Understanding the Origins of God: A Critical Examination
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Where Did God Come From?
One of the major shortcomings of Christianity is its failure to adequately address the question of God's origins. Evangelicals often challenge agnostics and atheists with the question: "Where did the Big Bang come from?" They believe this question undermines scientific arguments regarding human existence. However, science struggles to provide a definitive answer, largely due to the immense time and distance involved.
The term "unbelievably" is apt here, as both ancient and contemporary Christians often reject modern astronomical science—much like the Church did 600 years ago when Galileo faced excommunication for advocating heliocentrism.
Today, many Christians claim they accept a heliocentric solar system, but this belief often stems from pressure rather than genuine acceptance. The Church has historically instilled a distrust of science, believing that scientists are out to discredit their teachings. The backlash against Copernican astronomy exemplifies this attitude, showcasing how the Church's leaders were embarrassed by their previous misconceptions.
The core issue facing the Church is not science itself, but its own entrenched traditions and arrogance. It falsely believes that its man-made doctrines are divinely inspired.
The Church's Unyielding Tradition
Around 500 years ago, reformers like Luther established a new doctrine asserting that the Bible is infallible, despite historical discrepancies. They disregarded the fact that Luther himself excluded several Apocryphal books due to perceived errors, and ignored the warnings from the prophet Jeremiah about falsehoods in the Scriptures.
For the last five centuries, many Christians—including the Roman Catholic Church—have come to view this flawed collection as wholly inspired and without error, including the Genesis creation story.
During my 40 years in church, I was led to believe that the six days of creation were literal. This belief—that God created everything from nothing in a matter of days—remains a contentious topic within Christianity. Some argue that the creation story is allegorical, intended to help ancient people comprehend their world, while others cling to a literal interpretation, which is increasingly challenged by scientific understanding.
The ongoing debate within Christianity highlights the absurdity of denying scientific discoveries. As humanity gains more knowledge about the universe, it is the Church that remains trapped in outdated beliefs.
The Big Bang Theory
Evangelicals often assert that the Big Bang is merely a theory, not a fact. They are correct; it is a scientific theory about the universe's origins, not an attempt to negate God's existence. The Church’s resentment towards this theory stems from its refusal to adapt to advancing scientific knowledge.
The Big Bang was never designed to disprove God. Instead, science aims to understand the universe we inhabit. Unlike the Church, which believes in its own infallibility, science evolves with new discoveries.
If the Church were to acknowledge the insights of astronomers and cosmologists, it would have to confront its own errors and admit that its dogma may not be infallible. This lack of humility and arrogance prevents the Church from evolving and acknowledging that its historical leaders may have misled its followers.
Where Did God Come From?
In its attempt to dismiss the complexities of the expanding universe, the Church poses the simplistic question: "Where did the Big Bang come from?" This question reflects a misunderstanding of the Big Bang theory and the extensive scientific concepts it encompasses.
Many Christians fail to grasp the implications of the Big Bang and often reject it based on their pastor's teachings. However, the Big Bang theory provides substantial insights into the universe's expansion, which are not addressed in the brief narratives found in Genesis.
The Church seems comfortable with the idea of a deity creating matter from nothing but balks at the notion that the universe could arise from pre-existing material without divine intervention.
The Church's response to the inquiry of God's origins is often dismissive. When asked, "Where did God come from?" the leadership typically scoffs and redirects the conversation. However, if they expect to disregard centuries of scientific advancement for the sake of belief, they must confront this question directly.
Conclusion
Figures like Copernicus and Galileo did not seek to undermine the Church; similarly, the Big Bang Theory was not developed to challenge God's existence. Many celestial bodies bear names from ancient mythologies, acknowledging the intersection of faith and science.
The reality is that the Church is in decline, not due to apocalyptic predictions, but because it refuses to rectify the misconceptions handed down from its predecessors. The myths and allegories that have been perpetuated serve only to keep it shackled to outdated beliefs.
As we continue to explore the universe, it is the Church's inability to reconcile its teachings with the expanding body of knowledge that poses the greatest threat to its existence. The pursuit of knowledge—what I refer to as the knowledge of God—contradicts the Church's fabrications and will ultimately lead to its downfall.
God does not require a human sacrifice for forgiveness. Until the Church learns the true message of existence, it will continue on a path of self-destruction.
“I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” —God
Keith Michael is a Christian author and lay scholar who has spent nearly 40 years within various Christian churches. He is the author of several Christian books, including "FALSE WITNESS — How the Christian Church Built a Foundation of Lies."
