Has Science found God? A Metaphysical and Conceptual Parallel between God and Science’s Dark Matter
Updated: Jan 7
If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck,
it could be a duck.
By Dr. Kim Byrd-Rider, PT, DPT
The Bible reveals God as both personal and impersonal. God is deeply relational, caring for individuals and interacting with them, while also being impersonal: transcendent, omnipotent, and the sustaining force of all existence. These dual aspects highlight the complexity and fullness of God’s character, according to the Bible.
This paper hypothesizes that dark matter, a measurable unknown in space, might be a descriptor for the impersonal aspects of God. The exact nature of dark matter remains one of the greatest mysteries in modern cosmology. Similarly, the scientific multiverse theory could offer a speculative explanation for the locations of Heaven, Hell, and even God. This is not the first paper to propose this hypothesis of parallels between God, dark matter, and the multiverse. Others, like physics Nobel prize winner, 2022 Templeton prize winner, and dark matter researcher Dr. Frank Wilczek agree with the link between physic’s findings and God.
Viewing dark matter as a sustaining force of God bridges science and theology, connecting its unseen influence with spiritual beliefs. This perspective inspires awe, suggesting that scientific mysteries can complement and deepen faith.
Many are unfamiliar with the scientific terms of dark matter and the multiverse, so this paper will define terms first and then explore the metaphysical and conceptual parallels between God and science using NASA, astrophysicists, the Bible, and even movie scripts to help us all easily understand these metaphysical and conceptual parallels.
What is Dark Matter?
A 30 second video from the famous physicist Michio Kaku:
Dark matter is a physics principle that is measurable yet unexplainable. It is known that it does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible and detectable only through its gravitational effects on visible matter, radiation, and the large-scale structure of the universe. Observations such as galaxy rotation curves, gravitational lensing, and cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropies support its existence. While its exact nature is unknown, dark matter may consist of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) or other exotic non-baryonic particles.
Dark matter was first hypothesized in 1933 by Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky. He observed that galaxies within the Coma Cluster were moving too quickly to be held together by the visible mass of the cluster alone (Zwicky, 1933). The current best estimates indicate that about 95% of the universe is made up of dark matter and dark energy.
1. Dark Matter: It makes up approximately 27% of the universe's total mass-energy content.
2. Dark Energy: It constitutes about 68% of the universe.
3. The remaining 5% consists of ordinary (baryonic) matter, which includes stars, galaxies, planets, and all observable matter.
The exact nature of dark matter and dark energy remains one of the greatest mysteries in modern cosmology. The iconic astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson speculates on dark matter as coming from the multiverse.
More to watch on Dark Matter from scientists:
How Dark Matter is measured:
What is the Multiverse?
The multiverse theory suggests that our universe is just one of many universes that exist, collectively forming a multiverse. These universes may vary in their physical laws, constants, dimensions, and structures, with some possibly harboring life and others existing under radically different conditions. This idea has gained prominence in physics, cosmology, and philosophy as a way to explain the fine-tuning of the universe, quantum phenomena, and other scientific observations.
Key Physics Concepts of the Multiverse Theory.
1. Levels of the Multiverse: Max Tegmark (2003) proposed four levels of multiverses:
- Level I: Infinite regions of space beyond our observable universe that follow the same physical laws.
- Level II: Universes with varying physical constants resulting from cosmic inflation.
- Level III: Parallel universes arising from the Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI) of quantum mechanics.
- Level IV: Universes with entirely different mathematical structures and laws.
The key concepts and levels are explained in this video by Neil deGrasse Tyson:
2. Cosmic Inflation: The inflationary model of the universe suggests that rapid expansion after the Big Bang could create "bubbles" of space-time, each evolving into distinct universes (Guth, 2007).
3. Quantum Mechanics: The MWI of quantum mechanics posits that every quantum event results in the splitting of reality into multiple branches, each representing a different outcome (Everett, 1957).
4. Anthropic Principle: The multiverse theory provides a framework for explaining the fine-tuning of the universe. It suggests that the observed conditions of our universe are a consequence of our existence in one of many universes where life is possible (Carr, 2007).
5. Evidence and Challenges: While the multiverse theory is compelling, direct evidence remains elusive due to the limitations of observable science. Indirect arguments supporting the theory include: Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB): Anomalies in the CMB may hint at interactions between our universe and others (Planck Collaboration, 2018).
