Facts & Faith
1989 Volume 3, No. 3
|
 |
Science in the News: Up or Down with the Big Bang?
By Hugh Ross
My title, here, is prompted by that of a recent full-page editorial comment by John Maddox, of the prestigious research journal, Nature.(1) In his article, "Down with the Big Bang," Maddox predicts that since the young-universe/young-Earth creationists have "impaled themselves on the hook of trying to disprove the relatively recent geological records," it will only be a matter of time before they resort to the doctrine of the Big Bang to support their belief in creation. In that doctrine, after all, they have "ample justification," says Maddox. The rest of his article discusses a recent paper by Lynden-Bell, Katz, and Redmount(2) which supposedly disproves, or significantly alters, the big bang [creation] event.
Maddox echoes the perspective of famed British astrophysicist Sir Arthur Eddington. In his sub-title, Maddox declares the big bang "philosophically unacceptable." These are Eddington's words in response to the notion of an expanding universe with a beginning in the finite past.(3,4) AS Maddox reiterates, "...this view of the universe is thoroughly unsatisfactory" because it implies "an ultimate origin of our world" whose cause (or Causer) lies beyond the universe. In other words, Maddox (as did Eddinton) insists that the only acceptable models for the origin of the universe are those which eradicate the need for God.
As for the paper by Lynden-Bell, Katz, and Redmount, it simply shows that the universe might have begun as a line in space-time rather than as a point. Maddox is right in predicting that "purists will no doubt find room to protest." Such room is ample, indeed.
I humbly accept his label and say that a universe which expands from a point or a line (or, for that matter, from any fixed geometric shape) still reflects a big bang in the general sense of the term. The "bang" would still be the beginning of the matter-energy-space-time continuum that we call the universe and that the Bible claims God created.
While it is true that the standard big bang model is an over-simple view of how the universe began, other big bang models do more adequately explain the complications we now observe in the universe. Complications of the complications still remain to be explained. But, rather than seeing the big bang models utterly cast down, as Maddox hopes, we will more likely see a series of modified and refined big bang models which more and more closely explain the universe we observe. Already the observations match perfectly with the Biblical data, and such will always be the case.
References
- Maddox, John, "Down with the Big Bang," Nature, 340 (1989), p. 425.
- Lynden-Bell, Donald, J. Katz, and J. H. Redmount, "Sheet Universes and the shapes of Friedmann Universes," Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 239 (1989), p. 201.
- Eddington, Arthur S., "On the Instability of Einstein's Spherical World," Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 90 (1930), p. 668.
- Eddington, Arthur S., "The End of the World: from the Standpoint of Mathematical Physics," Nature, 127 (1931), p. 450.
From the President's Desk
Dear friends,
This past month I participated in two dinner discussions with Christian "skeptics." Like many others I have met over the years, these men and women are dissatisfied with anything less than thorough, consistent explanations and rigorous proofs, internal and external, for virtually every point of Christian doctrine. Such individuals disdain pat answers. Living the Christian life can be difficult for them (and for those close to them) when their burning questions and doubts are brushed aside or, worse yet, earn them labels such as "ungodly," "rebellious," and/or "lacking in faith." At both events I heard sad stories of painful rejection.
My empathy for such skeptics is strong because I tend to be like them. Perhaps it's part of the nature, if not just the training, of a scientist. I remember clearly how I struggled over a question that cropped up in my early reading of the gospels, a question that remained unanswered for seven years. I am still frustrated over a problem I find in the last eight chapters of Ezekiel.
As I shared with both groups, the psalms of David have been a special source of comfort. David, called a man after God's own heart, was totally open with God about his confusions and frustrations, doubts and fears. I admire not only his honesty, but also his unshakable faith in God and in God's willingness to provide answers to questions searched out diligently and in a spirit of humility. I saw that kind of spirit in both groups. What a joy it was to discuss answers and to see God sweep aside doubts. One individual burst into tears of relief over troublesome issues at long last put to rest.
