10/14/07 big bang & beyond faith and science in parallel don e. bray college station, texas...
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Big Bang & BeyondBig Bang & Beyond
Faith and Science in ParallelFaith and Science in Parallel
Don E. BrayCollege Station, Texas
Presentation at Christ United Methodist Church, 10/25/07
DRAFT
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Parallel Paths of KnowledgeParallel Paths of Knowledge
“…just as I believe that the Book of Scripture illuminates the pathway to God, I also believe that the Book of Nature, in all of its astonishing detail - the blade of grass, the missing mass five, or the incredible intricacy of DNA -suggest a God of purpose and a God of design. And, I think that my belief makes me no less a scientist.”
Owen Gingrich, Gods Universe, Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA 2006., pp. 79.
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AssumptionsAssumptions
A.A. Universe that we see, and anything beyond, Universe that we see, and anything beyond, was “created” in the Big Bang.was “created” in the Big Bang.
B.B. The Universe is statistically distributed, i.e. The Universe is statistically distributed, i.e. mass and energy were randomly distributed mass and energy were randomly distributed in “chaos” shortly after the Big Bang.in “chaos” shortly after the Big Bang.
C.C. Associations of the masses and energy are Associations of the masses and energy are governed by the Laws of Physics which also governed by the Laws of Physics which also came with the Big Bang.came with the Big Bang.
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Chaos in the UniverseChaos in the Universe
Dust seen by the Hubble
M31 Oregon
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Our Solar System May 2002Our Solar System May 2002
Sky & Telescope Magazine
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Physical Laws Affecting the Physical Laws Affecting the UniverseUniverse
Gravitational attraction Gravitational attraction
€
F =Gm1m2
R2
Space Mass 1 Space Mass 2
m1 m2
Fa Fa
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Physical Laws Affecting the Physical Laws Affecting the UniverseUniverse
Rotation
TensionForce
CentrifugalForce
m
Outward centrifugal force caused by rotation is balanced by the inward restraining force, which could be a string or, for space, gravity.
Centrifugal ForceCentrifugal Force
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The Scientific MethodThe Scientific Method
The term scientific method is used to describe controlled experiments where the outcomes of several repetitions may produce different results. The differences in outcomes may be attributed to experimental error, or to erroneous assumptions. The mathematical error shows the degree of agreement or disagreement with the initial assumption.
Adapted from:
http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-60609/principles-of-physical-science
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Likelihoods or ProbabilitiesLikelihoods or Probabilities
Expresses likelihood of an event occurringExpresses likelihood of an event occurring A baseball hitter batting 0.333 will be expected A baseball hitter batting 0.333 will be expected
to get a hit once for every three times at bat.to get a hit once for every three times at bat. A baseball hitter batting 0.200 will be expected A baseball hitter batting 0.200 will be expected
to get a hit once for every five times at bat.to get a hit once for every five times at bat. These batting averages are based on the data set These batting averages are based on the data set
which is the previous batting record of the which is the previous batting record of the individual.individual.
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Using ProbabilitiesUsing Probabilities
The probability is an expectation, not an The probability is an expectation, not an assured result.assured result.
The baseball manager cannot expect that a The baseball manager cannot expect that a batter hitting 300 will always get a hit. He may batter hitting 300 will always get a hit. He may go hitless for ten at bats and then get four or go hitless for ten at bats and then get four or five straight hits. five straight hits.
A probability = 1 is assured, will always occur.A probability = 1 is assured, will always occur. A probability = 0 will never occur.A probability = 0 will never occur.
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What is the correct time?What is the correct time?
Class of 17 students is unaware of the Class of 17 students is unaware of the upcoming experiment.upcoming experiment.
Students watches are mixture of mechanical Students watches are mixture of mechanical and digital.and digital.
Instructor’s watch is set to the exactly correct Instructor’s watch is set to the exactly correct time using WWV before class.time using WWV before class.
At the signal, all students write down the time At the signal, all students write down the time indication on their watches.indication on their watches.
