Is Our Universe a Simulation?

One of the popular subsets of the field of space is cosmology, the study of the origin, evolution, and fate of the universe.  Space.com recently posted an article with a rather philosophical view on the topic.

The philosophical atheists in the article wrestle with the concept that our universe might be a simulated reality, created by transcendent, hyper-advanced beings, existing above and beyond our simulation.  They consider five premises to the simulation argument:

(i) Other intelligent civilizations exist

(ii) Their technologies grow exponentially

(iii) They do not all go extinct

(iv) There is no universal ban or barrier for running simulations

(v) Consciousness can be simulated.

If one of the above premises is to be rejected, then it must always be rejected, everywhere, for all time, in all universes, without exception.  That, of course, makes no sense.  The philosophers, therefore, conclude that our universe is very likely a simulation.

Yet, despite all this, the philosophical atheists in this article still refuse to accept that the maker of this “simulation” is God.

If our universe was a simulation created by transcendent, hyper-advanced beings, then who created those beings and the simulation they exist in, and so on?  If we went back far enough we would eventually, out of necessity, run into a supreme Being that is not confined to a simulation, but rather exists in a beginningless state.  That Being would be God.  And why a beginningless state?  Because something cannot come from nothing.  Nihil fit ex nihilo. Nothing comes from nothing.

Dresden Firebombings

On the 70th anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima, it is worthy to note that it was not the first time that such a terror attack had been committed by Allied Forces in the year 1945. On February 14 of 1945 (ironically Ash Wednesday), Allied Forces firebombed the German city of Dresden, creating a firestorm that killed an estmated 25,000 civilians. The British Prime Minister at the time, Winston Churchill, was so appalled by the event that he had this to say:

"It seems to me that the moment has come when the question of bombing of German cities simply for the sake of increasing the terror, though under other pretexts, should be reviewed. The destruction of Dresden remains a serious query against the conduct of Allied bombing. The Foreign Secretary has spoken to me on this subject, and I feel the need for more precise concentration upon military objectives such as oil and communications behind the immediate battle-zone, rather than on mere acts of terror and wanton destruction, however impressive."

WWII was a dark time for all parties involved. May we never hide from the horror of war that we may seek the way of peace even just a minute longer when we are called to the test.

I Spoke On Behalf of the President of the United States

No, the above title is not hyperbole, but perhaps requires an explanation.  I recently narrated a military retirement ceremony during which the retiree received a letter from the President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama.  As narrator, I had the honor and privilege to read the letter to the recipient aloud before the audience.  As I read, I found myself focused on the pronouns, “I” and “you” and became imminently aware that I was, in fact, speaking for the President, using his words, to convey his personal gratitude toward the retiree.  Pretty cool, you may think?  It made me sweat.  I realized I was specifically authorized at that moment to be a messenger for the most powerful man in the country, for the most powerful country in the world. 

Now, in hindsight, perhaps I had put too much thought into the occasion.  My reaction nevertheless occurred and it had a lasting effect on me the rest of the day.   I also realized I felt a bit of guilt.  Why?  I wondered how it could be that I did not feel the same way when I read the Word of God aloud before others.  The letter I read at the retirement ceremony will decay and fall to pieces as it ages, was written by a mortal man that will one day return to the dust, and represented a nation that will also one day go the way of all the other ancient civilizations in the manner of ruins and artifacts.  If I am moved by being a messenger for such temporal things, how much more should I feel reverence and awe when I read aloud before others the very words of the Creator who made the heavens and the Earth?  May we all read God's Word with the seriousness and weight it deserves.

Why I Will Not Vote Next Year

The fact that I wrote the above blog title still surprises me.  I admit that I have held contempt for those that chose not to vote in elections.  My thought process was if you do not vote, then I do not want to hear you complain about the many problems that plague our country.  I also understood that there is no such thing as a perfect candidate, matching up 100% with my own political views.  For years this meant that I had voted for the lesser of two evils.  I would ask myself, “Who will do the least amount of damage?”  That implies that every candidate would cause some kind of damage that I would have to be willing to live with. 

I have recently wrestled with the reality that sometimes even the most minor “damage” could still be significant enough that I would not be able to vote for a candidate in good conscience.  I have broken down by party my significant concerns that I believe are so repugnant that they are non-negotiable.  While there are many other important issues not addressed in this short blog, the following are the most critical to me.

Libertarian Party

Abortion

I love the Libertarian Party.  I am currently registered Libertarian.  I am in favor of just about every position the party holds, except on the issue of abortion.  I would consider myself a pro-life libertarian, which I find to be a redundancy, as libertarian ideals essentially promote life, not destroy it.  The problem is that the party’s official position on abortion is one of pro-choice.  The institutional acceptance of abortion is already a mark of shame on our society.  The recent revelation that abortion clinics have profited in providing baby remains to research facilities is simply diabolical.  I can no longer support a pro-choice political entity or politician in good conscience.  A pity, as this party seriously has a lot of good going for it.  Should a pro-life libertarian be an option during the general election, I will gladly vote for him or her.

Republican Party

Foreign Policy

Republican foreign policy has enabled Christian persecution, specifically in the Middle East.  The most recent example is the party’s support of ISIS, aka "Syrian Rebels" in 2013.  Party leadership sought to provide arms and financial support to ISIS when the group was only fighting Assad in Syria.  The support existed even in light of the fact that ISIS was systematically killing Christians in Syria, because they were under the protection of Assad.  This is just one example of many where Republican foreign policy puts Christians at risk around the world.  As a Christian myself, I find their party’s foreign policy unacceptable and non-negotiable.

