Friends of Elohim logo

Universe Designed: A documentary exploring the evidence for God's existence

Universe Designed: A documentary exploring the evidence for God's existence Movie

Universe Designed is a Christian apologetics documentary that explores how faith and reason come together to reveal the truth about God’s existence. Through in-depth interviews with some of the world’s leading Christian thinkers—such as Dr. Frank Turek, Dr. Hugh Ross, J. Warner Wallace, Alisa Childers, and Sean McDowell—the film presents a compelling case for the God of the Bible.

Directed by Michael Ray Lewis, a former atheist whose life was transformed by the evidences for Christianity, Universe Designed bridges science, philosophy, and theology in a way that challenges both believers and skeptics. Each conversation uncovers how creation itself reflects purpose and design, inspiring viewers to think deeply about faith and truth.

The film also introduces audiences to some of today’s most influential voices in apologetics. Visit the Cast Page to learn more about the scholars, pastors, and authors featured in the documentary. You can also view Universe Designed on its official IMDb page for production details and updates.

Many Christians have never encountered the powerful evidence that supports belief in God. This documentary summarizes those arguments while encouraging viewers to explore the foundations of their faith. Our mission is to glorify God through cinematic storytelling that equips believers to defend truth with grace and invites seekers to discover a relationship with the Creator of the universe.

Published:
December 13, 2025
Duration:
1:26:00 (HH:MM:SS)

Related individuals and/or organizations

Michael Ray Lewis (Director)
About

Michael Ray Lewis is a Christian Apologist and Director of the film documentary (Universe Designed). Michael’s film career started in 2012 and today he owns a film production company called Turtle Moon Films.

Michael grew up as an Atheist and his disbelief in God continued until the age of 26 when his wife told him she felt like Jesus was calling her back. Michael began asking questions about science and evolution that were difficult for many Christians to answer. However, digging deeper he found out about Christian Apologetics and resources offering evidences for God’s existence. After 3 years of deep investigation into the scientific, historical, and philosophical arguments for God. He was convinced that God is the best explanation for the reality we find ourselves in and at the age of 29 (2016) gave his life to Christ.

Now, Michael has dedicated his life to sharing arguments that not only help unbelievers see the evidences that God exists, but also empower believers to be able to answer the difficult questions and objections about God.

Frank Turek (Participant)
About

Dr. Frank Turek's life took an unexpected turn when he traded Navy flight suits for the mantle of Christian apologist. Born in 1961, Turek's initial career path saw him navigating the skies as a US Navy aviator. However, during his service, he discovered a newfound faith through reading apologetic books, leading him to embrace Protestantism and embark on a new mission.

Turek’s intellectual curiosity fueled his pursuit of knowledge. He earned a Master's degree in Public Administration and a Doctorate in Apologetics, equipping himself with tools to thoughtfully articulate his faith. He even returned to academia, teaching Leadership and Management at George Washington University.

With a blend of passion and expertise, Turek began authoring and co-authoring books. Titles like "I Don't Have Enough Faith to be an Atheist" and "Stealing from God" garnered awards and captivated readers. More importantly, he founded CrossExamined.org, a platform where he presents his case for Christianity in engaging and often challenging settings. From churches and high schools to secular college campuses, he fearlessly engages in debates with prominent atheists like Christopher Hitchens, earning respect through his articulate arguments.

Turek's influence extends beyond books and debates. He is a sought-after media personality, featuring regularly on radio programs and top TV networks like Fox News. His writings reach a wider audience through columns on Townhall.com and other platforms.

Beyond his public persona, Turek cherishes his personal life. Married to Stephanie, they have raised three sons and are now enjoying the joys of grandparenthood.

Dr. Frank Turek's journey demonstrates the power of personal transformation and the importance of thoughtful dialogue. He continues to inspire and challenge audiences, using his unique background and intellectual prowess to make a compelling case for his faith.

