The answer to the question of the origin of the universe and all life within it has led to one of the most compelling investigations of all time. Throughout human history people have been divided between those who believe a supernatural being created life and those who believe life is the result of a natural occurrence.
Before the 20th century, those who did not believe in a supernatural being supported the idea that the universe was eternal. They said that the universe did not have a beginning or an end, and thus it also did not have a creator. This perspective was popular among atheists who wanted to disprove the existence of God. However, the more scientists studied the universe, the more it pointed to a beginning. In 1916, Albert Einstein presented his Theory of General Relativity which demonstrated that the earth was either continually expanding or contracting. A few years later Edwin Hubble was able to observe the movement of galaxies through his telescope as they expanded. In 1964, cosmic background microwave radiation was discovered. It is a certain light presence in the universe believed to be the afterglow of the Big Bang. Other astronomers and astrophysicists came to the same conclusion that the universe did have a beginning. The Milne Model of 1935 and Steady State Theory of 1948 sought to prove an eternal state of the universe, but were ultimately unsuccessful.
In 1927, Catholic Priest and astronomer Georges Lemaitre first presented the concept that the expanding universe could be traced back to a single point of origin. His concept set the foundation for the Big Bang Theory, as it is known today. Essentially, the Big Bang Theory states that the universe began 13.8 billion years ago. There was the sudden explosion of matter from an infinitely small point. This tiny ball of space, time, and matter instantly began expanding. Over billions of years it expanded and developed into the current state of the universe.
Both non-religious and creationist communities are divided over the Big Bang Theory. Non-religious scientists are hesitant to accept a model that supports the existence of a supernatural being who created the universe. However, others find that it fits well within an evolutionary framework. Some creationists embrace the theory because it points to someone creating the universe and lends support to the Genesis description of the universe being created out of nothing. Others disagree with the evolutionary perspective often linked with the Big Bang Theory and thus are hesitant about it. While most people now agree that the universe had a beginning, many from both sides question the validity of various Big Bang Theory claims and the way in which the ideology has been applied.
Genesis tells us that God created the earth in six days. It was God's Word that brought life into being. Genesis 1 provides us with an order of creation beginning with light. God separated the light from the darkness. Then He made the heavens to separate the water above and below, essentially making the sky and the earth. Next He separated the waters under the heavens, making land and sea. Then God filled the spaces; He made plant life, then the sun, moon, and stars. Finally, animals were created, starting with the fish and birds, then all other species, and finally humans. Revelation 21 teaches that God will make "a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more" (Revelation 21:1). The Bible also tells us that human spirits will live forever. All who have put their faith in Jesus Christ will dwell with Him forever. Those who reject Him will remain eternally condemned (John 3:36).
The Big Bang states that the universe appeared from nothing and began expanding. It was a fiery, hot ball. There was light, but then it was overcome by a period of darkness until finally the stars emerged. From there the universe developed over billions of years through evolution.
Many Christians today believe that God could have created the universe through the Big Bang. However, believers must be cautious in discerning the truth since the Big Bang is still a theory without concrete proof and inundated by evolutionist ideology. Both the Big Bang Theory and Genesis begin with the sudden appearance of life, but that is where their similarities end.
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