On TV is a show called the Big Bang Theory. The characters are all awkward but gifted scientists. They stumble through life as people with very little social skills and obsessed with comic book characters and Star Trek.
One character Dr Sheldon Lee Cooper, Ph.D., Sc.D. has an IQ of 187, his mum claims his IQ is the same as Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking although neither have ever taken an IQ test. But you get the picture – Sheldon is very intelligent.
Some have speculated that Sheldon may have a form autism or Aspergers and this accounts for his limited understanding of humour and a lack of humility and empathy, but the producers say that is never suggested. Sheldon might say he had more in common with Mr Spook from Star Trek than any condition, or come to that, his own family.
In the spin off series ‘Young Sheldon’ we follow his early family life and education. We find him growing up in a Texas family, a Mom who looks after the family and goes to church, a Dad who is a football coach at college, a brother who plays football and struggles with education, a twin sister who is clever but not like Sheldon and a beloved ‘Meemaw’ we might say Nanny.
In one episode Sheldon is disturbed by his Mom appearing to lose her faith – what was a solid unshifting rock in his life is now troubled and her commitment to God eroded.
Sheldon loves his Mom, OK Mum, and while he rejects religion and gods, he can’t bear to see his Mum like this, So he speaks to her and what he says is not what you expect. Instead of telling her to forget her God he says something remarkable:
“Did you know that if gravity was slightly more powerful the universe would collapse into a ball? Also if gravity was slightly less powerful the universe would fly apart and there’s be no star or planets,” he explained. Gravity is precisely as strong as it needs to be and if the ratio of the electromagnetic force to the strong force wasn’t one percent, life wouldn’t exist, what are the odds that would happen all by itself?”
His Mum is confused that her son seems to be trying to convince that there is a God when he doesn’t believe himself, so Sheldon explains, “I don’t but the precision of the universe at least makes it logical to conclude there’s a creator.”
His Mum is still confused because her issue is not a logical one but more an issue within her heart. So Sheldon concludes:
“Well, there are 5 billion people on this planet and you’re the perfect mom for me. What are the odds of that?” Sheldon concluded.
His final remark motivates his mother to grab him and pray to God a prayer of thanks for her son. The family return to church on Sunday.
Sheldon may only be a character in a series on TV but his logic is worth considering.