This essay concentrates on the relationship between the scriptural and scientific views of creation and their implications. The position taken is that there is a balance between the Big Bang theory of creation and the opening sentences of Genesis: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the face of the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light'; and there was light" (Genesis 1:1-3).
According to the Big Bang theory, the event that began this universe took place some twenty billion years ago. All the matter and energy now in the universe were condensed into a mathematical point with perhaps no dimensions at all. Then there was a cosmic explosion, and the universe began an expansion which continues to go on and on.
It would appear that there is considerable correspondence between the Genesis account and the Big Bang theory of creation. However, eschatological verification that God is behind the Big Bang and responsible for it, simply does not necessarily follow. The Big Bang could still have been an accident or something other than God. How can we really know for certain? Sooner or later we must rely on faith again. Perhaps the Big Bang is just a surprising natural phenomenon.
The concept of eschatological verification can be demonstrated in a parable. Two men are walking together on a trail. One of them thinks that it leads to an Enchanted Kingdom, while the other does not believe the road leads anywhere in particular. But because this is the only pathway there is, both must travel down it. The road is unfamiliar to both of them, and neither one knows what is over the next hill. While they are on their journey, they share moments of joy and satisfaction, and have moments of difficulties as well. All during their journey, one traveller sees his venture as a pilgrimage to the ...