Not a Chance: The Myth of Chance in Modern Science and Cosmology
Overview
As technology allows a better view of the universe, R. C. Sproul asks an important question: Can chance be responsible for all that is? In a lively dialogue with modern thinkers from Einstein and Hume to Niels Bohr and Carl Sagan, Not a Chance consults the laws of logic, linguistic and scientific theory, and mathematical understanding to probe the cause-effect relationship. It is the only book-length critique of chance causation written by an evangelical. Sproul shows that the origin of the universe and humankind cannot be explained as a result of chance, and that chance can coexist neither with God nor with the natural sciences. Readers interested in cultural apologetics and in the Bible and science, and anyone seeking a rational defense of creation, will be intrigued by this book. Twenty-five illustrations are included to aid the reader’s understanding.
Top Highlights
“A being can be self-existent without violating logic, but it cannot be self-created.” (Page 12)
“One myth that has found its way into modern thought and is entrenched in some circles is the myth of chance.” (source)
“do not allow for uncaused effects because uncaused effects represent a contradiction in terms” (Page 49)
“Chance is not an entity. It is not a thing that has power to affect other things. It is no thing. To be more precise, it is nothing. Nothing cannot do something.” (Page 6)
“An ‘effect’ is by definition something produced by an antecedent cause. If it has no cause, it is not an effect. If it is an effect, then it has a cause.” (Page 49)
- Title: Not a Chance: The Myth of Chance in Modern Science and Cosmology
- Author: R. C. Sproul
- Edition: electronic ed.
- Publisher: Baker
- Print Publication Date: 1994
- Logos Release Date: 2000
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Serendipity in science; Chance; Science
- ISBNs: 0801083869, 9780801083860
- Resource ID: LLS:43.20.3
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-28T20:21:22Z
R. C. Sproul (1939– 2017) was a respected teacher, theologian, pastor. He was the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries where he served as executive editor of Tabletalk magazine.
Sproul held degrees from Westminster College, Pittsburgh-Xenia Theological Seminary, Free University of Amsterdam, and Whitefield Theological Seminary. He taught at several colleges and seminaries including Reformed Theological Seminary and Knox Theological Seminary. He served as senior minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, in Sanford, Florida. Sproul’s teaching can be heard daily on the ‘Renewing Your Mind’ radio broadcast which plays in over 40 countries.
Sproul wrote over 70 books and articles including the classic The Holiness of God and several theological articles in Tabletalk magazine.