As an innovative theoretical physicist, his intellectual prowess piqued the curiosity of many regarding his perspectives on God and the hereafter.
Through numerous interviews and written works, he delved into the concept of a supreme being and the plausibility of an afterlife.
When queried about his faith in God, Hawking’s reply was resolute. He maintained that the scientific laws held the capacity to elucidate the cosmos, and no substantiated evidence supported the existence of a higher power.
In a conversation with the Spanish publication El Mundo, he articulated, “Before one grasps the intricacies of science, it’s natural to lean towards the notion of a divine creator. However, contemporary science offers a more rational rationale.”
Hawking’s spiritual beliefs did not align with any specific faith. He presented no empirical backing for his assertion that all religions stemmed from the same principles of faith. He disavowed the notion of God. In “The Grand Design,” a collaborative work with Leonard Mlodinow, their exploration of the universe’s origins expounded the idea that the universe’s genesis was the result of physical laws, not a divine creator.
He maintained that the universe had the capacity to originate from nothing, governed by natural laws such as gravity.
“Something emerging from nothing is the reality; both the universe and ourselves spontaneously came into being.”
Even Hawking’s contemplations regarding life after death found validation within the realm of scientific rationale. He regarded the idea of an afterlife as a mere product of imagination. In his concluding work, “Brief Answers to the Big Questions,” he summarized his viewpoint. He penned, “No divine entity or predetermined fate guides us.
This realization has led me to a resolute belief that Heaven or an afterlife likely lacks substance. I see the notion of an afterlife as wishful conjecture, in conflict with scientific principles and bereft of substantial proof.”
Hawking never imposed his beliefs on others or dismissed their convictions. In his opinion, the simplest explanation was the absence of a deity. He emphasized that everyone had the prerogative to embrace their beliefs.
Mathematical experiences and a yearning to fathom the cosmos through physical principles were pivotal factors that shaped Stephen Hawking’s stance on God and religion. While his theories diverged from conventional perspectives, his contributions to the realm of science will endure as a lasting testament to his legacy.
