Question #1: How did the universe come into being?
The first possibility:
The universe had no beginning. It has always existed and will always exist into the future.
The second possibility:
The universe had a beginning. It had a beginning and is, therefore, finite. This idea also implies that the universe will eventually end.
Based on scientific discoveries of the motion of the galaxies, we have learned that the universe is expanding from one central location. (i.e. the Big Bang). Everything is moving slower now than it was millions of years ago. This suggests that we are not simply in a steady-state holding pattern.
Also, consider the laws of Thermodynamics. The first law of thermodynamics states that the amount of energy in the universe remains constant. The second law of thermodynamics states that, though the total amount of energy remains constant, the amount of usable energy is steadily decreasing. It's running out. Everything is turning to disorder. Therefore, if we're running out of usable energy, it was never an infinite amount. The universe was never designed to exist forever.
Question #2: So, if the universe had a beginning, was this beginning caused or uncaused?
The Universe is Uncaused:
Some scientists once subscribed to the steady-state theory--the theory that the universe was brought about by natural causes. This theory is a bit out-dated, though, since it calls for the universe to be constantly generating hydrogen atoms from nothing. We now know, of course, that this does not happen. This stance also violates the law of casuality, which states that nothing happens without a cause.
The Universe was Caused:
If the universe was caused, what caused the explosion--the Big Bang--that hurled everything into existence? Some believe that the Big Bang was just a series of explosions, but that still leaves us asking, What caused the first explosion?
"Logically, if we are looking for a cause which existed before the entirety of nature (the universe) existed, we are looking for a supernatural cause. Even Jastrow [Robert Jastrow, founder and former director of NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies], a confirmed agnostic, has said as much: 'That there are what I or anyone would call supernatural forces at work is now, I think, a scientifically proven fact.'"
Norman Geisler & Ron Brooks, When Skeptics Ask
9 comments:
I don't know how entrenched you have become in all the writing that is available on Creationism and its counterparts, but you are certainly touching on a topic that only a specific group of intellectual elites would hinge their idealogical foundations on. I have found that the average person in society could care less how it all came to be. The average person is to concerned with their children in school or bills or their marriage or their lack of those things. People care about their jobs, cars, houses, families... but not really about how the universe was created.
To even begin to understand the basis for most of the arguments needed to understand any scientific argument you need to go to school or spend much effort in private study learning the science just to enter the discussion. Even then there is a vast yet incomplete catalog of the theories involved in explaining any one viewpoint.
The point here is that unless you are targeting a group of people that are going to be impacted by your findings, I believe it best to leave well enough alone. I don't want to discourage your personal learning, but I would hate for your discussion about Creationism without being specific, without structuring and playing out the scenarios with a wholistic approach including exhaustive rigorous logical arguments, you will firmly plant yourself as a stumbling block for those who would seek the uninformed arrogant Christian to point at and say "that's why I can't be a part of that community."
I am not chastising you, I am just warning you as someone who has tread this road before; do not awake the sleeping giant unless you are prepared to slay him afterwards.
Matt, thanks so much for your comment. I tend to agree with you that many people seem not to care about how our world and ourselves came into existence. Still, I can't fathom why. It astounds me, really. How could paying a bill be more important than that? Still, I guess one of the beautiful things about people is how different we are--how differently we are wired. For me, though, that idea just leads me back to marveling at creation and all that is in it.
I tend, however, to disagree with your premise that one has to spend a great deal of time in school before one even enters the discussion about creationism. While you are certainly right that there is a great deal of scientific research and deep philosophy that goes into many of these topics, I believe a simple person can also ask such questions as, "Who am I?" and "Why am I here?" and "How did I come to be?" and still find the answers. Granted, the answers might be phrased in small words, but the answers are available, none-the-less. I believe this because I believe in a God who created us and who desires for us to have a relationship with Him. He promises us that if we honestly seek Him, we will find Him. (Matt. 7:7-8) That means that He is obligated to show Himself to those who are honestly, openly seeking Him. Now, I am not, at this point, defending Scriptural reliability to you, I'm simply explaining why I, personally, believe that simple people can still fathom some of the mysteries that many very intelligent, highly educated people seem to miss. They can because they are open to hearing God's voice and learning from Him directly.
I don't think I have to explain every single finding or every single philosophical backflip in order to encourage others to do the kind of "seeking" I just mentioned. Who could possibly swallow all of that, anyway? Sometimes the most meaningful and life-changing revelation can seem like a very small bit of meaningless information to you or me. However, for that person, it might be the key to understanding a vast deal of life experiences in a new light. How are we to know what that might be? The beauty of it is, we don't have to know--because it's not up to us. The imparting of spiritual wisdom is between God and that individual. I just hope He uses me from time to time.
