Easter Sunday: The Odds of Resurrection

Is resurrection merely unlikely, or does it run counter to how the universe works? Drawing on thermodynamics and probability, while avoiding scientific and technical jargon, we’ll explore the difference between what is logically possible and what the universe actually produces. Although the math of physics doesn’t explicitly forbid the reversal of death, the odds of that occurring are so ridiculously long as to make the proposition physically irrelevant.

What does that mean for faith? Perhaps a world that follows the laws of physics is not bleakness; perhaps it evokes responsibility. If so, this evokes an analogy: Paul Tillich's "God" is to "the ground of being" as finitude is to the ground of moral seriousness. In other words, if this life is not a rehearsal, then responsibility, love, and justice carry greater weight – now.

Bob Clegg is a member of All Souls Waccamaw UUs of Myrtle Beach, SC. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry and a Master of Divinity degree. In professional life, Bob was a respiratory therapist, then a scientist, and finally a nonprofit leader. Now retired, he volunteers for several voluntary associations taht work for economic justice, and as treasurer for an Horry County Counci candidate. Bob and his wife Connie live with their dog Yancy near Conway, where Bob does 'science experiments' to determine which kinds of spicy radishes make the best kim-chi.

The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will be available on Facebook Live. To participate remotely, go to the ASWUU Facebook page and click the Live link.

We have our monthly potluck after the service with food, coffee, and conversation. You may bring a dish to share if you would like to do so.

This Sunday, we will offer an Easter Sunrise Service at the Peace Pole in the back yard of the church, starting promptly at 6:45 a.m. and lasting about 20 minutes. Afterwards, we will hold a brief meeting to decide where to go for breakfast.

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