My encouragement for each of you is to retain or develop a healthy skepticism. As Paul exhorted the Thessalonians, "Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil" (1 Thess. 5:21-22). Let's keep in mind that serious questioning is not evil, is not the antithesis to faith and humility.
Sincerely yours,
Hugh Ross
Let Us Reason: The Thorny Old Problem of Evil and Suffering
Part Three in a Series
By Hugh and Kathy Ross
The third in our series of articles on frequently-encountered objections to faith in Christ and in His word addresses this familiar question: If God were really God-all-loving and all-powerful-then what explanation is there for the evil and suffering in the world?
Usually this question is posed as a rhetorical one, with the supposedly obvious, unstated answer, "None." We call it "familiar" because it seems to have stymied more inquirers through the centuries than any other question on our list. Some of the greatest minds have tackled it, only to be stumped. No wonder. Only the mind of God Himself can fully know and understand the answer. After all, He created the system, the reality we experience, in which evil and suffering exist.
Let us begin by establishing that a person who has already decided against the existence of God has no question to ask or answer because good and evil are meaningless, and so is purpose in his/her frame of reference. The person who believes in a Supreme Being other than the God of the Bible must live with 1) an unsolvable mystery or 2) a contradiction of supremacy or 3) a distortion of reality and/or rationality. Those who believe in the God of the Bible and who accept the authority and accuracy of Scripture have substance to work with that will yield some sense, some satisfaction for both the mind and the heart.
Before delving into philosophical-theological issues, we'd do well to find out whether we're discussing the evil and suffering in the world or, rather, the evil and suffering in someone's personal world. In raising the question, some people may simply be expressing their anger and hurt and confusion over a traumatic or tragic event for which they have yet to find an explanation.
Here is an opportunity to listen, ask questions, show respect and acceptance, offer appropriate assistance, and avoid the temptation to give pat answers, to defend God (and others), or to change the subject. Wounded people need the care and support of wise counselors. Are you prepared to be one? Perhaps one of the steps of preparation is to deepen your understanding of the wider issues.
Consider that the Bible divides man's history into three eras: 1) the time before man sinned (i.e. before Adam acted autonomously, in defiance of God's authority), 2) the time (now) when man experiences sin and its results, both within and without, and makes his choice either for redemption or for persistent rebellion, and 3) the time when man will receive what he has chosen, whether permanent removal from sin and its effects or permanent removal from the company of God and those who are His.
With this historical division in mind, we recommend reading and pondering the first three chapters of the Bible and the last three, passages which give us glimpses of the first and third eras. From this contemplation comes a sense of direction and purpose, an awe-inspiring glimpse into the future that God is accomplishing through the sometimes painful and difficult present. From it comes the beginning of our understanding of what makes heaven so wonderful and hell so terrible (and yet so necessary).
At some point, there is a need to address the inevitable what if's and why's. Here are a few:
- What if Adam had not sinned?
- What if Lucifer had never rebelled?
- Why didn't God annihilate Satan and the fallen angels or keep them away from man so that they wouldn't be able to tempt and cause trouble?
- What if a man's sin affected only himself and no one else?
- Why do innocent people suffer?
- Why did God create angels and men if He knew they would perpetrate evil?
- What if there were no pain, suffering, sickness, and death?
- Why must there be a hell? Heaven?
God has given information in His word-and in the creation-to answer these. That's not to say that the answers are easy. Isaiah 55 reminds us that His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts, than our thoughts. There is, however, one simple answer to hold us while we wrestle through the various complexities: We can turn our attention to the character of God. Both His word and His works affirm that He is perfect in power, in knowledge, in love, in justice, in mercy, in goodness...The list could go on and on. It's a list worth going on with.
In these few paragraphs we have only introduced the subject. To those who would like to dig into it, may we recommend the four-page outline or the tape album, Tough Topics and Paradoxes. You will also find a chapter devoted to it in our new book, The Fingerprint of God. We hope to make available someday soon more materials, perhaps a book of our own, for further study.
