Given the way he has studiously avoided the entire topic in the past, you’re probably right, Kryten, that he decided to make his opinion clear.

It is still annoying that people are twisting what is written to be what they thought he meant. What he said was that there was no need for a “Creator”. That isn’t a resounding statement of atheism, it was a simple statement of the facts as he found them.

The man creates a theory to explain the creation of the universe, and people are complaining that he doesn’t answer “Why it was created?” The last time I checked that question is outside Professor Hawking’s area of expertise.

And I’m certain dear Prof. Hawking *doggone done it a purposely*! 😉 😀 Methinks he was a might peeved at assorted religious nuts saying he’s proved G-d exists! (I base this on some interviews and articles I’ve read by, and about, him).

The crazies will never learn that it’s doesn’t pay to annoy someone with a brain the size of a planet! And a working brain at that! 😆

Made my day! 😀

If anyone is interested what Hawking has actually said in The Grand Design was that G-d wasn’t necessary, that the process would have happened without outside intervention because of gravity. He has spent his time filling in the blank spaces on the “map” and figured out how things may have happened. The purpose of the book is to attempt to convert the concepts into a form that non-specialists can understand.

– SB the YSS