Creation and the Church's Raison D'être

Creation and the Church’s Raison D’être

• The origin of the universe is a fundamental question addressed by both religious and scientific perspectives.
• "Raison d'etre" refers to the reason for something's existence.
• The Church’s "raison d'etre" is to inherit the Kingdom of God on earth.

Ecclesiology

• The word "Church" comes from the Greek word "Ekklesia" which means "those who are called out to form a community."
• The Hebrew equivalent is "Qahal", meaning "assembled and assembling in the Lord."
• The term "Church" applies to the liturgical assembly, the local community, and the universal community of believers.

The Origin of Everything

• The creation story in Genesis recounts God creating the world from nothing, also known as "Creatio Ex Nihilo."
• God creating the world from nothing highlights God's absolute power and transcendence.
• Notably, Genesis's account of creation differs from ancient myths, which typically involved deities emerging from pre-existing materials.

The Creation

• The Book of Genesis, particularly Genesis 1:3-5, provides the foundation for understanding the Biblical account of creation.
• Genesis 1:3-5 describes the creation of light and the separation of light and darkness, marking the beginning of time.

Big Bang Theory

• Proposed by the Belgian Catholic Priest, Msgr. Georges Lemaître, the Big Bang theory suggests the universe originated from a single, extremely dense particle called the Primordial Atom.
• The theory posits that the universe has expanded and stretched out from this initial singularity.
• Modern science considers the Big Bang the most plausible explanation for the universe's beginning.

Science and Religion

• The fields of science and religion have engaged in a long-standing dialogue, particularly regarding the creation of the universe.
• Science seeks to understand the "how" of the universe's existence, while religion tackles the "why" and the deeper questions of meaning and purpose.

Science

• The term "science" derives from the Latin "scientia", which originally meant "general knowledge."
• Science as an occupation emerged in the 19th century, around the 1830s.
• Science investigates empirical knowledge, relying on observation and experimentation.
• Scientific explanations are expressed in the form of hypotheses, theories, and laws.

What Was There Before Science and Philosophy?

• Mythopoetic thought, or "Mythos," played a vital role in ancient cultures.
• "Mythos" refers to stories or accounts that sought to explain the world through exceptional and often sacred events.

Definition of Science and Religion

• Science aims to acquire reliable, though not infallible, knowledge of the real world, including explanations for natural phenomena.
• Religion often centers on spiritual beliefs, values, and practices that connect individuals to a higher power and provide meaning and purpose in life.

Gaps between Science and Christianity

• While science and religion may seem to differ in their approaches, both can provide valuable and complementary insights into the nature of reality.
• Science can help us understand the physical world, and religion can help us understand our place in it and our relationship to a higher power.