Origins Of The Universe

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

The question of “where did it all come from?” Has been thought about throughout centuries.
Recent times has sparked debate over believability of older theories.

Question 2

P1: First Point

Answer 2

First argument is that of Genesis in the Bible - the story of creation dates back at least 4000 years.

Question 3

P1: Explanation

Answer 3

Created by God who said ‘let there be light’ on Day 1. On days 2 – 4 the heavens, earth sea and the universe were all created by God.

Some believe that this story is literally true. They believe that both space and time began at this point.

They believe the Bible to be the word of God and it would not contain information which is not true.

Question 4

P1: Evidence

Answer 4

Prof. John D Whitcomb; “What God recorded in Genesis is absolutely perfect! …there is no 67th book of divinely-inspired revelation, namely, modern science, to tell us how God really created the world!”

Consequence of believers is they do not accept Big Bang theory as it is not the Bible. Instead believe in a six-day creation of universe including life.

Some tried to determine exact date of creation like Archbishop James Ussher who concluded first day was Sunday 23 October 4004 BC.

Question 5

P1: Link

Answer 5

This suggests religious and scientific views are exclusive since literal readers of the Bible will not accept scientific theories as they are not written in the Bible.

Question 6

P1: Evaluation

Answer 6

In my opinion, I think it’s not a reasonable to believe a thousands of year old text that revolves around faith than more modern interpretations.
On the other hand, in my opinion if someone has believed in something for their whole life then it is reasonable to place one’s trust in that and only that.

Question 7

P2: Second Point

Answer 7

Second argument is non literal interpretations of Genesis.

Question 8

P2: Explanation

Answer 8

Most do not read the story literally.

Recognise the Bible is not scientific textbook and language used at the start of Genesis is a type of Hebrew poem that needs interpreted not literally.

Liberal Christians are able to accept scientific theory of the universe and maintain their faith.

Question 9

P2: Evidence

Answer 9

Some see Big Bang as an explanation that does not conflict. How God may have created the universe.

Prof John Lennox “God doesn’t compete with science. Science didn’t put the universe there, God did. God is the explanation of why we can do science. Yet constantly the ‘New Atheists’ set up the idea that it’s either God or science. That is a naïve thing to do even if you are an atheist.”

Consequence of Lennox is there is no reason to choose one over another – we can use both.

Question 10

P2: Link

Answer 10

This suggests that religious and scientific views are not exclusive since Liberal readers will accept scientific theories as they say that science tells us HOW the universe came into existence and religion tells us WHY the universe is here.

Question 11

P2: Evaluation

Answer 11

In my opinion I think it’s more reasonable to believe in both stories because then it isn’t purely believing one story based solely on an unproven faith.

Question 12

P3: Third Point

Answer 12

The third argument is the Big Bang theory.

Question 13

P3: Explanation

Answer 13

Big Bang theory is dominant theory explaining origins of universe.

Universe is thought to have originated from a singularity. Began expanding from initial singularity 13.8 billion years ago.

As the universe cooled, protons and neutrons combined to form first atomic nuclei.

Process known as nucleosynthesis produced light elements such as hydrogen and helium.

Matter clumped together due to gravity, forming galaxies and stars.

Question 14

P3: Evidence

Answer 14

• Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB): 1960s, Arno Penzias & Robert Wilson found faint glow of radiation that was consistent with expected. CMB provides strong evidence for a hot, dense, and expanding early universe.
• Redshift of Galaxies: Galaxies are moving away from us and from each other supports the idea of an expanding universe. Known as redshift. Edwin Hubble first observed redshift in 1920s. Indicates galaxies are moving away, and farther away the faster they move. Consistent with idea the universe is expanding from initial state.

Question 15

P3: Link

Answer 15

For many this is unguided natural process that is not dependent on a ‘Godlike’ being. Ergo they do not need to accept any ideas connecting science and faith.

Sam Harris-“There is no question that someone is right and someone is wrong. These are mutually incompatible descriptions of reality.”

Question 16

P3: Evaluation

Answer 16

In my opinion, I think it is reasonable to purely rely on scientific research for the origins of the universe as there is more proof for a scientific belief.
On the other hand, in my opinion there is no more definitive evidence for a scientific view than a religious view, an scientists just have faith in their hypothesis - like Christians.

Question 17

“W G r i G i a p! …t i n 67th b o d-i r, n, m s, t t u h G r c t w!”

Answer 17

Prof. John D Whitcomb; “What God recorded in Genesis is absolutely perfect! …there is no 67th book of divinely-inspired revelation, namely, modern science, to tell us how God really created the world!” P1: Evidence

Question 18

“G d c w s. S d p t u t, G d. G i t e o w w c d s. Y c t ‘N A’ s u t i t i e G o s. T i a n t t d e i y a a a.”

Answer 18

Prof John Lennox “God doesn’t compete with science. Science didn’t put the universe there, God did. God is the explanation of why we can do science. Yet constantly the ‘New Atheists’ set up the idea that it’s either God or science. That is a naïve thing to do even if you are an atheist.” P2: Evidence

Question 19

“T i n q t s i r a s i w. T a m i d o r.”

Answer 19

Sam Harris - “There is no question that someone is right and someone is wrong. These are mutually incompatible descriptions of reality.” P3: Link