Michio Kaku is a renowned Japanese-American theoretical physicist, university professor, and prominent science popularizer. Many of his books are bestsellers, translated into numerous languages, including Serbian. In his book, The God Equation: The Quest for a Theory of Everything, Kaku introduces readers to the fascinating pursuit of the “Theory of Everything” or the “God Equation,” aiming to unify two major scientific theories: general relativity and quantum mechanics.
Italian theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli, among others, explains the paradox at the heart of modern physics:
“At the core of our understanding of the physical world lies a paradox. The 20th century gave us two jewels: general relativity and quantum mechanics. The former developed into cosmology, astrophysics, gravitational wave studies, black holes, and more. The latter provided the foundation for atomic, nuclear, and particle physics, as well as condensed matter physics, and much more. These two abundantly rich theories are fundamentally important in the area of technology today. They have also transformed our way of life. Yet these two theories cannot both be correct in their current forms, because they contradict each other.” (Carlo Rovelli, Seven Brief Lessons on Physics)
Michio Kaku refers to the theory that would resolve this paradox and synthesize these two frameworks as the “God Equation” or the “Theory of Everything.” According to Kaku, string theory is the leading candidate for this exalted position. In his view, “the universe is not composed of point-like particles, but vibrating strings, each note corresponding to a subatomic particle.” Essentially, all existence represents various frequencies of vibrating strings – the universe is a harmonious melody, rich with diverse tones. Wonderful, right? Physics that resembles art – and that is no metaphor! Little wonder that the above Michio Kaku’s poetic interpretation resembles Psalm 103. (104.):
“When we gaze upon the majestic brilliance of the night sky, surrounded by the twinkling stars, we are easily awestruck by its grandeur. Our thoughts turn to the most profound questions: Is there a grand design behind the universe? How can we find meaning in an apparently chaotic cosmos? Does our existence have a purpose, or is it entirely random?”
Kaku posits that the quest for a “Theory of Everything” remains open to the question of God’s existence – a bold scientific leap! He views Thomas Aquinas’ cosmological argument for the existence of God as still relevant today:
“Physicists can rewind the tape to show how the universe began with the Big Bang. However, to go beyond the Big Bang, we need the multiverse theory.”
I should point out, that the so-called multiverse theory is nothing but a speculative hypothesis and lacks scientific proof – in scientific terms, it is as unprovable as the existence of God. The “multiverse theory”, at best represents a belief, which aims to replace the belief in God the Creator. But, as we shall see, it fails to do that also.
Kaku continues: “But even if we assume that the multiverse theory explains the Big Bang, we must ask ourselves, where the idea of multiverse came from? If the multiverse is a logical consequence of the Theory of Everything, we must question the origin of that theory. This is where physics ends, and metaphysics begins. Physics offers no explanation for the origin of physical laws. This is why Aquinas’ cosmological argument about the First Mover or First Cause remains relevant today. A key characteristic of a “theory of everything”, would probably be symmetry. How come? The symmetry would be a byproduct of profound mathematical truths. But where does mathematics come from? The “theory of everything” has no answer to this question either.”
In conclusion, Kaku offers his personal perspective on God’s existence – the most beautiful scientific argument in favour of the existence of God I have ever come across, having read an enormous amount of popular science books:
“The cosmos is an exquisitely beautiful, orderly and simple place. The fact that all the physical laws of the universe can be summarized on a single sheet of paper is breathtaking. Einstein’s theory of relativity fits on that paper. The Standard Model, being more complex, occupies a bigger part of the page with its array of subatomic particles. Together, these theories can explain everything in the known universe, from the depths of the proton to the edges of the visible cosmos. Given the brevity of the sheet in question, it is difficult to avoid the conclusion that all this was pre-designed, and that the elegant design points to the hand of a cosmic designer. In my view, this is the strongest argument for the existence of God.”
Kaku’s reflections bring to mind the words of the Psalmists: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them…” (Psalm 19:1-3)
By Deacon Dr. Aleksandar Milojkov
