The Origin of the Universe
In ancient philosophy, there was much debate over whether the universe had a finite or infinite past. But because of the Second Law of Thermodynamics (The Law of Deterioration), the majority of scientists and philosophers today believe the universe at some point began to exist. But, if something began to exist, it must have had a cause. Did that cause exist outside of itself?
The majority of scientists, philosophers, and theologians seem to agree that before the universe began to exist there was a state of nothingness. No space, time, matter, or energy. The majority today believe the universe came into existence through an event known as the “Big Bang.” That out of that state of nothingness the universe began in a gigantic explosion; sometime around 14 billion years ago.
However, there are those within the scientific community that believe the First Law of Thermodynamics would demand that “something” will not come out of “nothing” through natural processes. If it happened, something other than natural causes must have been involved.
What if we consider the Law of Inertia or Motion? Would a state of nothingness be like a perfect state of rest? If so, that state should not change unless acted upon by an outside force or agent. This would seem to indicate an external cause was involved.
Theologians debate over exactly how long ago this event took place. Some accept the evolutionary timeline of the “Big Bang;” but others, who take a more literal view of scripture, believe this universe has to be less than 10,000 years old.
We know the universe exists, and it appears to be expanding. By what is the cause of this? A cosmic explosion of some kind would seem to fit the evidence. But the theological explanation would seem to fit the evidence also.
The theologians point out the scriptures indicate a Supreme Being spoke the universe into existence out of a state of nothingness; with all the celestial bodies in outer space being brought into existence much closer to the Earth, and then moved outward leaving a trail of light coming back to us at the speed of light. Both explanations would seem to fit the evidence.
Evidence has to be interpreted to have meaning. Two people can be looking at the same thing, but each has a very different interpretation. This is where our chosen philosophical worldviews often come into play.
Could it be possible that all people involved, would just search for the reality of what actually happened, regardless of how it affected their chosen worldview? Total objectiveness and open-mindedness. We shall probably never find out.