Modern Cosmological Theory and Religion A Complimentary Relationship
... Johns University Modern Cosmological Theory and Religion—A Complimentary Relationship? ... Modern cosmological discoveries, specifically big-bang physics raises many questions. ... , and lastly, for the purposes of this discussion: Are religion and modern cosmological theory mutually driving forces? ... Modern big-bang theory, developed during the early twentieth-century, was built on the foundation laid by the early explorers who dared to look for answers outside of the strict religious spheres of their time. ... Perhaps most influential in getting the scientific revolution to advance with momentum, leading up to Einstein’s relativity theory and the subsequent big-bang theory, was Newton and his principles of physics. ... This origin is thought to be the size of a subatomic particle, indicating (for the time being at least) that the earth has not always infinitely existed, and that space and time has an origin, thus refuting the premises brought forth by the steady-state theory. ... Since the introduction of big-bang cosmology, with a few kinks here and there of course, the theory is favored in consensus by the scientific community. ... Scientists who are skeptical of any theological interaction with astrophysics argue that although modern cosmology does point to a subatomic origin of the universe, the principles of quantum physics, in theory, also allow for the possibility that the earth came into existence spontaneously, from nothing, for no apparent reason. ... Religious skeptics on the opposite extreme consider any attempts at making any correlations between religious doctrine and modern cosmological theory as futile; for the two are separate, incomparable realms. ... But by taking into account cosmological advances, and realizing how large the universe really is, a greater appreciation for its existence may be formed, potentially strengthening religious faith. ... As explained by John Haught in Science and Religion: From Conflict to Conversation, something is purposeful or teleological “if it tends toward the realization of some good, rather than just meandering blindly about” (164). ... They also believe that teleology will only make cosmology useless if it is again admitted into cosmological circles. ... Only through religion can the issue of purpose be dealt with accordingly.