(Video here.)
We will answer the question: "Is there one God or many gods?" To do this, we'll use the Word of God, real-world observations about designers, and what we've observed about our universe's design. We'll see which theory best fits what we observe in the universe. We'll start with God's Word since He knows Himself best.
God's Word, which has its own evidence, tells us who God is. He says there's one God, He created us to be in a relationship with Him, and He gets angry when we betray Him to chase false gods. Here's a few verses on that:
"I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God." (Isaiah 45:5)
"You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath. [...] You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God." (Exodus 20:3-6)
"One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:6)
"Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father (God), and it is enough for us.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?" (John 14:8-9)
For in him [Christ] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:16-17)
Outside of God's Word, others have shared natural
evidence that God exists. If God is invisible, how do we know if
there is one God or many gods?
We can easily answer that by using human designers as an example. Of many designs, two categories are very common in this world: individuals' designs; groups' designs. We'll picture what each does. Then, compare the attributes of each to what we observe in the universe.
Try to remember the work of an experienced master of any skill. Their art, engineering, business plan, or how they dominated their sport. One person totally focused on something that they deeply understand leads to consistent, effective performance. The individual also often reuses pieces of their previous work in their next work. They sometimes even include their personality, or a signature, in it. If it's a movie or game, the designers sometimes even star in their own work interacting with their own creations. People are usually in awe of what these individuals pull off. Their fans sometimes know a new work came from them before anyone tells them who made it.
Now, imagine something designed by a committee of random, powerful people. Like the many gods of many religions, the individuals in this committee have their own visions, goals, and techniques. At any moment, they might be cooperating or at war with each other. Yet, all of them have to work together agreeing on every detail to produce a finished, consistent project. If they disagree, one will implement one thing while another does the opposite. The pieces are incompatible. The activities block each other. If they succeed at all, what this group produces would be inconsistent and ineffective in many ways. People who see it will wonder if the designers spent more time arguing with each other about what to do than they did actually doing the work itself.
I'm sure readers have seen real-world examples of both types of design. Now, which does our universe look like? One God who perfectly executed a single vision? Or many gods with competing interests alternating between working together and fighting each other?
Our universe has many patterns that repeat in many fields. There's also mathematical equations that show up in dozens of fields. Physics itself was reduced down to four forces. Looking for more, a whole tree emerged which itself had roots in foundational truths all other truths might be built on. Originally, our world looked like it had millions of unrelated entities which could have many causes, or designers. In reality, our universe is built on a small number of tools which are reused in countless ways to produce its overall design.
Our universe is also fine-tuned. It has pieces more precise than any human technology. They must work together in equally precise ways. I'd tell you there's billions of parts interacting billions of times a second. Except, the actual numbers are so many times larger that our brains would melt trying to comprehend them. If specific parts of this machine fail, the whole universe would collapse. If it operates incorrectly, no life would even begin to exist in our universe. Yet, we've been around for a long time. Wait for it... (Pauses for a few seconds.) And we're still here!
These observations prove that one designer:
(a) made every, tiny piece of the universe
(b) designed them to work together ahead of time
(c) reuses the same tools in many parts of His design
(d) does that over an astronomically high number of parts
(e) maintains them perfectly over long periods of time
Our universe is conducted with a harmony that would make the best, symphony orchestra look sloppy. Our universe must be the work of one God. Our God must also be mighty in power, possess unsearchable wisdom, and in sovereign control of every detail of our lives.
"but in these last days he [God] has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word." (Heb. 1:2-3)
God created everything to show His glory and goodness. His mercies are on all that He's made. God not only created us but sustains us. Every second is a gift. For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory. We've all done evil. None of us deserves a single, extra second. Why does God sustain us?
Or do you despise the riches of his goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God; who “will pay back to everyone according to their works: to those who by perseverance in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life; but to those who are self-seeking, and don’t obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath, indignation, oppression, and anguish on every soul of man who does evil..." (Romans 2:4-9)
"Therefore repent and turn back so that your sins may be wiped out" (Acts 3:19)
that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9)
God's giving us more time to believe His Gospel. Once we do, our sins are forgiven and the Spirit of God dwells in us. Then, we become instruments of His will. Eventually, Jesus Christ returns to bring His sheep home to safety. We will live forever with our maker. Choose the one, true God by committing your life to Jesus Christ.
(Read the Gospel with proof it's true, learn to live it, read other essays, or back to the main page.)