The Big Bang Standard Model and Bahá’í Cosmology

Abstract: The Big Bang Theory is currently the most widely accepted Standard Model of cosmology, but it is at odds with Bahá’í scripture on three key points: a beginning, an end, creation from “nothing.” The Bahá’í sacred writings maintain instead continuous creation: the universe has no beginning; it will have no end; it did not arise from nothing. This article addresses the mainline interpretation of the Big Bang as the beginning of spacetime. The theory that the universe began from a very hot, dense singularity, smaller than an atom is supported by strong, empirical evidence. According to the mainline interpretation, spacetime came into existence at the Big Bang, an estimated 13.8 billion years ago. According to the theory there was no “before.”

Some cosmologists have also proposed that the universe arose spontaneously from “nothing,” viz. quantum fluctuations in a vacuum. Although some cosmologists have theorized that the universe will eventually destroy itself, Bahá’u’lláh has declared that the universe is eternal, notwithstanding cycles of destruction and recreation. As explicitly interpreted by some cosmologists, the Big Bang Theory dispenses with belief in the Creator.

Based on the Bahá’í principle of the harmony of science and religion, this article attempts to resolve the apparent discrepancy between the Big Bang Theory and Bahá’í scripture. It proposes that cyclic models that posit a universe before the Big Bang are more coherent in their basic outline with the Bahá’í sacred writings. The cyclic models posit a dynamic eternal pattern of expansion and contraction, endless cycles of entropy leading to destruction followed by recreation.

It should be noted in passing that although this paper concentrates mainly on cyclic theories, Cosmic Inflation Theory, is another alternative to the Big Bang. The CIT considers that a universe existed prior to the Big Bang. This article will also examine the Steady State Theory, the prevalent theory before it was displaced by the Big Bang. Finally, certain parallels are drawn between the steady state and modern cyclic cosmological models and ancient Greek, Jewish and Hindu cosmology to demonstrate a certain compatibility between science and religion on the origins of the universe. (from jack-mclean.com/articles/bahai-cosmology)