6. Mathematical Models: Predictions from string theory and inflationary models align with the idea of multiple universes. However, critics argue that the multiverse is untestable and lies beyond the scope of empirical science, placing it in the realm of metaphysics rather than physics.
7. Philosophical Implications: The multiverse theory raises profound questions about the nature of reality, causality, and existence. It challenges traditional notions of uniqueness and the role of human life in the cosmos. Some interpretations align with theological perspectives, while others emphasize existential randomness.
As detailed here, the multiverse theory began in science as far back as 1957 but the Disney movie franchise in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has embraced the multiverse as a central theme in several movies and series, using it to expand storytelling possibilities, introduce alternate realities, and connect characters from different timelines and franchises. Here are some movies and series that explore the multiverse:
Best Picture 2023 Academy Award Winner: Everything, Everywhere, All at Once
Key Marvel Movies Featuring the Multiverse:
1. Doctor Strange (2016). Introduced the concept of multiple dimensions, including the Dark Dimension and Mirror Dimension. It hinted at the vast potential of the multiverse.
2. Avengers: Endgame (2019). Time travel and alternate timelines were central to the plot as the Avengers revisited past events to retrieve the Infinity Stones. These events created branching timelines.
3. Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021). Explored the multiverse fully by bringing together characters and villains from previous Spider-Man franchises, including Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield's Spider-Men.
4. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022). A deep dive into the multiverse, featuring alternate versions of characters like Doctor Strange and Wanda Maximoff, and exploring the consequences of tampering with different realities.
5. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023). Introduced the Quantum Realm as a possible gateway to the multiverse and unveiled Kang the Conqueror, a multiverse-centric villain.
6. Loki (2021), (Disney+ Series). This series focused heavily on the multiverse, introducing the Time Variance Authority (TVA) and the concept of maintaining the "Sacred Timeline." It introduced He Who Remains, a variant of Kang.
7. What If...? (2021–present), (Disney+ Animated Series). Explores alternate realities where key MCU events happen differently, showcasing a wide range of multiverse possibilities.
8. Deadpool 3 (2024). Expected to explore the multiverse as Deadpool officially joins the MCU, possibly with crossovers involving X-Men and other Fox characters.
Why the Multiverse?
The multiverse allows Marvel to:
- Connect past franchises (e.g., X-Men, Fantastic Four).
- Create "What If?" scenarios.
- Explore alternate character versions (e.g., Superior Iron Man, Zombie Avengers).
- Introduce major multiverse villains like Kang the Conqueror.
The multiverse theme is central to Marvel's Multiverse Saga (Phases 4–6), culminating in Avengers: The Kang Dynasty (2026) and Avengers: Secret Wars (2027), where multiverse concepts are expected to play a defining role. So, you will be seeing more of this scientific theory in future movies. If you have watched these movies, then you already have a good grasp on the scientific version of the multiverse theory.
You might find this 10 minute video of Tyson’s insight of dark matter coming from the multiverse:
Conclusion
This begs the questions:
· Could Heaven be in the multiverse?
· Could Hell be in the multiverse?
· Could angels and demons be in the multiverse?
· Could God be in the multiverse if dark matter is coming from the multiverse?
· Is dark matter part the measurable part of God?
Many authors are exploring these questions, with numerous articles and papers offering different perspectives. While some view dark matter as a challenge to the idea of God, others, like this paper, interpret it as evidence of God's existence.
If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it might be a duck.
Now that we understand the scientific terms and their inspiration for fictional movie scripts, let’s turn to the parallels between dark matter and God. While God's personal attributes include love, justice, and mercy, God’s impersonal traits such as omnipotence and omnipresence might align with dark matter's omnipresent, sustaining role in the universe.
Could dark matter embody an impersonal aspect of God? This speculation invites reflection on the intersection of science and spirituality, moving beyond empirical science into metaphysical exploration.
A. It walks like a duck: Measurable Comparisons
1. God’s Immanence and Transcendence:
- In many religious traditions, God is seen as both transcendent (beyond creation) and immanent (present within creation). Dark matter could be viewed as an immanent, impersonal force through which God sustains the universe.
