Biblical Basis for the Big Bang

Biblical Basis for the Big Bang

While the previous chapters explain the impressive scientific support for the Big Bang theory,
the rather reserved reaction of most Christians is better understood on the basis of scriptural
understanding of origins. For this reason, no amount of convincing scientific support will
necessarily persuade some individuals of its validity. But people of faith should recognize that a
scientific theory dealing with the origin of the universe also has theological implications.
Discovering a correct scientific view of origins will have important implications concerning
whether there is a God who transcends the matter and laws of the universe, and if there is, what
certain things can be inferred about Him from creation itself. Those who hold scripture to be the
most reliable source of truth should recall that scripture itself claims that we can learn about God
from creation. The Apostle Paul, recognizing that the educated believers fully expected the
Christian faith to agree with the testimony of nature, wrote to the church at Rome concerning
those rejecting God, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal
power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made,
so that they are without excuse.” Even more so today with the influence of modern science,
believers should fully expect support of biblical truth from the growing body of scientific
evidence.
But resistance to the Big Bang theory persists because of perceived conflicts with a scriptural
understanding of origins. So let us address what the Bible teaches concerning origins and
examine whether there is any real conflict with the scientific account we have discussed, or
whether there is a consistency. It is very important that just as we exercise skepticism of
scientific theories and the interpretation of the evidence, we should also exercise caution in
accepting a particular interpretation of scripture. And since the physical origin of the universe is
not a theme addressed in detail by scripture, we must be especially careful to not infer too much
based upon our favored outlook, influenced by many factors outside of scripture. Even so, the
Bible does seem to agree with several basic points implied by the Big Bang theory and its
supporting evidence, a very remarkable fact, considering the scriptures were first recorded a few
thousand years prior to modern science.