Bible Question: Is the big-bang theory even remotely realistic? |
Bible Answer: You should discuss this with an astro-physicist or astronomer, not bible forum expositors. But, since you ask....yes, the theory of the Big Bang is a reasonable projection into the past, a logical extrapolation based on well-established astromical data. It's generally accepted by those in the field, although like any healthy academic discipline, there is continuing debate and revision whenever some new observation comes to light, no pun intended. To me, BB confirms the universe was created from nothing, on a scale commensurate with the magnificence of God and with beauty commensurate with His holiness. The theory suggests that before the event, absolutely nothing physical existed, i.e. no matter, space, energy nor time. Yes, it is theorized that time and space themselves were created at the BB; it is not correct to say that before Creation there was just empty space. Then, at the beginning, our universe appeared in an infinitely dense, infinitely hot, zero-dimensional singularity. This is the point where the equations break down. As a committed Christian, I know God created the universe, as revealed in His Word. As a scientist and educator at a university, I accept the understanding of Creation afforded by modern science. There are some who suggest these two views are mutually exclusive, perhaps because their understanding of science does not fit with their understanding of scripture. I note that there are also some, whom we rightly call heretics, who say that Jesus cannot be both God and man. |