Field Report
It was our delight this past quarter to participate in strategy sessions with leaders of ministries, including Simon Greenleaf School of Law and the Navigators at UCLA. These consultations, in addition to a variety of direct outreach and training events, kept us hopping. Here are some of the opportunities God gave:
Churches - morning and evening talks on a variety of science-and-scripture topics for Chino Valley Community, Sierra Madre Congregational, Laurelglen Bible, and Granada Heights Friends, plus the videotaping of "science camp" sessions for Poway Christian Church.
Radio Broadcasts - "Religion on the Line" (twice), "John Stewart Live" (twice), and "Talk from the Heart" (twice). The latter resulted in an avalanche of letters and phone calls, the kind of avalanche we appreciate.
CBMC Outreaches - breakfasts, lunches, dinners with groups in Orange, Reno, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, Denver, and Boulder.
Publications - review and discussion of Stephen Hawking's A Brief History of Time for the Spiritual Counterfeits Project Journal. We will be making that article available soon; wrapping up of final details on The Fingerprint of God.
Other Events - Associates in Media outreach for writers, directors, and producers; Open Forum, a twice-monthly, noon-hour discussion for skeptics; and "Greek Week," a retreat for the college group of Sierra Madre Congregational Church.
Pray-ers' Closet
By Bob Stuart, Perris, CA
Soon after my wife, Sharon, and I became acquainted with the ministry of Reasons To Believe, we discovered one of the key factors in its effectiveness: ongoing communication with God: that is, prayer. We could see that it was the heart of the ministry, and we began to be curious about the day of fasting and prayer held every quarter.
Our inquiry revealed that it was a 24-hour period of fasting, beginning on a Friday evening, and a group gathering on Saturday for individual confession in accordance with James 5:16, subsequent prayer for the needs of each one present, and more prayer, with thanksgiving, for the fruitfulness and direction of the ministry. The day ends with a celebration of the Lord's supper and then dinner and fellowship.
We decided to participate, and I can honestly say that we are different people today because of that decision. Over the last year and a half I have noted God's desires becoming our desires and a new depth of accompanying joy. Personal prayers, some involving real crises, have been miraculously answered.
Our faith in God continues to be strengthened each time, and friends we have brought with us have been beautifully touched by the Lord. Among our most cherished blessings are the new friendships we have formed among those who regularly attend. Also, it has been a special delight to me to be appointed the celebrant of the communion service, leading in songs and in quiet reflection.
I urge anyone who desires to see how wonderfully and powerfully God can work in individual lives and in the life of a ministry to come join us. Our next opportunity is set for October 20-21. Please call the RTB office at (818) 355-6058 for details.
P.S. Also remember the praise and prayer meetings held one evening during the fourth week of each month, 7:30 P.M., at 154 West Sierra Madre Boulevard (rear entrance), in Sierra Madre. If you live too far away to come, you can participate anyway, either praying alone or with a small group in your area. Please let the staff know if you're interested. They would be happy to assist you.
Readers Write
"What a shock to start reading Vol. 3 #2, hoping for a truthful account, but to read in the last column about '100,000 years' and 'every 30 million years.' The inerrant word of God speaks clearly in amounts of time far less. Instead of your page one headline [A Near Miss Nearly Missed], here's a reader who'll be missed."
--Anonymous, Providence, RI
* Editor's note: We at RTB do believe the Bible to be inerrant, and we also believe that it speaks clearly about time scales on the order of millions of years. One paper that addresses this issue is entitled Biblical Evidence for Long Creation Days.
"I enjoyed hearing you [Dr. Ross] on KBRT when Rich Buhler was on vacation. My husband and I had watched Nova the night before re: Creationism v. Evolution and it made me so angry that it wasn't represented honestly, especially to my skeptic husband! I taped most of your show and my husband is showing great interest and wants your book. I thank God and thank you and thanks to Rich, too."
