The Goodness of Creation

Faith & Science Modern Science has come a long way in explaining the beginning of the universe, its growth and even the end of some stars and galaxies – String Theory – Big Bang Theory Through our God given intellect we continue to explore and learn about the workings of the universe. Through faith we know it was created by God

Scientific Theories String Theory: says everything in the universe is made of extremely tiny elastic strings. These strings are described as producing different types of particles by vibrating in different ways, which can be thought of as a process that’s similar to a guitar string vibrating in different ways to produce different musical notes. Big Bang theory: According to the standard theory, our universe sprang into existence as "singularity" around 13.7 billion years ago. Singularities are zones which defy our current understanding of physics. They are thought to exist at the core of "black holes, areas of intense gravitational pressure. The pressure is thought to be so intense that finite matter is actually squished into infinite density,called "singularities." Our universe is thought to have begun as an infinitesimally small, infinitely hot, infinitely dense, something - a singularity. Where did it come from? We don't know. Why did it appear? We don't know. It apparently inflated,expanded and cooled, going from very, very small and very, very hot, to the size and temperature of our current universe. It continues to expand and cool to this day and we are inside of it: incredible creatures living on a unique planet, circling a beautiful star clustered together with several hundred billion other stars in a galaxy soaring through the cosmos, all of which is inside of an expanding universe that began as an infinitesimal singularity which appeared out of nowhere for reasons unknown. This is the Big Bang theory.

Any discussion of scientific theory would be incomplete without asking the question, what about God? This is because cosmogony (the study of the origin of the universe) is an area where science and theology meet. Creation was a supernatural event. That is, it took place outside of the natural realm. This fact begs the question: is there anything else which exists outside of the natural realm? Specifically, is there a master Architect out there? We know that this universe had a beginning. Was God the "First Cause"?

Primeval History The time before the invention of writing and recording of historical data. Found in the Book of Genesis – Symbolic accounts of what happened long before we have written or archeological records Written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as they were spoken, written and edited some time later Through these accounts God reveals important truths

Religious Truth & Scientific Truth The Bible is a source of religious truth not scientific truth. It is not meant to be scientifically or historically accurate It uses figurative language to point to a deeper religious truth Religious and scientific truth do not contradict each other. Trying to interpret figurative language as scientific truth leads to misunderstanding that causes unnecessary conflict.

Figurative Language Literary forms – Myths – Etiologies Literary techniques – Anthropomorphism – Analogies Seven days of creation Adam’s rib Naming the animals – Symbols Wind Serpent

“And God saw that it was Good” Creation reflects the glory of God – Found in both Sacred Scripture & Sacred Tradition – Created all things visible, the earthly creatures Humans, animals, celestial bodies – Created all things invisible, heavenly creatures Angels Human Beings, the summit of creation – Only one of creation made for God; all the rest was made for man – Made in God’s image and likeness – Given “dominion” over creation The “Garden of Eden” – Original holiness – Original justice

Creation Evidence of the power of God – Faith and reason – Created and sustained by God – Out of time and space, which God created The work of the three in one. – The Father, the Creator of all – The Son, the Word by which God commands – The Holy Spirit, that breathes life.

Human Beings Male and Female – Both made in the image and likeness of God – Equal in dignity – Different in characteristics – Both maleness and femaleness reflect God’s infinite perfection – Complementary – Meant to be in communion with each other – The union of man and woman in Matrimony closely reflects the perfect communion of the Trinity

Role of Humans Role – to be in communion with God and to respond to his love by loving him in return – To serve him, particularly as stewards, of his creation – Co-creators

Responsibility “Be fertile and multiply” – Respectful use of human sexuality Bind two together as one Be open to new life Dominion over all living things – Order and interdependence Care for the order of creatures since abuse can through nature into chaos Free will We can freely choose to love God Intelligence (reason)

“Garden of Eden” Original holiness – God intended for humans to share his life, to be in direct communion with him Original justice – Complete harmony Between male and female Humans and nature