Topic 1.1 - C
Big Bang
For millions of people, the Big Bang is a major obstacle to faith because they assume that to become a Christian one has to become anti-science, give allegiance to Christian tradition, and embrace the concept of a very young universe.
They have heard Christians interviewed and quoted in the media say things about science in utter ignorance, making educated people cringe.
The purpose of this Bible study is not to change the mind of any Christian, but to broaden it, for evangelism.
Whatever a Christian now believes personally about the Big Bang, the important thing is to be able to engage in intelligent conversation that lets others know that God's timing and method of creation are not essentials for Christian faith and that there are different ways of interpreting scripture on this topic.
God seems to enjoy allowing us to discover His marvelous creation a little at a time and at an accelerating pace, now so amazing and fast that our minds usually cannot comprehend it.
Each new piece of scientific or historical information gives us a better understanding of God's design plan and how everything functions under His majestic laws of nature.
When confronted with new information, we should not be afraid to change our views about God's world when the changes fit within the teaching of God's Word. God seems delighted to give us ever greater knowledge of what He has done.
The purpose of this study on the Big Bang – and the purpose of all studies on this site – is not to change theological beliefs but to increase Christian influence, to help reverse the current declining trend in America.
We communicate with doubters and unbelievers in two ways: (1) The life we live and (2) what we say about our faith.
This site is about what we SAY.
Of course, lifestyle is a very important part of Christian testimony (the most important part) but the focus here is on conversation (the most neglected part).
Many Christians excuse their silence by saying, 'They can see it in my life.'
What they really mean is that others will think he or she is a good person. But that's not the same as sharing the gospel. There are people from all religious faiths, and people without any religious faith at all, who are good.
The gospel does not rub off on others by moral reputation, proximity, or osmosis. It needs to be expressed in words.
Most people today don't go to church ... don't read Christian books ... don't watch Christian TV or radio ... don't engage with Christian websites ...
So how will they hear the gospel unless friends, relatives, neighbors, and associates tell them?
Christians may talk about church perhaps, but most are not prepared for intelligent discussion of basic theological issues.
Good spiritual conversation with doubters and unbelievers today requires more than unloading a testimony or Bible verse. It requires sensible and coherent dialog to demonstrate that the Christian knows what her or she is talking about – and why – not just parroting phrases from religious indoctrination.
Even if no one ever raises the Big Bang issue with you, it's often an effective way for you to initiate spiritual conversation with them. The Fred Hoyle broadcast, for example, is a captivating lead-in story that begins on neutral ground and will not make anyone wary of Bible-thumping.
Talking about the Big Bang is not threatening to people – it's interesting and mind-stretching – yet it lays the basic foundation for Christian faith.
Talking about the Big Bang will also flush out many misconceptions of what the Bible actually says and can extend your dialog to other spiritual topics.