--M. L., Thousand Oaks, CA
"I'm glad to have received your quarterly newsletter (Vol. 3, No. 1) and I'm sorry to state that I think this newsletter was a bit too short; couldn't it have been made in such a way that it contains a lot and yet is light enough for mailing? I'm impressed about your answers and comments towards my questions..."
--T. M., Lesotho, Southern Africa
"Just recently I gave a friend a couple of your tapes. I found out later that he didn't listen to them, but he gave them to his mother who was dying of cancer. To make a long story short, she received Christ! Praise God!!..."
--R. H., San Bernardino, CA
"I received an unsolicited copy of 'Facts & Faith' (Vol. 3, No. 2 Summer 1989). I would like to address some articles written by you...Concerning the article 'Tracing the Identity of the Creator,' congratulations on the solution of the universe! But I really think you would have to have the ability to traverse the universe to 'really' understand it; don't you think? Haven't you created a Creator too big to be Personal? We at DRI [Deist Research Institute] are trying to bring God down to earth (again)..."
--A. M., Lynn, MA
"...Your personal interest and concern at an important time in my spiritual growth were pivotal in my continuing to seek answers. I would like to help ensure that you might be there for someone else seeking answers."
--G. O., San Jose, CA
Meet Our Board
Interview By Pam Gilman
DR. DAVID ROGSTAD, (chairman) physicist, Jet Propulsion Laboratories; senior member of the technical staff; group supervisor
DR. ALEX METHEREL, (vice-chairman) physician and radiologist; general partner, MRI Centers
MR. RUFUS HARVEY, (RTB treasurer) Grace Community Church of the Valley director of finance and facilities
MR. W. BERNARD MARSTON, broadcast engineering consultant; former chief television and radio engineer, Long Beach Unified Schools
MR. DAVID MOWEN, Coast Computer Products manufacturer's representative
DR. HUGH ROSS, (RTB president)
MR. STEPHEN SCHEELE, (RTB vice president) Aromatic Industries, Inc. vice president, sales
MR. CHARLES SHELTON, (secretary) Western Federal Savings and Loan, Mortgage Banking Group; supervisor, applications programming department
MR. GLENN WUNDERLY, W. Glenn Wunderly Company former owner and CEO
[graphic excluded]
More than sixty members and guests attended our third annual President's Club dinner this summer. Hugh Ross gave a brief review of the year's growth and accomplishments and a preview of ministry plans for 1989-90 to this corps of supporters who contribute more than $500 annually to Reasons To Believe. For more information on membership, please call Steve or Zana Scheele at (818) 355-5469.
The Reasons To Believe board of directors is chaired this year by Dr. David Rogstad, of Monrovia, California. Dave is the husband of Diane and the father of Tim (23), Jenny (22), Steve (19), and Daniel (11), all of whom enjoy, among other things, backpacking together in the Sierras.
Dave's ministry activities also include leadership of the council of elders at Community Bible Fellowship, a church born eight years ago out of a grassroots evangelism and discipleship effort with Hugh Ross and others. An avid student and teacher of the Bible, Dave shared in pastoring the young church during the years it was being established.
To describe Dave's career is difficult for a non-scientist. He earned his Ph.D. in physics at Caltech and did his thesis and postdoctoral work there in radio astronomy. Here things get more complicated. Dave's major contribution was the development of a new mathematical tool for taking data from two or more movable radio telescopes at various distances apart aimed at the same galaxy and transforming the data into the equivalent of a picture of that galaxy as it appears at a particular frequency along the radio spectrum.
Upon completion of his work at Caltech, he took a position at Jet Propulsion Laboratories (JPL), in Pasadena, where he applied his technique to the use of telescopes a thousand miles, rather than a hundred or a thousand feet, apart. This work is called very long baseline interferometry (VLBI).
In 1983 he shifted his attention to the development of concurrent computer processing, which involves creating the equivalent of a supercomputer by programming hundreds of micro-processors to work in concert on a single problem. Over a few years it grew from a two-engineer effort to a forty-man team funded mostly by the Department of Defense to the tune of $5-6 million per year.