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Instantaneous Readings of Instantaneous Readings of Student’s WatchesStudent’s Watches
13:14.4 13:13.3 13:13.0 13:14.8
13:19.7 13:12.0 13:12.7 13:13.8
13:19.5 13:15.3 13:13.2 13:16.8
13:15.0 13:16.3 13:13.7 13:13.6
13:13.5
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Statistical AnalysisStatistical Analysis
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Adjusted DataAdjusted DataStudent Watch Time Minutes Rank Adjusted
1 13:14.4 14.40 12.00 12.002 13:13.3 13.30 12.70 12.703 13:13.0 13.00 13.00 13.004 13:14.8 14.80 13.20 13.205 13:19.7 19.70 13.30 13.306 13:12.0 12.00 13.50 13.507 13:12.7 12.70 13.60 13.608 13:13.8 13.80 13.70 13.709 13:19.5 19.50 13.80 13.80
10 13:15.3 15.30 14.40 14.4011 13:13.2 13.20 14.80 14.8012 13:16.8 16.80 15.00 15.0013 13:15.0 15.00 15.30 15.3014 13:16.3 16.30 16.30 16.3015 13:13.7 13.70 16.80 16.8016 13:13.6 13.60 19.5017 13:13.5 13.50 19.70
Avg 14.74 14.74 14.09STDEV 2.213 2.213 1.332N 17 17 15
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Normal Distribution CurvesNormal Distribution Curves
To be added
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Comparing Student’s Watch Comparing Student’s Watch Times to True Time of 13:14.00Times to True Time of 13:14.00
13:14.4 13:13.3 13:13.0 13:14.8
13:19.7 13:12.0 13:12.7 13:13.8
13:19.5 13:15.3 13:13.2 13:16.8
13:15.0 13:16.3 13:13.7 13:13.6
13:13.5
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Conclusion from Time AnalysisConclusion from Time Analysis
If a student is randomly selected and asked If a student is randomly selected and asked “What is the time?”, there is a likelihood of “What is the time?”, there is a likelihood of getting a very wrong answer.getting a very wrong answer.
Confidence in getting the right answer is Confidence in getting the right answer is increased by putting the question to more increased by putting the question to more students.students.
There is always a likelihood of error, there are There is always a likelihood of error, there are no absolutes.no absolutes.
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What can we see by looking up?What can we see by looking up?
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Visible itemsVisible items
Galaxies beyond our Milky WayGalaxies beyond our Milky Way
Nebulae showing explosive formationNebulae showing explosive formation
Star clusters at the boundary of our Milky WayStar clusters at the boundary of our Milky Way
Planets showing the result of orderly formationPlanets showing the result of orderly formation
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Andromeda Galaxy (MAndromeda Galaxy (M3131))
From the Hubble
Telescope view from my backyard
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Orion Nebula (MOrion Nebula (M4242))
From the Hubble
From my backyard
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PlanetsPlanets
Saturn
Venus
Jupiter and Moons
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What can we see by looking What can we see by looking around?around?
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Visible ItemsVisible Items
Sedimentary layeringSedimentary layering
Displacement due to upheavalDisplacement due to upheaval
Volcanic release. Volcanic release.
Effects of continental driftEffects of continental drift
Erosion due to large water release by glaciersErosion due to large water release by glaciers
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Horizontal Layers in Sandstone Horizontal Layers in Sandstone Sediments Sediments
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Inclined Layers Show Dynamic Inclined Layers Show Dynamic EarthEarth
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At left - Large granite boulder.
At right - Smaller, broken granite rocks down the side of the mountain.
10/14/0710/14/07 Encyclopedia Britannica, 2002, World Atlas, Hammond, 1988
XX
X
XX
XX
X
X Bauxite Locations
Geological and Biological PatternsGeological and Biological Patterns
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Coastline in BrazilCoastline in Brazil
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Basalt PillowsBasalt Pillows
Mountains in Northern Maine
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How Our Solar System StabilizedHow Our Solar System Stabilized
http://media.skyandtelescope.com/video/Solar_System_Sim.mov
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Present Model of our Milky WayPresent Model of our Milky Way
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“And yet, small as is our whole system compared with the infinitude of creation, brief as is our life compared to the cycles of time, we are so tethered to all by the beautiful dependences of law, that not only the sparrow’s fall is felt at the outermost bound, but the vibrations set in motion by the words that we utter reach through all space and the tremor is felt through all time” Maria Mitchell, 1819-1889.
Sweeper in the Sky, Helen Wright, The Macmillan Company, New York, 1949, pp. 227.
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The entire universe (including the
earth) is governed by physical
law, always has been, and always
will be.
