Many naturalist scientists have begrudgingly accepted that the universe has a beginning, conceding that "an agent outside of space and time" caused our universe. Many also acknowledge the "anthropic principle," that the universe is intelligently designed. Romans 1:19-20 and Psalm 19, of course, attest to these facts.
Gen 1 and the “anthropic principle”
Big bang cosmology has forced naturalistic scientists to dead with the "problem" of a beginning. Many are now also reckoning with the "anthropic principle," that the universe is intelligently designed. According to Fred Hoyle "a super-intellect has monkied" with physics and biology.
Genesis 1:1 and naturalism
Acceptance or rejection of Genesis 1:1 largely determines the lens through which people see God as potentially involved in the universe. A priori commitment to naturalism became evident in many scientists' resistance to the philosophical implications of the Big Bang, which threatened the naturalistic presumptions held by many scientists.
The opposition of scientists to the “big bang”
Big bang cosmology encountered much resistance by scientists early on, not because the evidence was lacking, but rather because many were philosophically predisposed against it. The theory ultimately demanded that a "causal agent outside of space and time" began the universe and time itself. Well that is exactly what Genesis 1:1 says.
Big Bang cosmology confirms Genesis 1:1
This initial episode introduces the potential areas of conflict between science and the Genesis 1, focusing on the last century's revolutionary developments in big bang cosmology. Scientists like Einstein initially resisted the implications of big bang cosmology because of an a priori commitment to naturalism. Big bang cosmology posited a beginning of everything, even time itself, and this conclusion naturally begs the question, Who or what began everything?
From Abraham to Us
In this episode host Victor Vigorito discusses the life of Abraham and the applicable lessons for believers today, particularly focusing on the themes of perseverance and the working out of God's promises in our lives.
Victor begins by introducing the topic, noting that they will continue discussing Abraham, emphasizing the importance of perseverance after receiving a promise. He reads from James 5, highlighting the need for patience, drawing parallels to farmers waiting for their crops. Victor explains that believers often find themselves in a "middle zone" between receiving a promise and its fulfillment, similar to a dry period between early and late rains. He warns that if not handled properly, believers might forfeit the blessings promised by God.
He references C.S. Lewis's "Screwtape Letters," reflecting on how new believers often experience early victories and encouragement but may later encounter periods of dryness. Victor expresses that such seasons are meant for spiritual growth, urging listeners to dig deep roots in their faith during these times.
He connects this to Abraham, who received the promise of becoming a father of many nations when he was 75 but waited many years for its fulfillment. Despite doubts and missteps, Abraham's faith and hope in God's promises are pivotal. Victor discusses the significance of the covenant God made with Abraham and how that covenant assures believers today.
He emphasizes that all the promises of God come through the new covenant in Christ, suggesting that believers should return to Jesus's sacrifice for hope and certainty. Abraham's hope came from understanding that God would fulfill His promises, just as believers find assurance in Christ’s work.
Victor mentions that believers also receive a down payment of their inheritance through the Holy Spirit, providing a taste of eternal life here and now. He stresses the transformative power of God, exemplified in Abraham's life where he ultimately trusted God's preserving power, even in challenging commands.
Throughout the episode, Victor reinforces three key elements in the working out of God's promises: hope derived from God's covenant, the inheritance symbolized by Isaac as a down payment, and God’s power at work in believers. He wraps up by reading from 1 Peter about being born again to a living hope, receiving an inheritance, and the power of God that protects and transforms the faithful.