The Big Bang Theory

II Corinthians 1:12-22

While I was in college, we went through Einstein’s theories and the resulting developments in our advanced physics class. One of the proofs we went through was that there can be no Doppler effect on light under normal conditions. If you’ve been near a railroad track and noticed the raise in pitch of the whistle as the train neared you and the drop as it went away, that is what a Doppler effect is. The speed of the train approaching added to the speed of sound, combined with the nearness of the train cause a distortion of the sound waves. The speed of light is so high, and the nature of light waves are such that a Doppler effect is impossible for light.

Imagine my consternation upon enrolling in a class later in which astronomy was a major factor and learning that we were able to prove the expanding universe as a result of the red shift of light from the movement of planets away from us. This red shift was the Doppler effect on light. The expanding universe was the basis of the Big Bang Theory of evolution, widely accepted as fact What we had just proven in physics was exactly the opposite of what they were teaching us in astronomy. What was the truth?

Astronomy and physics are frequently studied as separate subjects and astronomers and physicists frequently fail to recognize the relationships of physics laws and chemical laws to the universe. The same laws govern everything if the science is valid, and there are no contradictions.

Paul points out that in Christ there are no problems. If the Holy Spirit is directing, things should be clearly seen so that such confusion will not arise. He, Silvanus, and Timothy have tried to live and teach simply and clearly in a way that what God expects is obvious. Their writing does not change this. This should produce mutual rejoicing, that both are following the Lord.

“For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward. For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end; As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (II Corinthians 1:12-14)

Paul had a desire as he described in I Corinthians 16, to visit them and give some additional teaching. While he was there he had hoped to help straighten out some of the other problems. As things worked out, he had not made the trip to them. He could not lightly come to them to teach them. He did not want to cause confusion by presenting contradictory statements or confusing teaching. His approach needed to be both simple and consistent. He needed Spiritual guidance to prevent such confusion.

“And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit; And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea. When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?” (II Corinthians 1:15-17)

The failure to recognize the relationships between Physics and Astronomy caused my confusion in college. Paul has not separated things to that degree in his teaching, so that there are no contradictions in what they have been taught. Several years ago, I was speaking to Mormon man about Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden. If I understand correctly, he believed that the forbidden fruit was sex. God had commanded man not to partake of the forbidden fruit, but he commanded them to multiply and fill the earth. Man had to choose which command he would obey. Man chose to multiply and fill the earth, rather than to avoid sex. The man called the necessity to choose which sin to commit a “paradox,” of which he seemed to believe there were several.

Paul says that there were no paradoxes in his teaching, because there are none in God, nor in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Peter says that our doctrine is integrated and cannot be isolated from other scripture in II Peter 1:20-21. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” Paradoxes and contradictions indicate misinterpretation of God’s word.

“But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.” (II Corinthians 1:18-22)

God’s word is true and can be depended upon. There were and are no contradictions. His promises are sure, bringing God glory. The same God which saved us empowered Paul and the others. That same God has sealed and made our salvation sure forever. He also gave the Holy Spirit as assurance of our salvation.