Beyond the big bang: quantum cosmologies and God

Abstract

Is belief in God a reasonable option in the light of modern cosmology? Or have religious beliefs been ruled out by science? Or should we rethink the connection between these two human enterprises - perhaps even considering them as unrelated? Some writers have contended that the Big Bang can be identified with the biblical Creation, while others claim that cosmology, in Carl Sagan's words, leaves nothing for a creator to do. Willem Drees subjects the arguments of both sides to a careful scrutiny. He begins by reviewing and critcizing the religious responses to the theory of the Big Bang, showing that attempts by theologians to appropriate this scientific theory neglect many difficulties. He proceeds to an examination of various quantum cosmologies in relation to the Beginning, the anthropic principles, the search for complete theories, and conceptions of contingency and necessity. Dr Drees argues that cosmology offers no certainty in religious matters, and challenges the view that theology and science are engaged in a common quest to understand reality. On the other hand, he rejects the suggestion that they are unrelated. Not all scientific and theological arguments are compatible, yet science and theology have different functions. Science describes and explains, while theology is prophetic, seeking transformation towards justice and perfection.

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