If everything is in conflict, unity is impossible.

For decades, Cosmologists have been seeking to proffer a “Grand Unified Theories (GUT)” of all things as a way to explain all of the phenomena that are observable in the universe around us. Theologians write systematic theologies with the same intention, hoping to set forth a “Grand Unified Theology (GUT)” of all things to explain all that God has revealed in His Word and in His world. More narrowly, sociologists talk about unified theories of learning, social change, and behavior. Yet, as one might suspect, there are many competing “unified” theories, and often these competing systems are mutually exclusive rather than being complementary to one another.

Enter the influence of G.W.F. Hegel (1770-1831). In his lifetime, Hegel introduced the philosophical paradigm known better today as “Hegel’s Dialectic.” For Hegel, all systems were in a constant state of evolutionary flux. Established ideas (known as Theses) were always seen in a state of tension with competing views (known as Antitheses). Out of that tension would arise a Synthesis which, in principle, united the best elements of the thesis and antithesis into a better system of thought. Then, the synthesis would in turn become the new thesis, and a new antithesis would later emerge. This way of thinking has shaped much of the modern Western world, and in many (if not most) fields, it has become the standard paradigm by which knowledge is advanced. 

The problem with the Hegelian model is that it presents all things as being in a state of conflict. Further, it presents that conflict as ongoing and indefinite, that as long as there is the possibility of an antithesis, one has never truly arrived at a “Grand Unified Theory of Anything.” The problem, then, lies with the definition. Unity, derived from the Latin word unitas, meaning “one.” It speaks to the notion of an indivisible whole that is fully and completely at harmony within itself, and if one thing were added or taken away from it, the unity would be obliterated. The difficulty with the Hegelian model is that it is limited to human knowledge and experience and makes instruction from the divine an almost irrelevant matter.

From a Christian perspective, human knowledge is indeed limited, but Divine knowledge is not. Divine knowledge is infinite in its depth, breadth, and substance and it is absolute. Further, God has given us a Grand Unified Theory in the 66 books of the Bible. It is perfect and God the Holy Spirit has preserved it not just through the ages, but also across the cultures and languages. Indeed, some err, but their error always is a result of their own human limitations, not any limitation in the Divine. 

As one might expect, the word “universe” also has its derivation from the word unitas. It comes from the combination of the word unitas and versus. Literally, the word means, “one thing that turns together.” It is applied to our universe based on two presumptions. First, that the universe as a whole, is a whole that is interconnected on some level. Second, while we do not yet understand it, there is a Grand Unified Theory that explains the whole. For example, while the speed of light is considered a standard of measurement, it is also recognized that the speed of light varies. These variations, though, can be explained within the system of the whole (for example, the medium that light passes through affects its speed).

As a side note, lately it has become popular to speak about a “multiverse.” In other words, people suggest that there are parallel universes that are not connected. Yet, if unconnected, it is impossible for us to know anything about these “other” universes or even if they exist. Further, if it were possible to know or observe said “parallel” universe, or if a bridge were to somehow interconnect these separate universes (as is popular in science fiction stories), then the “multiverse” ceases to be “multi.” It is simply a universe that has many branches but is still explainable through the same Grand Unified Theory. 

In the end, though, the only way a Grand Unified Theory can be established is if we draw from that which has been revealed by the Divine who created the universe and has perfect knowledge over his creation. And that means leaving Hegel’s Dialectic behind. The best that Hegel’s dialectic can give us is pure humanism. God’s Law — God’s Word gives us truth. It gives us a truth that makes any synthesis with outside ideas impossible because syntheses are at best, compromises. It is only in light of the Scriptures that unity can be had.