I don't necessarily disagree with this post, but by this logic (the possibility of something existing simply because we don't fully know what's "out there"), would you say that it is also possible that somewhere unicorns exist? Or that somewhere in the universe leprechauns run amok and there really is gold at the end of a rainbow?
I wouldn't consider the probability of the existence of God on par with that of Leprechauns or talking Zebras. One is a logical first-cause to an astonishingly orderly universe. The other two are random creations of the human mind that have no other (seeming) purpose than that of being conjured to prove a point. To wit, you might say the concept of God is just as nonsensical, and I would definitely say it's not. Either the universe created itself (matter coming out of nothing), or God created Himself (God created out of nothing). Or, one could argue the physical universe always existed, where the theologian would argue God always existed. Ironically, both the atheist and theist are forced to share a similar faith in supernatural concepts to explain first-cause. That in itself, is indirect proof the universe is of divine origin. But, to answer your question, yes, I think unicorns are definitely possible (just a horse with a single horn on it's head). Leprechauns, not so sure about that one...
Hawking is just frustrated with the disease he has been afflicted with for the last 49 years. Who wouldn't be bitter with the universe and a diety with the power to cure him. It wasn't long ago that he was saying the opposite.
That is the best response.... I have seen to the non sense of equating the orbiting teapot nonsense of the concept of Creator. Well done. And nice point about unicorns too. And besides if there are almost infinite other universes as some scientists are positing .. I guarantee there are unicorns out there. Given the state of science according to many scientists it seems you must either believe in unicorns or a Creator... but not neither.
And Einstein said "I want to know the mind of God. Everything else is just details." So is Hawking right, or Einstein? Answer: Whichever one you want to be.
I see your point when comparing unicorns and leprachauns to the existence of god, but I was speaking more about the existence of heaven (or any other religious creation if you like). It is entirely understandable that someone would believe in a higher being of some sort (call that being god or whatever you like), but it is totally a seperate issue for someone who believes in places such as heaven and hell. I cannot understand how or why anyone would believe in heaven or hell. Anyone who knows if they exist is dead and can't confirm their existence to any of us. So why do people believe in heaven and hell? Because someone wrote about it in a book a long, long time ago?
I don't think Hawking is bitter at all. In fact he's just the opposite. Everything I read by and about Hawking seems to suggest that he loves this Earth and is grateful for every day he is alive.