Expanding Universe

Is the universe expanding, and does the answer to this question have theological implications?

Only as far back as the twentieth century do we see the first suggestions from scientists that the universe is expanding. The previous thought, given the stationary appearance, was that the cosmos is static (not in motion). Since then, countless astronomical observations have led to the conclusion that the universe is indeed expanding. Measurements provided by Hubble telescope images helped determine the rate of expansion. You might picture a grenade exploding, projecting matter and energy in every direction. This is not a completely accurate example though. Whereas a grenade sends heated fragments from a finite space of origin and then spreads out, decelerating to a stop within seconds, the universe was compacted into an infinitely small amount of no space (requiring a supernatural agent) and, upon explosion, ejected super-heated contents that would eventually become galaxies and quasars slowly decelerating as they come within each other’s gravitational pull.

Not being studied in astronomy myself, I will not attempt to explain these tests that are well documented. However, I can comprehend the results, and, having a fair understanding of the Bible, will share what the scriptures have to say about the universe expanding.

Given the limited number of words in Hebrew (less than a hundredth of the words in our English language), it is understandable how frustrated we sometimes get at the lack of clarity of the Old Testament. This is partially why Christian factions debate one another. For instance, the Hebrew word “day” can have three meanings, so there is disagreement as to the length of time it took God during the six days of creation. Likewise, the phrase “all the earth” can mean “all of the inhabited earth” or “all of the known earth.” Arguments occur even today when using these terms to describe Noah’s Flood. To see my blogs on these issues, click: How Did God Create the Earth? or Was Noah's Flood Global?

Fortunately, there are ways to ensure that we are interpreting with a greater degree of accuracy. First, understanding the context of the biblical passage is crucial. Second, comparing a certain word or phrase with identical uses in other biblical books can be helpful, especially if it refers to the same topic. Lastly, we grow in understanding by reading what scholars have to say about the grammatical use of confusing passages.

Now, back to our discussion on the expanding universe. What does the Bible teach? There is no word in Hebrew for "universe." The word that sometimes means “universe” is “heavens.” Generally, the heavens can mean any portion occupied by air or space above the ground. However, sometimes the context makes the location of the heavens more specific. For instance, the heavens in which birds fly can be distinguished from the heavens from which the stars shine.

Three Old Testament authors inform readers that God “stretches out the heavens.” This can also be translated, “spreads out the heavens.” The verb demonstrates that God continues to expand the heavens rather than having completed this task in the past. In each context, God’s authority as an active architect is acknowledged. He has laid the foundation of the Earth (past tense) and stretches out the heavens (present tense). Some passages go on to credit the Lord with forming the constellations, using celestial bodies to create tides, and setting seasons in their place.

A continuously expanding universe corroborates with what scientists observe today through various means of measurements. Furthermore, independent dating methods yield two results of relevance to this topic. First, they validate one another that the universe is approximately 13.7 billion years old. This provides evidence against viewing the six days of creation as literal, consecutive 24-hour periods. Second, they show how precise the rate of expansion must be for any form of life to exist. If the universe had expanded at a slightly higher rate, then gravity would not be strong enough to form astronomical objects capable of supporting life. However, if the universe had expanded at a slightly lower rate, then only black holes and neutron stars would be capable of forming. Either way, physical life is only possible through the present expansion rate of the universe.

Science and faith are not enemies. Both seek the truth. Our interpretations or conclusions may be flawed, but whatever happened during creation happened the way it did regardless of what we believe. After all, many Christians do not believe the same doctrines but will hold that their view is the biblical one. This does not mean that the Bible is wrong if we hear of conflicts between what science reports about nature’s history and faith. It means that there is room for improving our understanding, probably of both. For more information regarding unbiased, academic studies of nature and the Bible, please visit https://reasons.org/.

February 28, 2024