- The Bible describes God's sustaining power: “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17). Dark matter could metaphorically align with this sustaining aspect.
2. Theological Parallels:
- Classical Theism: In Christian theology, God is understood as having both personal (relational) and impersonal (natural laws, sustaining power) aspects. Dark matter could represent the impersonal, physical mechanism of God’s governance of the cosmos.
- Pantheism and Panentheism: These views hold that God is either identical with the universe (pantheism) or present in every part of it while also transcending it (panentheism). Dark matter as part of the universe could thus be an expression of God’s presence in creation.
3. The Unseen and Mysterious Nature of God:
- Dark matter, like God, is unseen and incomprehensible to human senses yet exerts a profound influence on the universe. Romans 1:20 states, “For his invisible attributes…have been clearly perceived…in the things that have been made,” suggesting that the natural world reflects aspects of God’s nature.
4. Metaphysical Interpretations:
- In metaphysics, God is sometimes described as the “ground of being,” the ultimate reality underlying existence. Dark matter, as a fundamental component of the universe, might be a physical expression of this grounding force.
- Process theology, which views God as evolving and working within creation, could interpret dark matter as a manifestation of God’s ongoing creative activity.
5. Invisibility and Unseen Nature
-Both dark matter and God share a fundamental characteristic: they are invisible and undetectable through direct means. Dark matter, constituting about 27% of the universe’s mass-energy content, cannot be observed directly through electromagnetic radiation but is inferred from gravitational effects on visible matter (NASA, 2023). Similarly, God in the Bible is described as a spirit who cannot be seen physically. For instance, John 4:24 states, “God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” The invisibility of both entities challenges human understanding, pushing reliance on indirect evidence.
6. Influence on the Observable World:
-Dark matter and God exert profound influence on the observable world, despite their hidden nature. Dark matter’s gravitational pull shapes the structure of galaxies and affects cosmic phenomena (Planck Collaboration, 2018). Without it, galaxies would lack the necessary mass to maintain their structural integrity. In the biblical worldview, God’s influence is equally foundational. Colossians 1:17 says, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together,” illustrating God’s sustaining role in the universe’s existence.
6. Evidence Through Indirect Observation:
-Acceptance of dark matter and belief in God often rely on indirect evidence. Scientists infer the presence of dark matter through phenomena such as gravitational lensing and the rotation curves of galaxies, which cannot be explained by visible matter alone (Rubin & Ford, 1970). Similarly, believers perceive evidence of God’s existence through creation, moral order, and personal experiences. Romans 1:20 emphasizes this, stating, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.”
7. Faith and Theoretical Acceptance:
-Both dark matter and God require a level of faith or theoretical acceptance. Scientists accept dark matter as a necessary component of cosmological models, even without direct detection, because it addresses gaps in understanding the universe. In parallel, faith in God is a central tenet of Christianity, as Hebrews 11:1 describes: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This faith bridges the gap between evidence and belief in both realms.
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B. It talks like a duck. Comparisons of their Natures
Dark matter and God, as described in the Bible, come from different ideas but share some similarities. Both are invisible, have a big impact, and play important roles in shaping life and the universe. These connections show how humans are always searching to understand the unseen forces that guide our world. Looking at these ideas together helps us see how science and spirituality can work side by side, encouraging respect for both.
1. A biblical name for God in Hebrew = Elohim (Genesis 1:1) which translates to: In the Beginning God, Always Present
Dark matter, while invisible and mysterious, is thought to have existed since the beginning of the universe, playing a vital role in its formation and evolution. Similarly, the Bible opens with the declaration of God’s eternal presence: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Both concepts point to an enduring presence foundational to the existence of the cosmos.
2. A biblical name for God in Hebrew = YHWH Elohim (Genesis 2:2, Exodus 3) which translates to: The Great I AM, Consistency and Truth
God is described in the Bible as “the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). This unchanging nature aligns with the consistent role of dark matter in the universe. Despite being unseen, its influence on galactic structures remains constant and dependable, mirroring God’s unwavering truth and reliability.
3. A biblical name for God in Hebrew = El Elyon (Genesis 15) which translates to: The Most High God, Possession and Control
Dark matter exerts a controlling influence on the cosmos, holding galaxies together through its gravitational effects. In parallel, the Bible portrays God as the Most High, sovereign over all creation. Psalm 24:1 declares, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,” emphasizing God’s ultimate authority over the universe.
