Q&A with Steve Osborne, PhD
Author of "Beyond Chance: From the Big Bang to the Empty Tomb"
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Q: How does your book differs from other apologetics books? A: Several factors distinguish Beyond Chance. First, it is written to "everyday" readers without a background in science. The whole book has been edited to a 9th grade reading level. Second, it combines scientific evidence for intelligent design with a strong emphasis that God is the source of that intelligence. Many intelligent design books already exist, but they tend to avoid naming the source of intelligence--that keeps the story focused on science, not religion. These books also tend to be very technical. Third, is the scope of the book: from the beginning of the cosmos to first life on earth, what it means to be human, how that makes us unique, and finally, the resurrection of Christ. |
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Q: What do you believe is the strongest, most consequential evidence for God?
A: Science cannot explain the two most important events in the history of time: the origin of the universe and the beginning of first life. The origin of first life is probably the most significant because that is our origin as humans. Despite what is routinely taught in public schools and college, science cannot explain the origin of first life on Earth. In fact, I argue that first life is scientifically impossible without the assistance of an intelligent force, which is the God of the Bible.
Q: How does the empty tomb connect to cosmology?
A: Science provides ample evidence for the existence and majesty of God. Nowhere is this more evident than in the beginning of the cosmos, which science cannot explain because the laws of nature did not exist at the moment the universe burst into being. If we see God as the Designer of the universe, and all of life, which my book demonstrates, then we must ask: is God merely a distant architect, or is He a personal Creator? The empty tomb answers that question by taking us from scientific to historical evidence. If the empty tomb reveals the resurrection of Christ then that information becomes the capstone of all the scientific evidence for His existence. Taken together, the scientific and historical evidence for God is so overwhelming that it deserves to be acknowledged by everyone, skeptic and believers alike.
A: Science cannot explain the two most important events in the history of time: the origin of the universe and the beginning of first life. The origin of first life is probably the most significant because that is our origin as humans. Despite what is routinely taught in public schools and college, science cannot explain the origin of first life on Earth. In fact, I argue that first life is scientifically impossible without the assistance of an intelligent force, which is the God of the Bible.
Q: How does the empty tomb connect to cosmology?
A: Science provides ample evidence for the existence and majesty of God. Nowhere is this more evident than in the beginning of the cosmos, which science cannot explain because the laws of nature did not exist at the moment the universe burst into being. If we see God as the Designer of the universe, and all of life, which my book demonstrates, then we must ask: is God merely a distant architect, or is He a personal Creator? The empty tomb answers that question by taking us from scientific to historical evidence. If the empty tomb reveals the resurrection of Christ then that information becomes the capstone of all the scientific evidence for His existence. Taken together, the scientific and historical evidence for God is so overwhelming that it deserves to be acknowledged by everyone, skeptic and believers alike.
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Q: You talk about the "minimal cell problem." Can you explain that to us?
A: The Minimal Cell is a laboratory model that offers a glimpse into what the first life might have looked like. Researchers took the simplest living cell, a bacterium, and removed genes one at a time until the cell could no longer survive. So, even at its most stripped level, the cell still needed 473 genes and over half a million DNA base pairs. What this tells us is the first living thing on Earth was stunningly complex. Getting from raw chemistry available on ancient earth to a living cell is a feat that is impossible without intelligent assistance. |
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Q: You say dark matter is a gospel metaphor. How so?
A: Dark matter is another mysterious force shaping our universe. It makes up about 27% of our universe, but it cannot be seen, it can’t be measured directly, and it is not made up of protons and neutrons like normal physical matter. We know dark matter exists because of how it affects the universe. Without dark matter there would not have been enough normal matter for stars to form or galaxies to exist. We would not be here. In the same way, even though God is unseen, we know He exists because of how He affects the universe and life. Neither would exist without His direct influence. Nature displays His handiwork. The heavens do not whisper God’s existence. They shout it.
Q: Is evolution compatible with your view of Genesis?
A: It depends on how you define evolution. Natural evolution says that only natural laws can be used to explain physical phenomenon, like the origin of life. Their model says that random genetic mutations and natural selection can explain the diversity of life, including humans. So, in that model there are no supernatural events and no God. Clearly, that model is incompatible with Genesis. Biblical evolution (my definition) says that God works through nature but also directly intervenes to accomplish His purpose in creation. That may sound like an act of faith, but it is supported by abundant scientific evidence, which my book documents. Overall, I think Natural Evolution is a failed theory. It persists because naturalists control the narrative through public education, colleges, textbooks, and the media. In the book, I argue that the rise of complexity reads like design, not drift. I also point out that certain abrupt developments in human history defy explanation by slow, random mutation and natural selection alone.
A: Dark matter is another mysterious force shaping our universe. It makes up about 27% of our universe, but it cannot be seen, it can’t be measured directly, and it is not made up of protons and neutrons like normal physical matter. We know dark matter exists because of how it affects the universe. Without dark matter there would not have been enough normal matter for stars to form or galaxies to exist. We would not be here. In the same way, even though God is unseen, we know He exists because of how He affects the universe and life. Neither would exist without His direct influence. Nature displays His handiwork. The heavens do not whisper God’s existence. They shout it.
Q: Is evolution compatible with your view of Genesis?
