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The Big Bang theory is a scientific approach to answering the question of how the world began. In answering this question, the Big Bang theory removes the need for a creator.

Put simply, the theory states that around 14 billion years ago all matter and energy in the universe was at a point of infinite density and temperature. It then expanded rapidly. Eventually stars, galaxies and planets formed. This expansion was the beginning of time and continues to this day.

The Big Bang theory is supported by evidence that space is expanding, including the redshift of light from distant galaxies and the existence of cosmic background radiation in all directions.

It is thought planet Earth was formed around 4.6 billion years ago from dust and gas left after the Sun formed.

As Earth gradually cooled, creating conditions in which life was possible, living things appeared.

What do scientists believe?

Not all scientists agree with the Big Bang theory. But many of their objections are to do with the details within the process, not the underlying principle that it happened. Similarly, there are different theories about how life began on Earth. These can be tested, but scientists cannot be sure which are correct because it all happened so long ago.

Scientists suggest that the evidence in favour of the Big Bang includes the fact that our galaxy is still expanding. This would be in keeping with an explosion that pushes everything outward.

Scientists believe that eventually the outward movement will end and come back together in the Big Crunch.

Is the Big Bang theory compatible with Christianity?

For many Christians, the Genesis story and the Big Bang cannot go together. The Big Bang points to a world that developed over many billions of years rather than the seven days of the creation story in Genesis.

This is sometimes referred to as the fundamental view – ie Genesis is literally true in every way and the story cannot be questioned, therefore, it does not fit with the Big Bang.

Others see the Genesis story as a myth. They feel that the story of Genesis is not an actual account of creation, rather it is a human way of describing what cannot be understood. The seven days are only symbolic of the periods of creation rather than actual 24 hour periods. It could be argued that God started the Big Bang and used it as His way of creation, this is shown the in the words of Genesis, “Let there be light”. Perhaps this refers to the Big Bang?

Is the Big Bang theory compatible with Hinduism?

Many Hindus believe that the Big Bang theory offers no challenge to their belief in creation. It is a scientific theory that sits alongside their religious beliefs. It does not deny the position of Brahman (the creator) nor the belief in the continual cycle of creation, preservation and destruction. Nowhere in the Big Bang theory is there discussion of the atman (soul) or any attempt to diminish its eternal nature.

Is the Big Bang theory compatible with Islam?

Muslims regard the existence of the universe as proof of the existence of Allah, the creator. They also believe that the �ϳܰ�’a�� is a divine revelation from Allah and so cannot be questioned. However, it is possible to interpret the �ϳܰ�’a�� in different ways.

Some Muslims say that the Big Bang can be seen as additional evidence of Allah’s creation and can, therefore, be accepted as scientific truth. However, because it does not include reference to a designer and creator, it is at best incomplete - describing only the process that Allah used in creation.

Most Muslims believe that if there are any disagreements between the two theories, the teachings found in the �ϳܰ�’a�� are correct. The words of Allah are superior to the words of human scientists.

Some Muslims take a less literal view, but do not lessen the role of Allah. They focus more on the meaning of the story. At the heart of the story is the belief that Allah is great. This is a central belief that forms part of the five times-daily call to prayer.