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Some ChronologySome Chronology 2800 BCE Egyptians observe that Sirius aligns each year at the time of the solstice.2800 BCE Egyptians observe that Sirius aligns each year at the time of the solstice. 1400 BCE Genesis by Moses1400 BCE Genesis by Moses 1200 BCE The Iliad by Homer 1200 BCE The Iliad by Homer 740-690 BCE Isaiah740-690 BCE Isaiah 600-400 BCE Job600-400 BCE Job 384 – 322 BCE Aristotle384 – 322 BCE Aristotle 310-230 BCE Aristarchus proposes that the Earth revolves around the Sun.310-230 BCE Aristarchus proposes that the Earth revolves around the Sun. 250 BCE - 68 AD Dead Sea Scrolls250 BCE - 68 AD Dead Sea Scrolls 127 –145 Ptolemy 127 –145 Ptolemy 1483 - 1546 Martin Luther1483 - 1546 Martin Luther 1492 Columbus sails to America1492 Columbus sails to America 1509-1564 John Calvin1509-1564 John Calvin 1519 Magellan proves world is round.1519 Magellan proves world is round. 1564-1616 William Shakespeare1564-1616 William Shakespeare 1607 Jamestown, VA established1607 Jamestown, VA established 1564 – 1642 Galileo1564 – 1642 Galileo 1629 King James version printed1629 King James version printed 1642-1727 Newton1642-1727 Newton 1736 John and Charles Wesley come to Georgia as Church of England Missionaries 1736 John and Charles Wesley come to Georgia as Church of England Missionaries 1775 Lexington and Concord – “Shot Heard Around the World”1775 Lexington and Concord – “Shot Heard Around the World”
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What the Wesleys Believed?What the Wesleys Believed?
Is the Earth round? – Probably believed this. Is the Earth round? – Probably believed this.
Is the Earth or the Sun the center of the universe Is the Earth or the Sun the center of the universe
(heliocentric)? The “New Astronomy” was debated by 18th (heliocentric)? The “New Astronomy” was debated by 18th
century theologians. Wesley’s writings alternately expressed century theologians. Wesley’s writings alternately expressed
belief in both systems, but in the end they probably believed in belief in both systems, but in the end they probably believed in
the heliocentric system. the heliocentric system. Vanderbilt Divinity School, 2004.Vanderbilt Divinity School, 2004.
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Chronology of Biblical and Scientific Chronology of Biblical and Scientific Knowledge Knowledge
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The Formative PeriodThe Formative Period
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Existing Beliefs Existing Beliefs
MosesMoses King King JamesJames
WesleysWesleys NowNow
Planetary Planetary MovementMovement
YesYes YesYes YesYes YesYes
Earth RoundEarth Round NoNo YesYes YesYes YesYes
Sun Center of Sun Center of UniverseUniverse
NoNo NoNo Probably Probably YesYes
YesYes
Geological AgeGeological Age NoNo NoNo Probably Probably NotNot
SomeSome
Continental DriftContinental Drift NoNo NoNo NoNo SomeSome
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How does the rule of physical How does the rule of physical law affect our faith?law affect our faith?
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In ancient history, several religion In ancient history, several religion beliefs were discardedbeliefs were discarded
4000 BCE - Sumerians in Mesopotamia worshiped the sun, 4000 BCE - Sumerians in Mesopotamia worshiped the sun, moon and Venus.moon and Venus.
Romans & Greeks worshipped Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn et Romans & Greeks worshipped Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn et al.al.
Jewish culture rejected multiple gods and became Jewish culture rejected multiple gods and became monotheistic.monotheistic.
Jewish culture retained belief that God acted through the Jewish culture retained belief that God acted through the heavens.heavens.
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In modern history, also, several In modern history, also, several notable beliefs have been challenged.notable beliefs have been challenged.
Geocentric vs. Heliocentric world systems (Earth centered vs. sun Geocentric vs. Heliocentric world systems (Earth centered vs. sun centered).centered).
Age of the earth (6000 years vs. >250 million years.)Age of the earth (6000 years vs. >250 million years.)
Biblical creation story.Biblical creation story.
Adam and EveAdam and Eve
Noah’s floodNoah’s flood
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Grand Duchess of TuscanyGrand Duchess of Tuscany
Took issue with Galileo over Joshua 10 12-13 Took issue with Galileo over Joshua 10 12-13 “… the sun stood still..”“… the sun stood still..”
This was considered to be fact.This was considered to be fact. If the sun was the center of the universe, it If the sun was the center of the universe, it
would be the Earth that would need to stop for would be the Earth that would need to stop for this to be literally true.this to be literally true.
After acceptance of Copernicus and Galileo’s After acceptance of Copernicus and Galileo’s work, Joshua 10 12-13 must have been a work, Joshua 10 12-13 must have been a miracle for it to be true.miracle for it to be true.
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Is the Old Testament Free of Is the Old Testament Free of Factual Error?Factual Error?
No. Look at 1 Kings 7:23No. Look at 1 Kings 7:23
“… “… the molten sea: it was round, ten cubits from brim the molten sea: it was round, ten cubits from brim to brim, and five cubits high. A line of thirty cubits to brim, and five cubits high. A line of thirty cubits would encircle it completely.”would encircle it completely.”
This the physical and mathematical definition of pi (This the physical and mathematical definition of pi (∏∏).).
The correct value of pi is 3.14156The correct value of pi is 3.14156
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Methodism on Reason Methodism on Reason "Since all truth is from God, efforts to discern the connections between revelation and reason, faith and science, grace and nature, are useful endeavors in developing credible and communicable doctrine."
