ATSS: Bryan Ness, “God, the Big Bang, and the Age of Everything”
26 July 2023 |
Those who accept a literal interpretation of Genesis often feel threatened by the Big Bang, which implies a universe much older than just 6,000 years. In some ways the Big Bang is more supportive of the existence of a God who created the universe! Prior to the Big Bang theory cosmologists assumed that the universe was always in existence, often called the Steady State theory, a stance nicely compatible with atheism. The Big Bang theory implies that the universe had a definite beginning which led several 20th century physicists to become Christians.
The Big Bang theory estimates that the universe is approximately 13.8 billion years old, which is contrary to young earth creationist interpretations of Genesis, where the universe, the earth, and all life were created by God just a little over 6,000 years ago. Some theologians have suggested a gap theory where God created the universe as long ago as cosmologists suggest and then left the creation of earth and life until more recently. In this week’s Sabbath Seminar we will review the evidence for the Big Bang theory and consider the implications of accepting a gap theory for creation.
We will also look at various kinds of scientific evidence that hint at the age of the earth itself. Even if we accept that the universe is much older and the earth was created recently, is there ample evidence from nature to accept a 6,000 age for the planet and the life on it? What if the evidence from geology, paleontology, archaeology, and biology are more consistent with a much older earth? Could the earth also be as old as scientists currently estimate? Could an old earth creation model, where God created the planet 4.6 billion years ago, and life just 6,000 years ago be consistent with the Genesis account? Is there scientific evidence that might support this kind of theory, and if not, are there any other alternatives?
Teacher:
Bryan Ness is a Professor of Biology at Pacific Union College.
Moderator:
Gina and Dan Jett are attorneys, retired in the Sacramento area.
How to join:
One-click link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87518644968
Passcode: GENESIS
ATSS starting time depends on where you are. If you’re on the west coast of the United States, it’ll be 10:30 AM. On the east coast, 1:30 PM. Please double-check the correct time where you live.
The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum. We discuss and ask questions politely. We don’t accuse, get angry, put people down, or judge the state of their salvation.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
- Keep your microphones muted unless you are called upon to make your comment or ask your question.
- Indicate your interest in speaking by raising your electronic hand—under the “reactions” button.
- Please use your name when you sign in! Not your phone number, not your initials. This will help us differentiate you from unwelcome guests who want to disrupt us. You can set your name after signing on by clicking on the 3 dots next to your picture, which drops down a menu.
We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
YouTube channel:
You can see all of our previous ATSS recordings here.
Coming up:
- David Neff (Retired editor, Christianity Today)
- Sigve Tonstad (Loma Linda University)
- Matthew Korpman (La Sierra)
- Rolf Pohler (Friendensau)
- Pilira Zapita (Newbold)
- Kärt Lazic (Newbold)