AI Generated
J. Warner Wallace (Participant)
About

J. Warner Wallace is a Dateline featured cold-case homicide detective, popular national speaker and best-selling author. He continues to consult on cold-case investigations while serving as a Senior Fellow at the Colson Center for Christian Worldview. He is also an adjunct professor of apologetics at Talbot School of Theology (Biola University), Gateway Seminary, and Southern Evangelical Seminary, and a faculty member at Summit Ministries. J. Warner became a Christ-follower at the age of thirty-five after investigating the claims of the New Testament gospels using his skill set as a detective. He eventually earned a Master’s Degree in Theological Studies from Gateway Seminary.

J. Warner’s professional investigative work has received national recognition; his cases have been featured more than any other detective on NBC’s Dateline, and his work has also appeared on Fox News, Oxygen True Crime, the Reelz Channel, Investigation Discovery, TruTV, and CourtTV. He also had a role in God’s Not Dead 2, making the case for the historicity of Jesus. J. Warner was awarded the Police and Fire Medal of Valor “Sustained Superiority” Award for his continuing work on cold-case homicides, and the CopsWest Award after solving a 1979 murder. Relying on over two decades of investigative experience, J. Warner provides his readers and audiences with the tools they will need to investigate the claims of Christianity and make a convincing case for the truth of the Christian worldview.

Stephen C. Meyer (Participant)
About

Stephen C. Meyer, born in 1958, stands as a prominent figure in the Intelligent Design movement, advocating for the existence of purposeful design in the natural world. His journey started in the realm of science, eventually transitioning to philosophical arguments challenging Darwinian evolution's explanatory power.

Beginning with a Bachelor's degree in physics and earth science, Meyer embarked on a career in geophysics. He worked for several years at an oil company, applying his scientific expertise to real-world challenges. However, a growing interest in the origins of life and the apparent fine-tuning of the universe drew him towards philosophy of science.

Fueled by this intrigue, Meyer pursued a Master's and Ph.D. in the history and philosophy of science at Cambridge University. His doctoral thesis, titled "Of Clues and Causes: A Methodological Interpretation of Origin-of-Life Research," laid the groundwork for his critique of Darwinian evolution. He argued that the complexity of life cannot be fully explained by random mutations and natural selection, suggesting the need for an intelligent designer.

Joining the Discovery Institute's Center for Science and Culture, Meyer became a leading voice for Intelligent Design. He authored influential books like "Signature in the Cell" and "Darwin's Doubt," presenting scientific arguments supporting the idea of intelligent design. His work has sparked extensive debate within the scientific community, with proponents praising his challenge to mainstream evolutionary theory and critics questioning the scientific validity of his arguments.

Beyond publications, Meyer actively engages in public discussions and debates. He lectures at universities, contributes to online platforms, and appears on media outlets, making his case for Intelligent Design to a wider audience. While his views remain controversial, he continues to advocate for a thoughtful consideration of both scientific evidence and alternative explanations for the origins of life and the universe.

AI Generated
Hugh Ross (Participant)
About

Dr. Hugh Ross, born in 1945, stands at the crossroads of science and faith, bridging the perceived gap with his expertise in astrophysics and unwavering Christian belief. His remarkable journey has taken him from exploring the vastness of the universe to defending its compatibility with biblical truths, captivating audiences with his insights and challenging skeptics with his arguments.

Ross's fascination with science manifested early. A curious child, he devoured science textbooks and dreamed of unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos. This passion led him to pursue a B.Sc. in physics from the University of British Columbia and a Ph.D. in astronomy from the University of Toronto. Years of dedicated research followed, as he delved into the intricacies of stars, galaxies, and the origins of the universe.

Amidst his scientific pursuits, a profound personal transformation occurred. While studying the universe, Ross felt a growing conviction for its design and purpose, leading him to embrace Christianity. This pivotal moment ignited a new mission – to reconcile the seemingly disparate worlds of science and faith. He felt compelled to articulate how advancements in cosmology supported, rather than contradicted, Biblical narratives.

