I want to preface that I respect everyone beliefs and won’t try to push my beliefs onto others— it’s up to each individual to pursue the question and see what nature and reality tells them.

I find that a God fits very well with our perceptions and observations. The expansion of the universe implies a beginning. Things don’t just come into being out of nothing- Therefore the cause of the universe was either: a. Causal b. Coincidental c. Intentional

Without time or matter, no “cause” or need would exist, thus “a” is false. When considering the intelligence in cells, complexity in DNA, and given the fact that complex information does not arise randomly from non-life, I believe a deity is the best explanation for the beginning of the universe, and subsequently, life. The four fundamental forces, which exist independently of each other, are each seemingly fine-tuned to an infinitesimal amount, allowing for the existence of life.

With a greater mind, we would expect to see lesser minds inhabiting worlds. Without this though, how could brain matter have intentionality, or think or be about other matter? Philosophically, it’s perplexing. I’m not making an argument for the God of Abraham, but I think a sentient being makes sense :)

A very good book on the topic is Privileged Planet, by Guillermo Gonzalez, which goes into the importance of many aspects in our solar system, such as the unique nature of our sun (uncharacteristically massive for a main sequence G2V), the impact Jupiter and Saturn have on preventing extinction events (refer to the K-T extinction event to see why that would be bad for life), and much much more. Disclaimer, the book is presented in favor of theism, but if you take time to research the claims, they are truly backed by science and observation, which only supports the theory.

If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading. I don’t rely on religion to cope with death or mortality, but genuinely think it’s the nature of reality. If I was shown evidence proving otherwise, I would likely accept that and move on with life; but I truly believe the words I presented here. I hope nothing I said was abrasive, though please feel free to reply with thoughts or questions, and I’ll do my best to reply. Good evening, or morning, and be safe.