1.1 The universe and the Place of Human Beings

Question 1

Religious belief about the Origin of the Universe

Answer 1

Christians believe that the universe was made ex nihilo (out of nothing) by God. Augustine explained that because of God’s omnipotence he did this without effort. “God said let there be light, and there was light” - Genesis 1:3

Question 2

Non-religious belief about the Origin of the Universe

Answer 2

People say the universe originated 14 billions years ago and emerged from an infinitely dense point of energy. Called the Big Bang Theory. Evidence is background radiation (left over radiation from the Big Bang)

Question 3

Religious beliefs about the place of humans beings

Answer 3

Humans have a special place in the universe because we are made “imago dei”. Because God is transcendent, we are not meant to be in the universe so should focus on God who is outside of the universe

Question 4

Non-Religious beliefs about the Place of Human Beings 1

Answer 4

Physicalists believe we have no special place in the universe because we are made of matter just like everything else in the universe. It is pure luck to be in the universe

Question 5

Non-Religious beliefs about the Place of Human Beings 2

Answer 5

Anthropocentrism is the belief that human beings are above the rest of the natural world because we have been given the ability to reason. Humans are the most significant entities of the universe

Question 6

Religious belief about the purpose of the universe

Answer 6

Some christians believe the God created the universe to exercise his omnipotence because creating something ex nihilo is the greatest act of power. ‘I created for my glory” - Isaiah 43:7

Question 7

Non-religious beliefs about the purpose of the universe

Answer 7

Atheistic Nihilism says that only a creator can assign an objective purpose to a creation. There is no such creator, therefore the universe has no objective purpose.

Question 8

Christian views on our responsibility on the planet 1

Answer 8

Stewardship says our duty is to care for the world not exploit or conquer it. We should act as benevolent rulers “take care of it” - Genesis 2

Question 9

Reply to Stewardship on our responsibility on the planet

Answer 9

Dominium says that we are the masters of nature and it is ours to use as we wish. Since we are made ‘imago dei’ we are all Gods of the earth. “fill the earth and subdue it” - Genesis 1

Question 10

Christian views on our responsibility on the planet 2

Answer 10

After God created the universe he judged “it was very good” - Genesis 1. He and his judgements are infallible so we should look after and protect it

Question 11

Non-religious view on our responsibility on the planet

Answer 11

Utilitarian point of view says we are on the earth to maximise happiness for the greatest number of people. We should spend out life trying to maximise happiness all over