The Copernican Revolution

The Copernican Revolution
By Ed Handkins

The advance of science has been a process of discovery. Little by little we have realized that the universe is a lot bigger and more complex than we ever imagined. We have learned that what seems to “common sense” may not even be correct.

When we look at the world, it really does look like the sun “comes up” in the east and “sets” in the west. We know it appears to be that way, not because the sun moves but because the earth rotates. Yes, from a local perspective the earth may even appear to be flat, stationary and it can look like the universe revolves around us. It took a series of discoveries to some of the things that are really happening.

Nicholas Copernicus, (1473-1543) a Polish astronomer, concluded the earth really did move around the sun – just like the other “wandering stars” or planets. He made his case that the sun, not the earth was the center of the universe. He shook the world view of his time. “Common sense” was indeed common but it was not correct.

I suppose if Copernicus has lived in our time he would conclude that the universe really revolved around him.

Because we are “self aware” we focus on the world from our own perspective. It takes mental discipline to see the world and the universe from a new perspective. Copernicus helped change our point of view. The march toward a greater understanding of our universe and where we fit in continues today. The truth is we have not yet reached a full understanding of our universe and how it works – and may never reach that complete understanding.

Even as we realize how small and insignificant earth is in the grand scheme of the universe we are also realizing how unique earth is as a place where life, as we understand it, can exist. We are not too close to the sun and we are not too far away. Our sun is not too large nor too small. Just like Goldilocks everything appears “just right.” We have enough water, the right amount of air to breath and a biosphere that sustains itself.

What could account for our good fortune? I believe there is a design – and thus a designer. He has left clues for us to follow. In these blog I will explore some of these clues and show some of the ways God reveals Himself through His creation. We are not the center of the universe – God is!

None of the clues are considered “proofs” of the existence of God but when you put them all together I believe there is overwhelming evidence of God and his nature.

©Ed Handkins 2010