Atheistic explanations for the Big Bang?

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In summary, the big bang theory does not offer a rational explanation for the existence of things before the big bang. The Singularity is a mystery that cannot be explained by the theory. There are possible solutions to the paradoxes posed by the existence of the Singularity, but they all come with their own philosophical baggage.
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This definitely is a philosophical question, since the time/space outside of this theory cannot be theorized about scientifically. Since (assuming it happened) things expanded exponentially at insane temperatures in the first fraction of a second, one must assume that something happened on a macrocosmic level that was analogous to a hydrogen bomb exploding. And did something come from nothing? I find that hard to accept. Before the universe really began, it must have been a long dormant highly condensed ball that was triggered by something, no?
 
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Atheist or no, no one can rationally account for the state of things before the big bang.

Assuming the big bang theory is true (no reason to think it isn't), you somehow have to account for the presence of The Singularity.

Why was it there? Was it the result of some earlier universe collapsing on itself? Where did that universe come from? I suppose you can postulate an infinite regression of universes that begin from their own big bangs and end with their own big collapses, but even if it does stretch back into infinity, there's still the problem of why there is anything at all rather than nothing at all.
 
  • #3
It's hard to imagine how it would stretch back into infinity. We are learning that the nature of existence is such that it doesn't seem to like singularities and infinities. Such concepts are likely remnants of religious thought.

I find the theory of there being a finite number of "bubble" universes in a multiverse, with nothing much in between them, an amenable way of resolving these paradoxes. How these bubbles form, expand and contract is something perhaps beyond our understanding, but it makes slightly more sense when you imagine things this way.
 
  • #4
The idea of a beginning of time itself seems absurd, but infinite past is also incomprehensible. I favor the latter. Perhaps our perception of time is incorrect.
 
  • #5
Originally posted by Dissident Dan
The idea of a beginning of time itself seems absurd, but infinite past is also incomprehensible. I favor the latter. Perhaps our perception of time is incorrect.

Infinite time is a concept that is not worth exploring, but the idea of finite time by our standards serves the purpose of our vision of time quite well, and we need not be ashamed of this.
 

1. What is the atheistic explanation for the Big Bang?

The atheistic explanation for the Big Bang is that it is the result of natural processes and does not require the involvement of a deity or supernatural being. This theory is supported by scientific evidence, such as the expansion of the universe and the cosmic microwave background radiation.

2. How do atheists explain the origin of the universe?

Atheists believe that the universe originated from a singularity, a point of infinite density and temperature. This singularity then expanded rapidly in an event known as the Big Bang, leading to the formation of the universe as we know it.

3. Can the Big Bang be explained without the existence of a god?

Yes, the Big Bang can be explained without the existence of a god. The laws of physics and natural processes, such as quantum fluctuations, can account for the origin and expansion of the universe. There is no need for a supernatural explanation.

4. Is the Big Bang a theory or a fact?

The Big Bang is both a theory and a fact. It is a well-supported scientific theory that explains the origin and evolution of the universe. The evidence, such as the cosmic microwave background radiation and the expansion of the universe, strongly supports the Big Bang as the most plausible explanation for the existence of the universe.

5. How does the Big Bang support atheism?

The Big Bang does not necessarily support atheism. It is a scientific theory that explains the origin of the universe and does not address the existence or non-existence of a god. However, for atheists, the Big Bang provides a natural explanation for the universe and does not require the involvement of a deity or supernatural force.

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