| This
unit seeks to give students an understanding of some of the science
behind the Big Bang theory. The three main pieces of evidence
for the theory will be examined; the red shift of distant galaxies,
the cosmic microwave background and the abundance of helium in
the universe.
These three pieces of evidence together
interlock to make a powerful case. Students will examine the scientific
account of the development of the universe from the Big Bang to
the present day. They will look at creation narratives, in particular
those in Genesis 1-3, and consider the influence of culture on
these, both in relation to the time in which they were written
and on our own reading of these texts. These narratives will be
compared to the scientific accounts.
Finally, students will look at different
possible scientific scenarios for the end, or continuation, of
the universe and reflect on how these relate to the eschatological
thinking of the main faith traditions.
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