Driven by this mission, Ross established Reasons to Believe, a non-profit organization dedicated to communicating the compatibility of science and Christianity. He authored numerous books, including the bestseller "Why the Universe Is the Way It Is," presenting scientific evidence as a testament to God's intricate design. He also became a sought-after speaker, engaging audiences with his clear explanations and thought-provoking arguments, challenging the common misconception of an inherent conflict between science and faith.

Beyond his scientific expertise and apologetic endeavors, Ross actively cultivates meaningful connections. He serves as a pastoral team member at Christ Church Sierra Madre, demonstrating his commitment to integrating faith into everyday life. His story continues to inspire others to explore the wonders of the universe, not just through a scientific lens, but also through an open heart and a willingness to consider its divine dimension.

AI Generated
Greg Koukl (Participant)
About

Greg founded Stand to Reason in 1993 and currently serves as President. He has spoken on more than 90 university campuses both in the U.S. and abroad and has hosted his own call-in radio show for over 30 years, advocating for “Christianity worth thinking about.” He has debated atheist Michael Shermer on national radio and Deepak Chopra on national television.

An award-winning writer and best-selling author, Greg has written seven books, including Street Smarts—Using Questions to Answer Christianity’s Toughest Challenges, The Story of Reality—How the World Began, How It Ends, and Everything Important that Happens in Between; Tactics—A Game Plan for Discussing Your Christian Convictions, and Relativism: Feet Firmly Planted in Mid-Air. Greg has been featured on Focus on the Family radio and has been interviewed for CBN and the BBC. He's been quoted in Christianity Today, the U.S. News & World Report, and the L.A. Times.

Greg received his Masters in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics at Talbot School of Theology, graduating with high honors, and his Masters in Christian Apologetics with honors from Simon Greenleaf University. He is an adjunct professor in Christian apologetics at Biola University.

Alisa Childers (Participant)
About

Taken from Alisa's Website:

As a lifelong church-goer, follower of Jesus, and former CCM recording artist with the Dove award-winning group ZOEgirl, I experienced a period of profound doubt about my faith in my mid-thirties. I felt as though I had been tossed in a stormy ocean of uncertainty with no life jacket or lifeboat in sight. I didn’t know where to find answers to my questions, or if answers existed at all. Did I have to accept it all on some kind of blind faith? I began to investigate my faith intellectually—I took seminary classes and read everything I could get my hands on. This began my journey from unreasoned doubt into a vibrant, rational, and informed faith.
Allen Parr (Participant)
About

From Allen Parr's website:

I was born on November 15, 1975. At the tender age of 6 years old, what seemed like my whole world at the time, caved in when my parents told us they were getting a divorce. Even at that age, I was devastated and confused. Subsequent to that event, my father introduced me to Jesus Christ for the first time at the age of 6. I understood the gospel and accepted Him as my Savior. For the next 11 years or so, my mother faithfully took us to church each week. However, I didn’t have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I never prayed. I never read my Bible. I didn’t enjoy church. And as soon as I went to college and got out on my own, I stopped going. Somewhere around the age of 19 I was discipled by a man who, for the first time, taught me how to study the Bible. From that point on, I couldn’t put it down. I read every book about the Bible I could get my hands on. I listened to every set of tapes, CD series I could find. I was like a sponge.

This newfound passion for studying the Bible eventually led to my first opportunities to teach the Bible in 1998. At the time I was working as an engineer and had a very lucrative career for a 22-year old. However, after 2 years in corporate America, God challenged me with a question, “If money was not a concern, what would you do with the rest of your life?” Wow. This was the defining moment in my life. Was I going to choose comfort and career over my calling? In 2000 I enrolled in Dallas Theological Seminary and began my journey to learn and grow as a minister. After graduating from DTS with a Master of Theology degree in 2004, I became bi-vocational as I worked in ministry part-time and taught high school math full-time. All the while, I had a strong desire to be married and have a family.

