In the multi-purpose room located in the library, Adam Potthast, associate professor and chair of the philosophy department, and Pastor Eugene Curry, pastor of Park Hill Baptist Church, prepared a debate on whether or not the universe has a purpose.

This topic is a sequel to a previous discussion made on Park’s KGSP 90.5 Pirate radio, when the two discussed the origination of morality and moral rules.

After the radio discussion, the two continued coming back to the same point: purpose in the universe. Potthast and Curry decided to arrange a follow-up discussion on the show.

Curry, a self-proclaimed fan of debating, approached Potthast in regards to turning the follow-up into an official debate and Potthast agreed. The event finally came to fruition Feb. 5.

A crowd of roughly 30, including students and faculty of Park and churchgoers from Park Hill Baptist attended the debate.

“I’m here tonight to argue the universe does have a purpose,” said Curry.” I am a Christian clergyman and I am here as a Christian clergyman. As the Bible says ‘The Lord has made everything for it’ on purpose in Proverbs 16:4.”

Pastor Curry told a story of a time 13.8 billion years ago where the universe was an empty place.

Time had passed and atoms had begun to hurl around space until gravity began to solidify the atoms, leading to cosmic storms and then hydrogen balls.

In Earth’s case, our galaxy was able to form a system conducive for life to occur.

According to Pastor Curry, the probability of life being sustained on earth was is 1 in 1038. To put this into perspective,
Curry explained you are significantly closer to winning the Missouri Mega Millions jackpot in which the odds are 1 in 108.5.

Curry said he believes the improbable nature of life is grounds for believing in a purpose for the universe and in turn believing in God.

“This topic is meaningful to me because the reality of purpose in the universe is a key component in the larger argument for the reality of God,” said Curry.

“I see God as a necessary prerequisite for reasonable belief in moral truth, life after death and genuine significance in human existence. So by making the case for purpose in the universe I’m indirectly making the case for God and I’m making the case for humanity’s deepest and more cherished hopes about our own existences.”
Potthast, a philosopher and a Kantian ethicist, chose a moderate stance where he concedes he is not certain there isn’t a purpose in the universe.

“If there is a purpose to the universe it has to somehow make a difference in how we see the universe operating,” he said. “It has to be acting on the universe in some way and it has to cause something to happen.”

Potthast argued the universe is constantly changing or “unfolding” in a manner that isn’t ethereal. Existence is calculable and so far, humans have been able to figure out most problems to an extent.

The possibility of a universe of no purpose undoubtedly spells fears of aimlessness for some but Potthast does not believe it has to be this way.

“Just because the universe doesn’t have a purpose doesn’t mean we can’t give ourselves purpose,” he said. “We are free to make our lives what we will. We’re amazing beings and the only beings that we know that can do this, it is remarkable.”

Curry and Potthast spoke in jest about the possibility of aliens and at other times a serious mood while answering questions during the cross examinations.

The debate served as an example of what Potthast intended all along.

“I hope that students take away this sense of civility and respect,” said Potthast, “Seeing that it’s an important aspect of critical thinking and community and civic responsibility.”