Subject: Re: Neutrinos and Theology
Date: Sun, 07 Jun 1998 01:12:33 GMT
From: rilu@leading.net
To: QBaal
 
 
On Fri, 05 Jun 1998 16:44:13 -0400, QBaal wrote:
 
 
10 or 15 years ago theologians, including the Pope, were happy with the Big Bang theory.
At least the version that implied the universe emerged out of nothing, infinite density of a  singularity, to expand to the present galaxies a zillion or so kilometers across. This all suggested the universe had a definite beginning and, in some minds, a definite creator.

Thus the classical Christian doctrine of creation ex nihilo seemed confirmed byu science and the
theologians and scientists were kissing up for the first time in  many moons.

Since then Stephen Hawkings has suggested that the universe has not a definite beginning
but an edge which implies no need of a creator. Though I think he in recent TV interviews
has stated he believes in God. But he says it with a smile.

Not to criticize this pre eminient brain but who knows what is behind those bright eyes of Stephen?

God knows!

And recently some A-1 cosmologists are plunking down on the side of a universe that does
not possess the mass to close and eventually, in a big Crunch. Tto form one super Black Hole.
Not big in size but big in mass and dissolving, maybe, in a singularity like the Big Bang's.

Then, maybe in line with Hindu thinking, the singularity jiggles and pops forth in a new
Big Bang forever repeated ad infinitum and perhaps, even to God, ad nauseum.)

So, not enthralled by the Big Crunch idea, many A-1 cosmologists forsee a cold and dark future for the universe as it expands forever and ever.

But in the last few days, a group of scientists have announced from their lab in Japan
that the elusive neutrino is showing signs of possessing mass. Something about oscillations
detected and only things with mass can do this. (What about photons??) And it seems
coming from the sun and other stars there are zillions and zillions of these little critters
with mass billions of times less than electrons! Anyway, perhaps with the combined mass of so many neutrinos and other mysterious particles, whatever, there is indeed enough
mass to close the univers and it's heading, after all, for a fiery, energetic end.

Personally, I feel the universe will go to nothingness from whence it came. Seems more
elegant that way. God can't let mass/energy litter up the cold dark universe forever.

So demise to nothingness feels the way to go.

Also, there is the little theological question posed by the eternal coexistence of matter and God
(spirit vs. matter) - which one is really God? The eventual return of matter to nada would solve
that little cognitive irritant. Perhaps, the Christians and Hindus are both ultimately right and the
universe(s) after cycling thought many creations \ Big Crunches finally calls it quits forever.

By command of the Creator! Edge or no edge.
 
QBaal,
 
 

Yes, science can change its mind many times over as it searches for the truth of things. There is certainly nothing wrong with correcting mistakes.
 
 

But the Bible's teachings have no need to change. They have stated the truth the first time around. And it is very clear about the origin of the universe. It says that God created it. (Ge 1:1) Thus at one time it didn't exist, then at another time it did. The Bible doesn't give us the details concerning how it came into existence, or how long it took, but only that God created it.
 
But what about the fate of the universe? Is it going to eventually collapse in on itself because of the ever-persistent law of gravity, or it is going to break free and expand forever, or something else?
 
The Bible does not leave us in the dark on this issue. It gives us some information to reason on. The Bible plainly says that the earth will last forever. Ec 1:4,
 
"Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever."

(NIV)
 
  So according to the Bible, there will be no "recycling" of the earth as the universe collapses and then explodes, etc. No, the earth was made to stay. Since the earth is going to be around forever, it would be logical to conclude that the rest of the universe will also. Those who put their trust in the Bible know what to expect and do not fear all the wild things that men can dream up, or the things that appear to have a sound basis, such as the earth being destroyed by a comet or asteroid, etc. God will not let this happen. We have promise down in writing.
 
  Sincerely,
  James