to dahermit
Re: Laws of science and God's mercy
While NOTHING in science is carved in stone for all eternity, we do accept certain propositions as "laws". Laws are laws because there have never been any exceptions found.
Theories often have exceptions. Evolution is not a law but is a theory. Beacuse "laws" have no known exceptions, they are considered to be more reliable than theories. Laws are accepted as absolute and will continue in this status until/if someone finds an exception. Theories are constantly in flux and are adjusted as new findings must be incorporated.
There are 3 laws of thermodynamics. They are accepted as laws because no exception to them has ever been found. One of those laws, #2, deals with entropy. To paraphrase, it says the universe is slowly winding down. Over time the total amount of energy remains constant but the amount of that energy that is available for useful work is shrinking. This is a "law" of science because no exception has ever been found.
There are 3 laws of biogenesis. They are laws because NO EXCEPTION has ever been found.
Hawking is correct in his reference to "laws of science".
Because of the finetuning present throughout the universe, many scholars (and the number is growing by leaps and bounds each day) have concluded that the universe is not a random event but rather a deliberate act. You asked for examples of God's mercy. How about:
1. It rains on earth so we can drink water and grow crops and go water skiing and brew beer.
2. The air is breathable and filters out UV rays. Not just breathable for humans but also for animals and plankton and whales.
3. The earth is an optimal distance from the sun. Just the right amount of heat and just the right composition to put a golden tan on young and shapely ladies, enhancing their appeal.
4. The earth has a moon which creates cleansing tides and results in a daily migration of shrimp in and out of channels. This provide opportunities for amateurs like me to put a tasty cocktail on the table from time to time.
5. Conditions for life are so optimal on earth that there are literally millions and millions of different species. (I happen to like golden retrievers and brown pelicans the best).
God didn't provide any of the above on Mercury or Titan. He did provide the above for our planet.
Examples of God's mercy are all around but you can only see them if you chose to do so.