Recently Dave has returned to his VLBI work, still at JPL. "It turns out that VLBI technique is the primary method for navigating spacecraft, including the Voyage that's now going by Neptune," Dave says. "It's fun having some indirect role in the whole thing."
What's most fun and challenging to Dave, however, is his involvement in people's lives and in their spiritual growth. As he puts it, "I find that the greatest challenge is trying to live a godly life in this ungodly age. I feel my own personal ministry is in stirring up people who already may be Christians to live as real Christians instead of just giving up and going with the flow."
As for his sharing his belief with colleagues at work, Dave says, "It's not my usual approach to talk about the science-and-scripture issues, but it's helpful to have answers to at least some of these questions so that I can assure them that there are answers. It isn't a blind faith. There is reason behind it."
Special Feature: Special Thanks and Farewell
The entire Reasons To Believe family wishes to publicly express our appreciation to Roberta Loutsenhizer for her invaluable service over the past two and a half years as administrator and office manager. Actually, Roberta has filled so many roles, from prayer leader to box-packer to window display artist to long-range planner, that to list them all would overflow the page.
The words capable and caring seem to summarize Roberta's unique blend of strength and skill. No one has played a more crucial part in shaping and nurturing the ministry during these early, formative years. She is a friend whom we love and respect, and she will be sorely missed both in the office and at our events.
Roberta is preparing herself to take a new direction in serving the Lord. She plans to work with people, particularly women, who have suffered severe childhood trauma. Her heart's desire is to be used by God in helping them work through the pain and fear and confusion toward healing and wholeness in Christ.
Puzzles & Paradoxes
Here's a simple puzzle to give you a light mental workout: With one straight vertical cut and one straight horizontal cut, divide the cross below [graphic excluded] into four pieces that can be reassembled into a square. Two solutions are possible. Perhaps more. Check yours against the ones that will appear in our next issue.
[graphic excluded]
The paradox cited in our last issue is one that you have probably encountered in your own thoughts, as well in discussions with others: If God chooses who will accept and who will reject His offer of salvation in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, how can He justly hold anyone responsible (giving reward or punishment) for that choice? In theological terms, it is the paradox of man's free will and God's predestination. In reading your way through the few hundred scripture verses that mention one of both sides of the matter, you will find clear statements establishing what certainly seems a contradiction. Some passages speak of man's power to control his destiny by his own choices; others speak of God's power to control all things, including man's doings, by His own choices; still others speak of man's control and of God's control all in one breath (see Joel 2:32 and Acts 13:48).
The typical response of theologians (and laymen) through the years has been either to opt for the supremacy of one doctrine over the other or to suggest that there is a separation of powers (i.e., man controls some choices, but God controls others). Such responses, however, represent attempts to get around the paradox or to treat the problem as something other than a paradox. One way or the other, scripture gets bent.
The question to ask, as you puzzle-solvers know, is, "What other approaches can we take?" In this case, even if you have never seen our list of steps to paradox resolution, you may realize that the key lies in establishing the correct frame of reference and/or in observing over more dimensions.
In man's four-dimensional world (length, width, height, and time), it is impossible for man to have 100% control and God to have 100% control at the same time. However, as we know both from scripture and from physics, there is a reality beyond our universe that includes at least a few (if not several) more dimensions of space and time. We cannot picture these dimensions in our mind's eye, but we can show that they exist. Do you recall that Jesus, in a physical body, entered a locked room (soon after His resurrection) without breaking through the doors or windows? And, going back to the Old Testament, you may have read that God opened the eyes of Elisha's servant so that he could see horses and chariots of fire in the hills all around.
In God's extra-dimensional frame of reference, it is possible for both God and man simultaneously to exercise control over choices. Neither man nor God is overruled by the choices of the other. Man is responsible to choose God or reject Him, even if God is also responsible. No one is off the hook. In this light, reward and punishment make sense.
This page, and all contents, are Copyright © 1989 by Reasons To Believe.
