What is naturalism? The basic definition is only nature exists. Or to put it in another way: The space-time universe–which can be studied by the physical sciences–is all the reality there is.
The basic argument that naturalists will give is that their worldview is simpler than theism because it requires fewer entities to explain the way things are. God becomes unnecessary–a metaphysical fifth wheel, a mere appendage. To refute this objection, two points need to be made. If God is unnecessary, then why bother believing in his existence? [1]
First, while naturalism (no God) is theoretically simpler than theism (one God), this is true only in a numerical sense. Unfortunately for naturalists, when you eliminate God as an explanation, it leaves us with massive conundrums and huge gaps in our knowledge. Getting rid of God doesn’t enhance our power to explain. If anything, it reduces our explanatory power dramatically. Naturalism is simply too inadequate to explain the various features of the universe such as: the origin of the universe, the fine-tuning of the universe, the existence of moral values and duties, existence of evil, free will, consciousness, human rights, human dignity, the emergence of first life, and rationality. Without God, we would be left with “that’s just the way it is” explanations which are woefully inadequate. Christianity, on the other hand, can account for all of these features.
Second, if we apply the principle “the fewer entities the better” without exception, then why not just say, “No explanatory entities are better than one?” We know that “spontaneous generation” (ex. flies emerging from rotting meat) is an inferior explanation to the principle that whatever begins to exist has a cause. If atheists do hold to the emergence of something from nothing, this goes against what science affirms every day.
While naturalism is “simpler” in terms of involving fewer entities within its system, it doesn’t help us account for a lot of things in the universe. A theistic context helps us make sense of many important features of the created order. But to resort to beliefs such as something coming from nothing flies in the face of the scientific method and common sense. To quote C.S. Lewis: I believe in Christianity as I believe that the Sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” [2]
[1] In order to get a more in depth response to this objection, I highly recommend reading How Do You Know You’re Not Wrong? Responding to Objections That Leave Christians Speechless by Paul Copan.
[2] Lewis, “Is Theology Poetry?” 140.