Although I had a strong desire to be married since the age of 22, for whatever reason, I remained single for years. This was not my plan. However, I gained so much wisdom that I am now able to share with singles across the world. After a fulfilling yet frustrating journey as a single man, I met the love of my life Jennifer and we got married on my 40th birthday, November 15, 2015. My wife Jennifer and I have two children, Anaiah and Micah. My testimony is an encouragement to anyone who may be frustrated by waiting on God. My life is a reminder that nothing is too hard for God to those who believe.

Sean McDowel (Participant)
About

Dr. Sean McDowell is a gifted communicator with a passion for equipping the church, and in particular young people, to make the case for the Christian faith. He connects with audiences in a tangible way through humor and stories while imparting hard evidence and logical support for viewing all areas of life through a Biblical worldview. Sean is an Associate Professor in the Christian Apologetics program at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.

Sean still teaches one high school Bible class, which helps give him exceptional insight into the prevailing culture so he can impart his observations poignantly to fellow educators, pastors, and parents alike. In 2008 he received the Educator of the Year award for San Juan Capistrano, California. The Association of Christian Schools International awarded Exemplary Status to his apologetics training. Sean is listed among the top 100 apologists. He graduated summa cum laude from Talbot Theological Seminary with a double master’s degree in Theology and Philosophy. He earned a Ph.D. in Apologetics and Worldview Studies from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2014.

Traveling throughout the United States and abroad, Sean speaks at camps, churches, schools, universities, and conferences. He has spoken for organizations including Focus on the Family, the Chuck Colson Center for Christian Worldview, Cru, Youth Specialties, Hume Lake Christian Camps, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Association of Christian Schools International. Sean is the co-host for the Think Biblically podcast, which is one of the most popular podcasts on faith and cultural engagement. Sean's YouTube channel (Dr. Sean McDowell) is one of the top apologetics channels.

Sean is the author, co-author, or editor of over twenty books including Chasing Love, The Fate of the Apostles, So The Next Generation Will Know (with J. Warner Wallace), Evidence that Demands a Verdict (with Josh McDowell), Same-Sex Marriage: A Thoughtful Approach to God’s Design for Marriage (with John Stonestreet), Is God Just a Human Invention? (with Jonathan Morrow) and Understanding Intelligent Design (with William A. Dembski). Sean is the General Editor for A New Kind of Apologist, Apologetics for a New Generation, Sharing the Good News with Mormons, and The Apologetics Study Bible for Students. Sean has one of the leading apologetics blogs, which can be read at seanmcdowell.org.

In April 2000, Sean married his high school sweetheart, Stephanie. They have three children and live in San Juan Capistrano, California. Sean played college basketball at Biola University and was the captain his senior year on a team that went 30-7.

Mary Jo Sharp (Participant)
About

From Mary Jo Sharp's website:

A former atheist who came to faith, Mary Jo Sharp has lived at the crossroads of two very different American cultures: the post-Christian Northwest and the evangelical Bible Belt. That tension shaped her work as a Christian apologist, author, and speaker who helps people wrestle honestly with questions of belief, doubt, and the goodness of God.

Mary Jo now serves as the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Search Ministries, where she leads national efforts in public engagement, resource development, and training. Her work focuses on inviting adults to take the next step toward God through clear communication, relational trust, and meaningful conversation.

She previously taught apologetics at Houston Christian University, where she was instrumental in establishing their apologetics program. She is also the founder of Confident Christianity, a ministry devoted to equipping people to explore challenging questions of faith with both courage and compassion.

Mary Jo is the author of the Bible study Why Do You Believe That? (LifeWay Christian Resources) and the book Why I Still Believe (Zondervan), which traces her journey through disillusionment, doubt, and a resilient return to faith.

Her writing has been featured in Christianity Today, the Worldview Study Bible, and the LifeWay Women’s Bible, and she has contributed to publications from Zondervan, Holman, Kregel, and the Lausanne Movement.

As a speaker, Mary Jo works with universities, seminaries, churches, and conferences to create space for honest and thoughtful exploration of the deep questions of faith. Her teaching invites audiences into conversations about God, beauty, suffering, desire, and the shape of a life of belief that is both intellectually grounded and deeply human.