So, I suppose, though, you're concerned that a well-educated atheist will wander onto my site, think I have nothing of value to say and use me as yet another reason why he or she will never become a Christian. Well, that's entirely possible. However, seeing as how it's not my purpose nor responsibility to convert anyone anyway, I'll just go ahead and share what little I do know with those who are willing to listen and, hopefully, I'll continue to learn and grow in my own understanding as well. You see, it's God's job to change hearts and minds, not mine. I'm simply hoping to help get the discussion going between Him and them.
Again, Matt, thanks for your comment. And don't be afraid to share what you know with others. It's part of growing and learning and encouraging each other. If someone tries to attack you for your beliefs, it's okay to admit that you don't have all the answers. Do what you can to keep the relationship intact. Then go back and do some research. Maybe you'll find what you're both looking for.
Sounds like you need a letter from a supporter. Do you get anything besides "You don't know what you're talking about!" here?
I'm with ya, and I think anyone who says you can't competently discuss this if you're a lay-person has had all the common sense either educated or talked out of them. Just because I'm not a professional mechanic doesn't mean I can't competently discuss the pro's and con's of the newest electric car engines. Popular Science, Popular Mechanics and Scientific American all seem to think evolutionary science is for the common people.
I say, "Bring on the sleeping giants!" With enough research and proper reasoning skills, any person can slay one.
I'd also remind people of the coffee house revolution in England. Coffee houses were called "penny universities" because for a penny (the price of a dish of coffee) people, lay and professional, could sit around and discuss and debate literally any subject. There were houses where writers, poets and literature were discussed. There were houses where financial matters, trade, stock exchange and investing occurred. And there were houses for the sciences. And for anyone who says "Well, science was no where near as complex then as it is now!" I would say that you also don't have to work logorithmic and algorithmic equations by hand. We also have much greater and easier access to sources of knowledge than they did.
Jared, thanks for the support and the bit of trivia on the penny universities. As far as sleeping giants, though, I know what Matt is talking about. I have certainly found myself facing angry stubborness and elaborate arguments in the past and so I know how being in that position can certainly seem daunting. But there's also something to be said for boldness and courage and the willingness to admit when you are wrong. There's something to be said for standing up for what you believe--for what is right and good and just--no matter who your attackers may be. There's something to be said for learning how to respond to an angry attack with love and gentleness and patience--finding some way to empathize with and validate your oponent, instead of striking back in self-defense. When you learn to do these things, you find that you begin to see people as God's lovely, intricate, unique creations, rather than as enemies--and it's amazing how fear is no longer such a big part of your interactions with them.
As is said, "The devil's in the details." Too many evolutionists demand to go there and not discuss philosophy. One cannot exist without the other. That is where love comes in, in our philosophy, that is.
Slaying giants is merely a metaphor, though it is quite an entertaining past-time on those video games I play.
I don't fear not being able to answer. Maybe that is the brashness of my youth, but I'm also never afraid to hit the books. Truth is, the Bible says I have no reason to fear any longer. My faith is not so fragile as to be threatened, so I don't really respond in fear. I was actually just reading an article on this, about seeing through an individual's response to us (in any context), and empathizing with them as Christ did us, when he died for us.
As always, blessings and grace, my Sister.
Jared
when you say that something from nothing violates the law of neccisary cause you fail to mention why god is a logical first cause instead the lack of hydrogen theory you proposed is incorrect science the big bang big crunch theory compensates for that on the quantum level scientist say things can come into existence from nowhere
So... things coming into existence from nowhere is more logical than the existence of God? Sorry, don't buy it. The problem with the quantum level theory you proposed is that it is even a greater reach than belief in God. It is not scientifically proven, nor even accepted by all "scientists". It's a leap of faith. And when it comes to faith, I'd rather trust in Someone who can catch me when I fall.
Since you are asking questions about our universe from a biblical perspective, you'll love the book, "In the Beginning" (7th Edition) by Walt Brown. He covers strict facts mined from hundreds of science documents and has carefully pieced together the facts to show how the flood explains many of our solar system's attributes.
For instance, facts about comets: 1. Comets are never seen entering our solar system. 2. Comets last only about 12,000 years (so the earth can't be billions of years old). 3. Comets are made up of the same materials found at the bottom of our seas. 4. Comets include methane, which are produced by bacteria found on earth.
Putting these and many other facts together, Walt shows that when the foundations of the earth broke up, the continents exerted great pressure against the water below, ejecting water with such force that the water escaped our atmosphere and started them on their frozen elliptical journeys (with embedded bacteria and methane. Many of those comets actually slammed into the moon (the large craters), broke into pieces, and hit the moon again (smaller craters and water). It is a young earth and moon!
This is a fascinating hardcover textbook with hundreds of references. Also includes color photos and diagrams. ISBN 1-878026-08-9 (I am not affiliated with this man or his work. I just found the book and am in awe with what he has done.) I"m sharing these insights with a kindred soul.
Regards,
Steve Husting
Steve, thanks so much for your book recommendation! It sounds fascinating--just the type of material I like to read. I'll certainly look into it. Hmm.... wonder if I can get it used...
Thanks so much!
Post a Comment