Jesus, The God Particle & Other Mysteries Revealed…Seriously!

This past week, the media has been celebrating the apparent discovery of “The God Particle” or the Higgs boson by scientists in Geneva, Switzerland.  If you’re like me, you probably were unaware such a thing had even been postulated.  About 50 years ago, British physicist, Peter Higgs, theorized, if I have it right, about the existence of a particle that gives mass to everything in existence.  As a result, some dubbed Higgs’ theory: “The God Particle.” 

What does the revelation of this supposed scientific secret mean?  Does this allow atheists to sleep more soundly at night because the Higgs boson claims responsibility for sustaining life on this planet?  Conversely, should the announcement of this finding give believers insomnia for fear that this press release could shipwreck the Christian faith of some? 

Atheists and Theists alike are apoplectic as they wrestle with these questions.  So, it’s at times like this when I seek wisdom and guidance from experts who are able to cut through the intellectual jargon and phrase things in layman’s terms for me.  In this case, a middle schooler might be our best hope for giving us the clarity we need to consider so heavy a topic.  If asked, he or she could offer the answer we all need as we ponder quantum physics and seek to explain this recent discovery…. Dude…Seriously!

Yet, for those who consider Christians intellectual lightweights, I’ll cite an authority who I would otherwise disagree with on most points.  Robert Wright, the Editor At Large of The Atlantic and the author of The Evolution of God, puts things in perspective for the less scientifically astute in his article,“What This Higgs Thing Really Means:”

“As you may have heard, there is now strong evidence that a particle called the Higgs boson, whose existence has long been predicted on theoretical grounds, actually exists. Let me explain to you what the Higgs boson is. Just kidding! Nobody can explain to you what the Higgs boson is…”

Dude...Seriously, it’s a good thing for people to pursue knowledge.  Believers should be at the forefront of scientific, philosophical and theological inquiry.  Unfortunately, history shows this has not always been the case for people of all faiths.  Ironically, Jesus came to unveil the true intent of the Hebrew Scriptures in the face of great opposition from the religious leaders of His day.  So, in Matthew 13, we find Jesus revealing “the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven” to those seeking the key to unlock this ancient mystery.  Today, we’ll unlock 4 of the Kingdom Secrets as we study 3 of Jesus’ parables in Matthew 13:24-43.

This article is an excerpt of a sermon in my summer series in Jesus’ Parables.  All are welcome to join us for worship every Sunday at 9:30 am.  Lighthouse Community Baptist Church is located at 22 Pequot Trail in Pawcatuck.