read Barry’s book ‘Once an Addict’ and many have come to faith as a result. In these letters people tend to ‘bare their soul’ and write things to Barry which, we feel sure, they would not say to their cell mates. It is quite humbling to receive these letters and to send replies in order to offer to them some words of encouragement.

One of the guys recently included a poem which he had written: 

I felt so down at times

I could break down and cry.

Fall to my knees praying

Asking God why?