“Science and theology are complementary rather than mutually incompatible. We therefore encourage dialog between the scientific and theological communities…”
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, The United Methodist Publishing House, Nashville, Tennessee, 1996. pps. 80 and 86
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Two Views on the CreationTwo Views on the CreationGenesis 1 Genesis 1The Beginning 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was [a] formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light "day," and the darkness he called "night." And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. ….
Genesis 2.44These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens, 5And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew: for the LORD God had not caused it to rain upon the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. 6But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground. 7And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. 8And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
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Two Views on the Spread of Two Views on the Spread of MankindMankind
The sons of Noah who went out of the ark were Shem, Ham and Japeth. Ham was the father of Canaan. These three were the sons of Noah; and from these the whole Earth was peopled.
Genesis 9:18-19
"Modern" humans (our ancestors) date back 100,000 years (in Africa). The principal migration of "modern" humans out of Africa occurred about 10,000 years ago. Some of these would have migrated to Mesopotamia and beyond. It is rather amazing that these migrations took humans to every corner of the world, including Australia, Iceland, and North and South America. As they say, timing is everything, and the great ice age came along at the right time to lower the sea level 200 feet, giving humans access to what is now Indonesia and Australia and a land bridge across the Bering Straits from Russia to America. To me, this is a rather amazing story. Certainly more important to human history than the flood.Commentor to Leon
Hale’s column on the Flood 21 August 2007
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10,000 Other Galaxies10,000 Other Galaxies
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Reverend Jerry House, Jr. Sermon on Reverend Jerry House, Jr. Sermon on the Creation Story 04/28/05the Creation Story 04/28/05
Here he is describing the biblical-scientific synthesis approach to understanding the book of Genesis
…it was written this way to show us that this story is a story about faith, not about science. Which is to say that it does not stand counter necessarily to scientific discoveries, but that it actually serves a higher purpose.
Further reading: Rev. Ron Hodges, 14 April 2002,
http://www.gbgm-umc.org/christut/april14.htm
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Random Selection and a Random Selection and a DesignerDesigner
“…just as I believe that the Book of Scripture illuminates the pathway to God, I also believe that the Book of Nature, in all of its astonishing detail - the blade of grass, the missing mass five, or the incredible intricacy of DNA -suggest a God of purpose and a God of design. And, I think that my belief makes me no less a scientist.”
Owen Gingrich, Gods Universe, Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA 2006., pp. 79.
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How do these issues affect us?How do these issues affect us?
A recent poll by The Pew Forum on Religion in Public Life (August 30, 2005) found that 42% of the people in the US believe that the Earth has existed in its present form since the beginning of time. (http://pewforum.org/). Clearly, this view is contrary to physical evidence showing that time and change are roughly traceable to the origin of the universe.
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Scientific CreationismScientific Creationism
Henry M. Morris, Ph. D., Creation Life Publishers, San Diego, CA 1974.
Prepared by a team from The Institute of Creation Research. They state that “ the Creation Model does not require a short time scale. It merely assumes a period of special creation sometime in the past, without necessarily stating when that was.”
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““The Grand Canyon - a different The Grand Canyon - a different view,”view,”
This is a beautiful book, sold at the National Park Service bookstores in the same section where Indian Myths on the Creation are sold.
The authors include those with good scientific credentials as well as those with little or no scientific training.
Their premise is “the Bible, in its original form, is the inerrant Word of God.” pp. 7.
They reject anything other than a 6000 year age for the Earth.
They propose that the hydraulic pressure of the water from Noah’s Flood caused the rock formations to fracture and the rush of water caused the erosion. Pp. 62.
Tom Vail, Master Books, Green Forest, AR 2003.Tom Vail, Master Books, Green Forest, AR 2003.
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Then, there are the Reasons to Then, there are the Reasons to Believe PeopleBelieve People
This group (http://www.reasons.org/) proposes to show a scientific proof of the existence of God. They have reported to have a testable model. However, in a recent appearance at TAMU, they were forced by the panel to admit that their model required the supernatural.
This is the group most supportive of Intelligent Design as a scientific discipline.
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New frontiersNew frontiers
Origin of humans.Origin of humans.
Evolution.Evolution.
Life on other planets and in other galaxies.Life on other planets and in other galaxies.
Are there other universes?Are there other universes?
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About the authorAbout the author
Don E. Bray is a mechanical engineer and Associate Professor Emeritus in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas. Additionally, he has graduate education in seismology and geophysics from the University of Oklahoma, where he completed his Ph. D. degree in mechanical engineering. Other degrees in mechanical engineering are from the University of Houston and Southern Methodist University. He holds Fellow membership rank in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the Acoustical Society of America. He also is an amateur astronomer.