No 23

(The Laws of Thermodynamics)

The definition of thermodynamics is as follows: “the conversion of heat into mechanical or other forms of energy” (World Book Dictionary). Thermodynamics is a field of physics and certain laws were introduced by scientists in the beginning of the 19^th century. They are quite technical to explain in this short text but, in layman’s terms, here is how we can understand them. The first law of thermodynamics basically states that within a closed system such as the earth, no new thing is being created or can be created. The second law of thermodynamics gives a precise definition of a property called entropy. Entropy can be thought of as a measure in the disorder of a system; it indicates that everything in that system is moving towards disorder or chaos. What does all this have to de with the Bible?

Just this: the theory of creation agrees perfectly with these two laws. The Bible says in Exodus 20:11 – “For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is” (The first law of thermodynamics says that nothing new is being created). The Bible also says in 2 Peter 3:10 – “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” (The second law of thermodynamics states that everything is moving towards disorder). All one has to do is look around and see that the earth is getting worse and worse.

A famous mathematician named John Von Neumann (1903 - 1957) proposed a theory involving a machine that could replicate itself, feed itself and maintain itself – this theory is called “The Von Neumann Machine”. Mankind will never be able to make such a machine because even if a machine could somehow replicate and feed itself, it would always be in need of maintenance. God, in His omnipotence and omniscience programmed every living organism, plant and animal, to do those three things perfectly and flawlessly. Our God is an awesome God!!