Mary Jo and her husband make their home in Portland, Oregon, where they enjoy the forests, the coffee, and the endlessly quirky charm of the Pacific Northwest.

Mike Licona (Participant)
About

Mike Licona is an American scholar specializing in the New Testament and a prominent Christian apologist. Born in 1961, his faith journey began in childhood and was nurtured in a Christian household. He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Music Performance from Liberty University.

Licona's academic pursuits continued with a Master's degree in Religious Studies, also from Liberty University. During his graduate studies, a deep desire to understand the historical basis of his faith arose. This led him to delve deeper into the New Testament by learning Koine Greek, the language it was written in.

Licona's academic achievements include a Ph.D. in New Testament Studies from the University of Pretoria, which he earned with distinction. He currently holds the position of Professor of New Testament Studies at Houston Christian University. Additionally, he serves as an Extraordinary Associate Professor of Theology at North-West University in South Africa and is the director of Risen Jesus, Inc.

Licona is a prolific author and a highly sought-after speaker. His expertise lies in the area of the resurrection of Jesus, and he frequently lectures on university campuses and participates in debates. He has also made appearances on numerous radio and television programs.

Licona's dedication to the study of the New Testament and his passion for apologetics have made him a significant figure in contemporary Christian scholarship.

AI Generated
Fazale Rana (Participant)
About

Fazale "Fuz" Rana, born in 1963, navigated a unique and impactful career path. From the halls of research labs to the stages of conferences and lecture halls, his life has been fueled by a passion for science and a deep faith.

Rana began his journey with a strong foundation in the sciences. He earned a Bachelor's degree in chemistry with highest honors and a Ph.D. in biochemistry, even completing postdoctoral studies at prestigious universities. His talent landed him a seven-year stint as a senior scientist at Procter & Gamble, where he contributed valuable research and expertise.

Yet, a pivotal moment shifted Rana's focus. During his graduate studies, he encountered the Bible in a new light, leading to a significant conversion to Christianity. This newfound faith ignited a desire to bridge the perceived gap between science and faith. He saw an opportunity to utilize his scientific knowledge to support, rather than contradict, his religious beliefs.

Driven by this mission, Rana joined Reasons to Believe, a non-profit organization dedicated to exploring and communicating the scientific compatibility with Christianity. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming president and CEO. As a renowned speaker and author, he captivates audiences with thought-provoking lectures and insightful books like "The Cell's Design" and "Humans 2.0." He challenges skeptics and encourages believers, demonstrating how faith and science can co-exist and inform one another.

Rana's remarkable journey represents a powerful intersection of scientific inquiry and personal faith. He remains a prominent figure in the world of Christian apologetics, inspiring others to explore the wonders of God's creation through the lens of both science and belief.

AI Generated
Jeff Zweerink (Participant)
About

Since my earliest memories, science and the Christian faith have featured prominently in my life, but I struggled when my scientific studies seemed to collide with my early biblical training. My first contact with Reasons to Believe (RTB) came when I heard Hugh Ross speak at Iowa State University. It was the first time I realized it was possible to do professional work incorporating both my love of science and my desire to serve God. I knew RTB’s ministry was something I was called to be a part of.

While many Christians and non-Christians see science and faith as in perpetual conflict, I find they integrate well. They operate by the same principles and are committed to discovering foundational truths. My passion at RTB is helping Christians see how powerful a tool science is to declare God’s glory and helping scientists understand how the established scientific discoveries demonstrate the legitimacy and rationality of the Christian faith.

Travis Dickinson (Participant)
About

From Travis Dickinson's website

I’m convinced that pursuing truth and thinking well can be an act of worship as we love God with our minds. I am currently the Professor of Philosophy at Dallas Baptist University where I teach all things philosophical. My scholarly research interests center on epistemology and philosophy of religion (and all related areas!). I’m the author of Wandering Toward God: Finding Faith amid Doubts and Big Questions (forthcoming October 2022), Logic and the Way of Jesus and Everyday Apologetics, and the coauthor of Stand Firm: Apologetics and the Brilliance of the Gospel. I’m also a regularly contributing writer for the Christian Research Journal and get the privilege to regularly speak at churches and conferences. I once had some hobbies but now I spend most of my time exploring the good life with my wife and four children.

