God and the Multiverse: Scientific, Philosophical, Theological Perspectives

This collection brings together broad perspectives exploring the relationship between theism and the idea that multiple universes exist beyond our own, thoroughly assessing the idea that a multiverse is to be expected if theism is true. This book provides a definitive contemporary treatment of the claim that if God exists, there are many universes. In recent decades, scientific theories have postulated the existence of many universes beyond our own. The details and implications of these theories are hotly contested. Some philosophers argue that these scientific models count against the existence of God. Others, however, argue that if God exists, a multiverse is precisely what we should expect to find. Moreover, these philosophers claim that the idea of a divinely created multiverse can help believers in God respond to certain arguments for atheism. These proposals are, of course, also extremely controversial. This volume collects together twelve newly published essays – two by physicists, and ten by philosophers – that discuss various aspects of this issue. Some of the essays support the idea of a divinely created multiverse; others oppose it. Scientific, philosophical, and theological issues are considered.