The mass of the Earth is about 6 x 10^24 kg but quite trivial compared to the mass of the Sun which is about 2 x 10^30 kg.
It could be argued that the mass of the Sun roughly represents the total amount of material that is essential for our existence. However, being generous and assuming the entire Milky Way is required for the existence of the Sun, human existence depends on about 10^41 kg of stuff.
The mass of the Universe is somewhere in the order of 10^53 kilograms. Some theories suggest that are billions of other Universes too but we will forget that for now. So conservatively, there is at least a trillion times as much matter as what would be required for our existence.
Why did God bother to make so much other stuff when He made us in His image?
We can only even see a tiny fraction of the Milky Way so it clearly wasn't just for decoration of the night sky.
True 'We' can only see a fraction of the Milky Way from our vantage point but what about the other creatures which God made on other planets. Maybe they can see different bits. Maybe they are the bits we look at and vice versa.
Is the grand plan for human beings to eventually reach all the other universes and make a mess of them too?
Or is it like the microbes at the bottom of the garden wondering why God made them in his image and created an entire garden when all they need is a muddy patch next to the compost bin?
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Well said, Zeuhl. What arrogance to assume that the whole universe came about for the benefit of a few living things on a totally unimportant and miniscule part of it. Maybe beso is winding us up.
Maybe God was tripping when He created everything. Well, it all made perfect sense to me the last time I was.
Don't ask me how long ago that was . . . or why I stopped!
It's been said before, and with a lot more eloquence but, if what we have on Planet Earth in the shape of humankind is the pride and joy of a supreme being why does same being allow it's pride and joy to slaughter without end?
There always seems to be the carnage then the forgiveness and reconcilliation, it just smacks of carelessness.
If you care to read the Bible you will see that God is actually far more extreme than man. Wrath, retribution and punishment for the tiniest transgression, perputual suffering for anything more than trivially wavering from HIs hardline demands
However if you agree to complete submission He will forgive you.
He made so much stuff because when he initially made Man it was already clear that this was a big mistake. He kept trying by creating lots of planets, constellations and universes but just couldn't get it right. So he was stuck with this lot on Earth.
But fear not, apparently you can rape, pillage and murder to your heart's contend while on this Earth, as long as you truly repent just before they give you an injection or stretch the noose, and you will still go to the Promised Land.