Since I grew up in New Jersey, I decided to attend Alaska Bible College (BA in Education, 1999). Alaska was really cold, so I thawed a little in teaching High School classes in Bible and mathematics from 1999-2004 in Denver, CO. There is no ocean in Colorado, so I began my graduate work at Biola University (MA in Christian Apologetics, 2003) in southern California with the intent to pursue graduate work in World Religions. Upon finding myself gripped more by the philosophical questions underlying the religious ones, I returned to Biola (this time Biola’s seminary, Talbot School of Theology) for their philosophy program (MA in Philosophy of Religion and Ethics, 2006). I had not completely solved any philosophical problems so I pursued answers at the University of Iowa (MA and PhD in Philosophy, 2011). I am currently working on answers to these questions at Dallas Baptist University.

Eric Hernandez (Participant)
About

Eric Hernandez is a Christian apologist, author, and speaker specializing in evangelism, the philosophy of mind, and the rational defense of the Christian worldview. He is the author of The Lazy Approach to Evangelism: A Simple Guide for Conversing with Nonbelievers—a book endorsed by leading scholars such as J.P. Moreland, Mike Licona, J. Warner Wallace, Frank Turek, and Lee Strobel. His written contributions include chapters in Faith Examined, Truth, and the forthcoming Stewarding AI, where he writes on consciousness and the soul. Eric is also featured in the new apologetics documentary Universe Designed.

Eric has taught courses in apologetics, evangelism, and theology at regional Bible institutes and previously served as the Apologetics Lead and Millennial Specialist for Texas Baptists, training pastors, leaders, and organizing the statewide [un]Apologetic Evangelism Conferences. As a Field Guide for MAVEN, he leads immersive biblical and apologetic mission trips for high school and college students throughout the United States.

His academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Dominion Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences in Interdisciplinary Studies with specializations in Christian Ministries and Philosophy (summa cum laude) from Dallas Baptist University, and a Certificate in Christian Apologetics from Biola University’s Talbot School of Theology. He has participated in numerous public debates and dialogues with nonbelievers in academic and public forums across churches and college campuses around the world.

Eric is the founder and president of EHM Apologetics, a ministry dedicated to equipping believers to articulate and defend their faith with clarity, compassion, and intellectual rigor.

Lance Waldie (Participant)
About
Lance is the senior pastor at HBC where he has served since November 2000.He is a graduate of Sam Houston State University (BA 1991; MA 1994), Dallas Theological Seminary (ThM 2001), and Newburgh Theological Seminary (PhD, apologetics, 2012). Lance has been married to Cheryl since June of 1993, and he is the proud father of Daniel and Brooke. In addition to his love of Bible study, theology, and teaching, Lance loves to fish and play golf, and he lives and dies with the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Astros season after season. As a pastor, his motivating Bible verse is 2 Timothy 4:2: "Preach the Word. Do it in season and out of season. Correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction."
Larry Evans (Participant)
About

Pastor Larry has been in pastoral ministry since 1999. Before that, he served as Youth Minister and as Youth and Children’s Minister. He has been Pastor of Summit Cloudcroft since 2003. He is married to Cynthia and has two daughters, Hillary and Hope.

One of Pastor Larry’s passions is to preach God’s Word on a weekly basis. His desire for Summit Christian Fellowship is to equip the church to lead people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus and raise up leaders from the next generation who will be able to carry on the Church’s mission.

Login to add to your collections. Login to provide feedback on this resource.
Friends of Elohim logo

Topics navigation

Instructions: Select the topics you want to filter resources by and hit the "Apply filter" button at the bottom of the list. You may select more than one topic.

Scroll to top
Cookie Consent
The Friends of Elohim website uses cookies to track anonymous data on visits. You may find more details in our Privacy policy page.
Scripture reference