Democratic Party

Foreign Policy

Democrats may say they are anti-war, but actions over the last six years would say otherwise.  The Democrats have been in lock-step with the Republicans in their Christian persecuting foreign policy.  In fact, it was both John McCain (R) and John Kerry (D) that called for supporting ISIS in Syria just two years ago.

Abortion

See the above section on abortion under the Libertarian Party.

Constitution Party

Fanatical Nationalism

I love the U.S. Constitution and as a member of the Armed Forces I continue to uphold and defend it against all enemies, foreign and domestic.  Because of this, I use to be registered as a member of the Constitution Party and voted for Chuck Baldwin for president in 2008.  As I learned more about the party and its supporters, however, I became concerned with its position on immigration, which is not just anti-illegal immigration, but anti-LEGAL immigration.  The party's 2012 presidential nominee, Virgil Goode, and the 2016 nominee, Scott Copeland, promote a kind of Christian nationalism that verges on fanaticism, racism, and Islamophobia.  Again, a pity as I agree with the party on so many other important issues.

Green Party

Abortion

See the above section on abortion under Libertarian Party.

Taking Care of Women in the Service

My wife, Allison, served in the Air Force as a Security Forces (military police) member from June 1999 to November 2002. She was notified in October 2002 that the US would begin its ground invasion of Iraq the following March and that she would deploy there as a participant.  She was also due to give birth the following February and would be provided with 6 weeks recuperation before deployment.  She voiced her concern with the short turn-around time and was given a choice: deploy or get out.  Leaving her newborn, 2 year old daughter, and active duty Air Force husband behind was asking too much of her.  The Air Force lost a motivated and talented airman.

Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James recently commented on the change in policy of deploying women after pregnancy, which now provides women a full year adjustment before deployment.  The change alleviates the strain on “some of our talented airmen [who choose] to leave the Air Force as they struggle to balance deployments and family issues, and this is especially true soon after childbirth.”  Today the Air Force is a bit wiser and has taken some long overdue steps toward taking seriously the needs of airmen and their families.  I am extremely proud of my wife’s service and it pleases me to know that other women of her caliber of professionalism and technical expertise will now be afforded better opportunities.

Profession of Arms: Not for the Vain of Heart

I have been asked several times by civilians if I have seen the movie American Sniper. No, I have not.  I have no interest in seeing a movie based on a fellow military member's autobiography--published two years after leaving the service--where he brags about his killing exploits.  Drawing attention to one’s personal military accomplishments, no matter how extra ordinary they may be, and they truly were in Chris Kyle’s case, is found to be profoundly distasteful in the profession of arms.

 

Kyle had been duly recognized for his achievements by receiving two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars, one Commendation, and two Achievement Medals.  There is nothing wrong with others recognizing us for our efforts.  We should seek out opportunities to publically note the accomplishments of those around us as often as possible.  The moment we self-promote our own deeds, however, we step into the empty realm of vanity, souring the inspirational lure of the original accomplishment.  Vanity is nothing unique.  The heart of Man is sinful and prone to yearn for the praise of men.  Social media like Facebook and blogs like this one are potential breeding grounds for vanity to thrive.  The American Sniper autobiography serves as an opportunity for each of us to take an introspective look in ourselves and root out the vain voice within. 

PEGIDA: Extremism Can Breed Extremism

Terrorist attacks conducted by Muslim extremists (henceforth referred to as psychopaths) breeds distrust of all Muslims.  Since September 11, 2001, there has been a growing distrust of Muslims in Russia, Western Europe, Australia, and the United States.  Fourteen years of war against Muslim nations has only further bolstered western society’s distrust of the Muslim communities that reside within their borders.

“What?  Muslims are planning to build a mosque in my town?  Unacceptable; I will have no terrorists in my town on my watch.”

“A man of middle-eastern looking descent stepped onto my train?  Better keep an eye on him.”  Never mind the fact that he is actually Israeli and is wearing a Shield of David around his neck.

The new war against the Muslim psychopathic group, ISIS (once friend, now foe of the United States because they are no longer pointing their guns where they are told), has fostered greater distrust.  Recent attacks by Muslim psychopaths in Australia and France have prompted an “I told you so” response from those most vocal about their anti-Muslim sentiment.

While Americans have suffered from anti-Muslim fever for years, the fever in Western Europe has been steadily rising.  The United States has not yet witnessed, but perhaps soon will, anti-Muslim rallies, thousands strong.  An example of this has been seen with the growing German political movement, PEGIDA, which is an acronym for Patriotische Europaeer gegen die Islamisierung des Abendlandes (Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the West).  Their primary political aim could be best described as trying to protect Germany’s Judeo-Christian culture through stronger immigration policies.  Specifically, PEGIDA has been targeting Muslim psychopaths, but their rallies exhume a strong nationalistic and anti-Muslim air.

The intention here is not to alarm but simply draw attention to the warning signs of extremism that can rear its ugly head within our own midst.  Do you find yourself blaming immigrants or those of another faith for the woes of your society?  The Nazis did, too, back in the 1920s when life was admittedly hard on the Germans.  Their economy was shot and they blamed the Jewish people in their midst rather than the irresponsible, retributive Allied powers for their hard times.  Today, the Russian Ruble is dropping and the Euro has also taken a hit.  What is bad for the Ruble and Euro is eventually bad for the US dollar.  Should we all see economic hard times, I surely hope that we would not misdirect our frustration on our peaceful Muslim neighbor.