In the Beginning

Present day understanding of the beginning of the universe, of our solar system, of our planet and of human life is moulded by the opinions of astronomers, palaeontologists and naturalists. Opinions are constantly being revised as the scientists concerned extend their investigations into areas unknown by their predecessors, or remains and artefacts are uncovered that change previous assumptions and knowledge. I say knowledge but in fact there is a great deal more theory than fact.

Astronomy and interestingly its obverse, Particle Physics are the most volatile of the scientific disciplines, for each year bigger telescopes or deeper penetration of space (outer and inner) enables astronomers to ‘see’ further back in time or physicists to see deeper into the heart of matter. In such a volatile environment theories abound. At one time we were told the universe was shrinking, at another the ‘steady state’ theory was popular and now it is expanding. We are to believe now it all began with “The Big Bang”, when matter was thrown out in all directions in a colossal, inter-stellar explosion. The effects of this big bang are still being felt and, the theory goes, the expansion of the universe is accelerating. All this is very confusing for the layman because each new theory is expounded with such conviction. Theories and disputes between astronomers are plentiful too on the subjects of black holes, the limiting factor of the speed of light, space and time and the space/time continuum, the existence of life on other planets, etc. etc. It interests me that no-one has yet seriously addressed what existed before the big bang. Or indeed if there have been a series of big bangs. Presumably there must have been something there to explode. However, who is to say that the Big Bang Theory will not be superseded by yet another eye-catching ‘guess’ that can be made to explain the facts as seen by purblind, materialistic astrophysicists?

The same is true where palaeontology and naturalism are concerned. Theories based on the discovery of fossils, skeletons, bones, observation of physical evolution and the dating of the rocks or sediment where they were found have resulted in the progressive extending of the age of the earth and life upon it.

For centuries weird theories were advanced to account for the movement of the continents. Alterations in climate indicated by changing flora and fauna, discovered in the fossil record, left no alternative to the conclusion that movement had occurred. Only when the idea of continental drift was put forward and accepted as the most reasonable explanation, did the arguments subside. All we can say with certainty is that in terms of human life, the earth has existed a very long time but it is finite and one day will be unable to support life any longer.

Have a great weekend.

Lionel