Origins and Value of the Universe

Question 1

Outline three scientific explanations for how the earth was formed. (3)

Answer 1

• One explanation is that matter is eternal so it can’t be created or destroyed.
• A second explanation is that the matter of the universe became so compressed that it produced the huge explosion of the Big Bang.
• A third explanation is that forces of gravity helped to join the solar system together.

Question 2

Explain two pieces of evidence for the Big Bang. (4)

Answer 2

• One piece of evidence is that radio telescopes have discovered background radiation throughout the universe. This is important as scientists believe it is a remnant of the Big Bang.
• A second piece of evidence is that scientists detected ripples in deep space. This means that the waves have been triggered by the Big Bang.

Question 3

Explain two beliefs of the creationist response to the Big Bang. (4)

Answer 3

• One response is that they believe that the Bible is right and science is wrong. This is because they claim that all evidence for the Big Bang and evolution can be explained by the effects of Noah’s flood.
• A second response is that they use the apparent age theory. This is because the Earth would’ve looked billions of days old when it was just 6 days old.

Question 4

Explain two beliefs of the intelligent design response. (4)

Answer 4

• One belief is that Christians believe that the universe is so complex. This means that it can’t have been created by accident so it was created by God.
• A second belief is that they believe in irreducible complexity. This means that if you remove one part of the universe, the whole thing stops working.

Question 5

Explain two beliefs of the compatibility response. (5)

Answer 5

• One belief is that they believe that both science and the bible are correct. This is because when God said ‘let there be light’ they believe it was a direct reference to the Big Bang.
• A second belief is that the Big Bang had to have happened at the right millisecond. This means that it can’t have been a co-incidence.

Question 6

SOWAA for the compatibility response.

Answer 6

‘The Big Bang… does not contradict
the intervention of the divine creator, but requires it.’

Question 7

Outline three reasons why Christians should treat the earth as a commodity. (3)

Answer 7

• One reason is because since God has made everything, humans must respect the whole environment.
• A second reason is because the environment is a gift from God to humans and so must be treated with care.
• A third reason is because the Old Testament teaches that humans have to treat animals humanely.

Question 8

What is the Parable of the Talents or Minas?

Answer 8

Jesus taught that God expects humans to pass on to the next generation more than they have been given. Many Christians believe that this means Christians have a responsibility to leave the earth a better place than they found it.

Question 9

What is the Parable of the Sheep and Goats?

Answer 9

The ‘sheep’ are allowed to enter Heaven as they fed the hungry, gave water to the thirsty, looked after strangers, gave clothes to people who needed them, looked after sick people, and visited people in prison. The ‘goats’ are not allowed to enter Heaven, as they haven’t done any of these things.

Question 10

SOWAA for using the earth as a commodity.

Answer 10

‘be stewards and creators, not exploiters,’