Renewing Your Mind: Episode Summary
Title: Chance: The Modern Myth
Host/Author: Ligonier Ministries
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Podcast Series: Creation or Chaos
Speaker: R.C. Sproul
Introduction
In this thought-provoking episode of Renewing Your Mind, R.C. Sproul delves into the pervasive myth of chance that has infiltrated modern scientific and academic thought. As part of the Creation or Chaos? series, Sproul challenges the notion that chance alone can account for the existence and complexity of the universe, asserting that this belief undermines both theological and scientific truths.
The Myth of Chance in Modern Thought
Sproul opens by identifying chance as the "great myth of 20th century thought," a concept that has seeped into prestigious academic and scientific institutions. He argues that reliance on chance as a fundamental explanation for the universe's existence is both misguided and detrimental.
Sproul [00:00]: "If there's any glaring myth that has wormed its way into modern life and worldview thinking... it is the grand myth of chance."
He emphasizes that chance is not merely a statistical possibility but has been elevated to a scientific law, providing comfort to modern thought but simultaneously acting as a barrier to genuine understanding.
The Historical Use of Mythology
Sproul discusses how ancient mythological themes continue to influence contemporary language and thought. He notes that myths served as early attempts to explain natural phenomena, reflecting humanity's quest to understand the mysteries of existence.
Sproul [01:24]: "We are reading on many occasions ancient man's science, that is, man's attempt to explain his environment in the arena of mystery."
He warns against the arrogance of dismissing current beliefs as devoid of mythology, cautioning that future generations may similarly ridicule present-day concepts.
Pierre Delbe's View on Chance
Referencing Pierre Delbe’s work, Sproul critiques the portrayal of chance as a scientific law. Delbe describes chance as a "soft pillow," suggesting it offers a comfortable yet illusionary foundation for modern thought.
Sproul [10:45]: "Chance appears today as a law, the most general of all laws. It has become for me a soft pillow... But this is a scientific pillow."
Sproul aligns with Delbe's skepticism, arguing that chance has become a "soporific" influence, dulling critical scientific and theological inquiry.
Critique of Chance as a Scientific Pillar
Sproul extends his critique by highlighting Stanley Yocchi's perspective that chance serves as a "magic tool" in scientific discourse, making questionable philosophies appear respectable.
Sproul [14:30]: "It serves as a magic tool for making shabby philosophizing a most respectable attitude."
He contends that attributing phenomena to chance introduces a magical element into scientific explanations, which undermines the integrity of both science and theology.
Implications for Theology and Science
The central concern Sproul addresses is the conflict between the concept of chance and the doctrine of creation. He argues that if chance is accepted as a legitimate explanation for the universe's existence, it negates the need for a sovereign Creator, thus rendering theological doctrines obsolete.
Sproul [18:10]: "As long as chance rules, God is an anachronism. If chance exists, God is finished."
Sproul asserts that the belief in chance not only challenges theological truths but also creates a rift between scientific and religious communities, making collaboration against shared misconceptions nearly impossible.
The Doctrine of Creation vs. Chance
Sproul emphasizes the foundational importance of the doctrine of creation in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. He underscores that denying creation through the lens of chance threatens the very existence of these faiths.
Sproul [20:05]: "The very first assertion that is made in the Old Testament... God created the heaven and the earth."
He critiques contemporary debates that pit creation science against natural science, arguing that the underlying issue is the rejection of a divine creator in favor of impersonal chance.
Personal Anecdotes and Illustrations
To illustrate the limitations of chance, Sproul shares personal interactions where the concept of chance was misapplied. He recounts a conversation with a minister who attempted to defend creation by calculating astronomical odds against chance, only to realize the fallacies in such reasoning.
Sproul [22:50]: "If there's one chance in 10 gajillion googaplexes that the universe took place by chance... it's still mathematically possible."
Through these anecdotes, Sproul demonstrates the flawed logic in attributing complex phenomena to chance, emphasizing that chance lacks the agency to effectuate anything substantial.
Conclusion
R.C. Sproul concludes by reiterating that chance should not be regarded as a viable explanation for the universe's existence. He calls for a re-examination of modern scientific and philosophical assumptions, advocating for a harmonious relationship between science and theology grounded in the belief of a sovereign Creator.
Sproul [24:00]: "Out of chance everything comes... which is saying out of nothing something comes. And that is the principle idea that is used as a substitute for creation."
Sproul warns that embracing the myth of chance not only endangers theological truths but also compromises the very foundation of scientific inquiry, urging listeners to recognize and reject this modern myth.
Notable Quotes:
- R.C. Sproul [00:00]: "Chance is the great myth of 20th century thought."
- R.C. Sproul [10:45]: "It has become for me a soft pillow."
- R.C. Sproul [18:10]: "As long as chance rules, God is an anachronism."
- R.C. Sproul [22:50]: "Nothing can happen by chance."
Closing Remarks by Nathan W. Bingham
While the primary focus of the episode is Sproul's lecture, Nathan W. Bingham provides concluding remarks encouraging listeners to engage with the Creation or Chaos? series and consider supporting Ligonier Ministries to access additional resources.
This episode of Renewing Your Mind offers a compelling critique of the reliance on chance as an explanatory mechanism for the universe, challenging listeners to reconsider the compatibility of chance with both scientific integrity and theological truth.