4. A biblical name for God in Hebrew = Adonai Jehovah (Genesis 15) which translates to: Sovereignty Over All
The sovereignty of God as Adonai, the Lord, finds a reflection in dark matter’s role as a governing force in the cosmos. Just as God directs the paths of individuals and nations, dark matter influences the movement and behavior of galaxies, shaping the universe in unseen but powerful ways.
5. A biblical name for God in Hebrew = El Roi (Genesis 16) which translates to: The God Who Sees and Hears
God’s omnipresence and awareness are central themes in the Bible. Hagar, in Genesis 16:13, calls God “El Roi,” the God who sees. Dark matter, though unseen, is discerned through its effects, suggesting a parallel in how both are perceived indirectly yet undeniably impactful.
6. A biblical name for God in Hebrew = El Shaddai (Genesis 17) which translates to: God Almighty: Always Sufficient
Dark matter’s role in the universe is indispensable; without it, the cosmos as we know it would collapse. Similarly, God is described as “El Shaddai” (God Almighty), always sufficient and providing for humanity’s needs. Philippians 4:19 reinforces this, stating, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
7. A biblical name for God in Hebrew = El Olam (Genesis 21) which translates to: The Everlasting God, Unchanging Nature
Both dark matter and God share an eternal and unchanging nature. Isaiah 40:28 refers to God as the “Everlasting God,” whose nature and purpose remain steadfast. Likewise, dark matter’s presence and influence in the universe remain consistent over cosmic timescales.
8. A biblical name for God in Hebrew = YHWH Sabaoth (1 Samuel 1:3) which translates to: The Lord of Hosts: Help in Battles. The God of Angel armies.
God is often called the “Lord of Hosts,” the commander of angelic armies who aids His people in their struggles (Psalm 46:7). While not sentient, dark matter can be likened to an unseen force that supports the structural integrity of the universe, ensuring that the cosmos withstands destabilizing forces.
9. A biblical name for God in Hebrew = El Nahumot Kullah (2 Corinthians. 1:3-4) which translates to: The God of All Comfort
God’s role as the “God of All Comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) highlights His nurturing and restorative presence in human lives. Dark matter, while not personal, provides a parallel as a sustaining force in the universe, maintaining the stability required for life and cosmic harmony.
Potential Challenges to This Paper’s Theory
1. Reductionism: Equating dark matter with an aspect of God might reduce the divine to a purely physical phenomenon, which could conflict with the view of God as a transcendent being.
2. Divergent Frameworks: Scientific explanations focus on natural causes and mechanisms, while theological interpretations address meaning, purpose, and the divine. Bridging these frameworks requires careful nuance.
Conclusion: It could be a duck.
Dark matter could be the measurable presence of God. Dark matter is a scientific idea used to explain invisible mass in the universe, while God, as described in the Bible, is seen as the creator and source of order. Both share similarities—they are unseen, have a big impact, and require faith to believe in them.
Another mystery is the multiverse, a theory suggesting our universe might be one of many, each with its own rules. Famous astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has said dark matter could be coming from the multiverse. Even though the multiverse is still just a theory, it could help answer big questions about where the universe came from, why it’s so perfectly balanced, what dark matter really is, and where it is coming from.
References
Carr, B. (2007). Universe or Multiverse? Cambridge University Press.
Everett, H. (1957). "Relative State" Formulation of Quantum Mechanics. Reviews of Modern Physics.
Guth, A. H. (2007). Eternal Inflation and Its Implications. Journal of Physics A: Mathematical and Theoretical.
NASA. (2023). Dark matter. Retrieved from [https://www.nasa.gov](https://www.nasa.gov)
Planck Collaboration. (2018). Planck 2018 results. VI. Cosmological parameters. Astronomy & Astrophysics.
Rubin, V. C., & Ford, W. K. (1970). Rotation of the Andromeda Nebula from a Spectroscopic Survey of Emission Regions. The Astrophysical Journal.
Tegmark, M. (2003). Parallel Universes. Scientific American.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV).
Zwicky, F. (1933). Die Rotverschiebung von extragalaktischen Nebeln. Helvetica Physica Acta, 6, 110–127.
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