The Vastness of the Universe and Creationism,The Known Universe: Two Views


The observable universe is estimated to be around 93 billion light-years in diameter. This vast expanse contains billions of galaxies, each with billions of stars, and likely countless planets. The sheer scale of the universe often challenges traditional understandings of creation, leading to diverse interpretations within religious communities.

Young Earth Creationism (YEC) and the Universe:

YEC proponents believe the universe was created in six literal 24-hour days, 6,000  years ago. To explain the apparent age of the universe, some YEC theorists propose ideas like:

  • Mature creation: God created the universe with an appearance of age, including light from distant stars already reaching Earth. This makes God's creation deceptive and illusory.

  • Faster speed of light: The speed of light was much faster in the past, allowing light from distant stars to reach Earth in a shorter time frame. However per E=MC^2 all stars would have exploded.

  • Time dilation: Time may have moved differently during the creation week, allowing for billions of years of cosmic processes to occur within six Earth days.

These explanations are not accepted by the scientific community. They violate Einstein's well proven special and general relativity.

Old Earth Creationism (OEC) and the Universe:

OEC proponents interpret the "days" of creation in Genesis as long periods, potentially millions or billions of years. This aligns with the scientific consensus on the age of the universe and allows for processes like the Big Bang to have occurred. Interpretations of Genesis:

  • YEC: Believe the "yom" (day) in Genesis refers to an english literal 24-hour day, citing the phrase "evening and morning" and the Sabbath day as evidence.

  • OEC: Interpret "yom" as referring to longer periods, noting its use in other biblical contexts to describe indefinite timeframes.

Biblical Verses:

  • YEC: Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31 (repetition of "evening and morning") and Exodus 20:11 (Sabbath day) are often cited to support 24-hour creation days.

  • OEC: cites Jeremiah 33:25, “Thus says the Lord, 'If My covenant for day and night stand not, and the fixed patterns of heaven and earth I have not established, then I would reject the descendants of Jacob and David My servant..'" In this verse, God uses the constancy of natural laws, like the cycle of day and night and the fixed patterns of heaven and earth, to emphasize the unwavering nature of His covenant with His people. Just as the natural order remains steadfast, so does God's faithfulness, offering hope and security amidst uncertainty. God does not break his promises. 

God's Glory:

  • YEC: Emphasize God's power and direct involvement in a recent creation, showcasing His ability to create a complex universe in a short timeframe.

  • OEC: Focus on God's majesty and wisdom as revealed through the vastness of time and the intricate processes of the universe.

Reaching Consensus:

While YEC and OEC perspectives differ significantly, both groups share a belief in God as Creator. Finding common ground can be challenging, but focusing on shared values and practicing humility and understanding, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:2 ("Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love"), can foster productive dialogue and mutual respect.


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