The universe is an extraordinary place and I am, as often as I think upon it, amazed at just how intricate it is. I am just as amazed with the human capacity to discover and explore the universe. A dominant theory concerning origins is that the universe was once one, ‘very small’ singularity that erupted into space and time and matter. The ‘evolution’ of the universe also brought about biological life, which formed on Earth after ‘eons’ of chemical evolution within the stars. Just as the universe is proposed to have begun at one singularity, so also biological life is proposed, by many, to have originated with a single group of amino acids that somehow produced the first single-celled organism. Throughout a vast number of years, this single-celled organism is proposed to have evolved into the great array of life that is now seen on this planet.

It must be known that there is not only one theory of origins, or even one theory of biological evolution. There are a few. Furthermore, these theories all continue to change as new information is discovered. In fact, leading theories of evolution no longer consist of the type of change that Darwin described. Most theories now involve moments of rapid change within a species and have been proposed because there are large gaps within the ‘fossil record’ that have not, and presumably will not, be filled. These large-scale evolutionary theoretical developments have almost become a science of ad-hoc claims that have been designed to explain away the lack of supporting evidence for the number of evolutionary theories. In fact, it seems that evolutionary theory, even regarding the origin and age of the universe itself, has become a science of speculation that worships the god of secular humanism and is designed to, ironically, place mankind at the center of the universe. It seems to glorify mankind’s reason, even when this reason fails, on many occasions, to present correct thoughts concerning the universe and concerning reality.

This being said, I am skeptical of current popular theories of origin. I am skeptical not only because of certain inconsistencies within the theories, but because I believe the creation account in scripture to be an accurate, historical account of God creating the universe. These are the preconceptions that I bring with me as I observe the universe and as I read from those who are much more intelligent than I concerning the universe. Despite all that I have seen and heard, I have not encountered much that would convince me that the Biblical record is not accurate or that it should be interpreted in any manner other than literal and historical.

This being said, though, my goal over the next few weeks is not to disprove any theory of evolution or theory of origin concerning the universe. My goal is simply to observe what has been discovered about the universe from the theistic worldview and in light of scripture. I will ask certain questions of current theories and perhaps bring to attention certain phenomena within nature that I hope will provoke thoughts concerning the universe and the God who created that universe.

For the next few weeks, then, I will be considering some ideas presented in Carl Sagan’s Cosmos in light of scripture and with the Creator in mind. I will inform my considerations with thoughts from others who work in fields ranging from mathematics to biology to chemistry to cosmology etc… I hope that this adventure is both encouraging and challenging for those who choose to read.