A: It depends on how you define evolution. Natural evolution says that only natural laws can be used to explain physical phenomenon, like the origin of life. Their model says that random genetic mutations and natural selection can explain the diversity of life, including humans. So, in that model there are no supernatural events and no God. Clearly, that model is incompatible with Genesis. Biblical evolution (my definition) says that God works through nature but also directly intervenes to accomplish His purpose in creation. That may sound like an act of faith, but it is supported by abundant scientific evidence, which my book documents. Overall, I think Natural Evolution is a failed theory. It persists because naturalists control the narrative through public education, colleges, textbooks, and the media. In the book, I argue that the rise of complexity reads like design, not drift. I also point out that certain abrupt developments in human history defy explanation by slow, random mutation and natural selection alone.
Q: What historical facts do you believe are most solid when examining the Resurrection?
A: There are five pieces of evidence for the resurrection of Christ:
Q: You say Paul's conversion is especially good evidence for the resurrection. Can you tell us why?
A: A zealous Pharisee, Paul (Saul) viewed Jesus as a false messiah and hunted down Christians who he saw as law breakers. Acts says he “ravaged the church,” dragging men and women off to prison, and he approved the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. By his own admission, he “violently persecuted” the church. Then something extraordinary happened. On the road to Damascus, Saul experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus. A blazing light surrounded Saul. Blinded, he was led into the city. After three days, God’s servant Ananias (prompted by a vision) met him, restored his sight, and baptized him. Saul immediately began proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God. This occurred within just a few years of the resurrection.
From that point on, the persecutor became a preacher. Saul, now Paul, spent the rest of his life spreading the gospel he had tried to destroy. He endured beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, betrayal, and constant danger. Luke, at times traveling with him, records first-hand scenes of these trials. Paul spent his remaining years as a prisoner consistently proclaiming the gospel with peace and joy, counting it a privilege to serve Christ. He eventually died in Rome—beheaded for his faith—yet he never wavered. He counted trials and sacrifice as joy and a privilege to serve Christ. Paul was Christianity’s sworn enemy—until he met Jesus and became its greatest champion. A changed life is a powerful testimony for the existence of Christ.
A: There are five pieces of evidence for the resurrection of Christ:
- Jesus’ Crucifixion and Death.
- An Empty Tomb.
- Disciples Truly Believed They Witnessed a Resurrected Christ.
- The Conversion and Ministry of Paul.
- The Conversion and Ministry of James.
Q: You say Paul's conversion is especially good evidence for the resurrection. Can you tell us why?
A: A zealous Pharisee, Paul (Saul) viewed Jesus as a false messiah and hunted down Christians who he saw as law breakers. Acts says he “ravaged the church,” dragging men and women off to prison, and he approved the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. By his own admission, he “violently persecuted” the church. Then something extraordinary happened. On the road to Damascus, Saul experienced a life-changing encounter with Jesus. A blazing light surrounded Saul. Blinded, he was led into the city. After three days, God’s servant Ananias (prompted by a vision) met him, restored his sight, and baptized him. Saul immediately began proclaiming that Jesus is the Son of God. This occurred within just a few years of the resurrection.
From that point on, the persecutor became a preacher. Saul, now Paul, spent the rest of his life spreading the gospel he had tried to destroy. He endured beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks, betrayal, and constant danger. Luke, at times traveling with him, records first-hand scenes of these trials. Paul spent his remaining years as a prisoner consistently proclaiming the gospel with peace and joy, counting it a privilege to serve Christ. He eventually died in Rome—beheaded for his faith—yet he never wavered. He counted trials and sacrifice as joy and a privilege to serve Christ. Paul was Christianity’s sworn enemy—until he met Jesus and became its greatest champion. A changed life is a powerful testimony for the existence of Christ.
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Q: How should Christians approach the historical evaluation of the Bible?
A: I believe the Bible is both historically and scientifically accurate. However, we cannot approach the Bible from a 21st-century perspective. It arose in an ancient Near Eastern culture with different ways of thinking. Its main purpose is theological—to show God’s relationship to the world and humanity’s place in it—not to serve as a science or history textbook. Sometimes, they seem to disagree. When that happens, we should look more closely at both. The conflict may come from how we interpret the evidence—or from gaps in our knowledge. Often when current knowledge appears to disagree with the Bible, we discover later that the Bible was accurate after all. For nearly two centuries, scientists were sure the universe had existed forever. Those who believed the universe had a beginning were viewed as scientifically naïve or ignorant. But now we know the universe did in fact have a beginning. We must treat the Bible like any other ancient source—neither privileged nor prejudged—and let the evidence speak. Faith does not require shutting down historical investigation. It invites it. |
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About Steve Osborne, PhD
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Steve Osborne, PhD, is an experimental psychologist who has published peer-reviewed research. Once a skeptic himself, he began a personal and intellectual journey that led him to embrace Christianity as both rational and true. He served as a grant reviewer for the National Science Foundation and a guest reviewer for two peer-reviewed scientific journals. He received his PhD in Experimental Psychology from Arizona State University and his undergraduate degree from UC San Diego, where he graduated with highest honors. His book, “Beyond Chance: From the Big Bang to the Empty Tomb,” integrates discoveries in cosmology, biology, and archaeology with biblical theology. He lives in Northern California and continues to write, teach, and speak on issues of faith and reason. For more information visit: https://www.steveosbornebooks.com/.
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