The compatibility of science and religion Flashcards
Describe the Big Bang Theory
an infinitely dense and infinitely hot singularity was caused to explode and has been expanding rapidly since
What are some evidences for the Big Bang Theory(2)
red shift => galaxies moving further away from us
cosmic microwave background radiation result of great explosion
What are some evidences against the Big Bang Theory(2)
2400x less helium and lithium than expected
constant density throughout universe, even at far edges
Describe the steady-state theory
infinitely old universe, no beginning
Describe the creation story in Genesis 1(8)
God made everything by his word ex nihilo
“God saw that it was good”
God made things with a purpose and order
man made last after everything else has finished
man made in image/likeness of God
-men has a special role and is different in nature to the rest of creation - pinnacle of creation
God has intimate relationship w/ humans
God created humans to be his stewards on earth
Describe the Hindu creation story(6)
at the beginning there was only a sea of darkness
snake floated on top of the sea, protecting Vishnu
humming sound began to vibrate the seas with a low Aum
Vishnu awoke, petals of a lotus flower bloomed w/ Brahma in middle
Brahma broke the lotus flower into 3 pieces to make heavens, earth, sky
Brahma gave each of these feelings
What are the implications of the Hindu creation story(4)
God intimately involved in creation
Brahma made the world from the lotus flower, showing that it is beautiful
life and senses come from Brahma so all things are integrally related to the creator God and will return to him
everything created w/ ‘feeling’ so to be treated w/ respect
What is a fundamentalist
a person who believes in the basics of a religion, particularly believing that what is contained in the sacred text is an accurate, factual, record that cannot be questioned
What is the fundamentalist approach to creation stories(5)
God is truthful; won’t mislead us; everything in Bible true; creation story is literally true
fundamentalists believes the universe is 6000-12000
any contradictions in Bible means we don’t understand the world enough
reject any form of compromise w/ science
God did make world in 6 24 hr days
How can God fit into scientific theories of creation(4)
Window of opportunity for Big bang extremely small – perfect temperature, violence of explosion etc. Evidence of
intelligent design - God is the designer
“Let there be Light” = consistent w/ Big Bang
-God could have made the universe through BB - no contradiction
God created the matter for Big Bang/infinite universe
What is evolution
scientific theory that all species, over time, adapt to their environment, via natural selection, survival of fittest and genetic mutation
Describe the Darwinian theory of evolution
The theory that all species have adapted from more primitive forms by means of natural selection, survival of the fittest and mutations that occur during sexual reproduction
Describe some arguments/evidence for evolution(4)
observation of the way species adapt (bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics)
fossil record
some evidence of one species transitioning into a new one (Spartina anglica)
God could have used evolution to create animals (“according to their kinds” - speciation)
Describe some arguments against evolution(5)
fossil records are inconsistent
evolution so slow and cannot be seen to be taking place
complex form of animals and organs suggests design not haphazard evolution
undermines role of perfect God
-if God didn’t make everything perfect, as he wanted it to be, then he is not perfect but
limited and not God)
What are some positive implications of evolution for humanity(3)
every human is essential/significant within race as they contribute by passing on genetic heritage
evolution has built up to humans and any further development of an intelligent being will be based on humanity; this shows humans must be special
humans are at the top of the food chain so more significant than other animals
