13 June 2026

The Big Bang Theory which purports to explain  the creation of the universe is a theory. This means that it is an explanation of the scientific evidence as it exists today. But it is a theory. It is an unproven explanation of how the universe came into being. It may be the best but it is theoretical.

The scientists have observed much but they cannot observe nor explain what happened 13.7 billion years ago when a point of infinite denseness and heat expanded into our universe. There is an inexpliciable moment prior to this cosmic inflation.

Is this where God comes into play? Science breaks down at this point because it is based on the observation of physical things and their explanation. If the universe was created out of nothing then how can the scientist observe such a phenomenon. It defies scientific observation.

Our world is alive with spaces like this. Consider the Sacrament of Holy Communion. ‘This is my body.’ says Jesus as he breaks the bread. We do not believe that the bread is literally transformed into his flesh but that it does become what he says it is. The truth is in that space between the bread and the body.

Consider the ancient stone built church. It doesn’t need to be a cathedral. Churches with a long eight hundred year history speak to people in a profound way. They talk about awe and wonder and spirituality and stillness. None of this can be examined scientifically. It is to be found between the stone and the story.

Consider the Kirk’s view of theological uniformity. We are given liberty of opinion on such  things which do not enter into the substance of the faith. The substance of the faith  has never been defined. That’s the point. How close can we come to this substance? Doctrine draws us closer to God but God is infinite!