Revealing the Young, Expanding Universe: A Christian Perspective
Published: 04 May 2024
Is a 5D Spherically Symmetric Expanding Universe Young?
The idea of a 5D spherically symmetric expanding universe raises questions about the age of the cosmos and its compatibility with biblical creation. In this article, we will explore this topic from a conservative Christian perspective, grounded in the authority of Scripture. We will address eight key questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of this concept.
1. What is the Carmelian Cosmological General Relativity theory?
The Carmelian Cosmological General Relativity (CGR) theory, developed by Moshe Carmeli, is a five-dimensional cosmology that challenges the standard model of cosmology. It extends Einstein's General Relativity theory and incorporates the principles of Special Relativity. CGR aims to explain the large-scale structure of the universe and solve anomalies such as "dark" matter and "dark" energy. It proposes that the acceleration of the expansion of the cosmos was extremely large at Creation and is now zero.
Biblical Foundation: "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." (Romans 1:20)
2. How does CGR reconcile with Special Relativity and General Relativity theories?
CGR seeks to be consistent with both Special Relativity (SR) and General Relativity (GR) theories. On the local scale, where the universe is not expanding, Cosmological Relativity applies SR without taking matter into account. When matter is present, CGR is required. This means that on the smallest scales, SR is applicable, while on larger cosmological scales, CGR provides a more accurate description.
Biblical Foundation: "For everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, LORD, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all." (1 Chronicles 29:11)
3. How does CGR propose a young universe?
According to CGR, the acceleration of the fabric of space during the Creation Week resulted in massive time dilation on Earth, causing Earth clocks to run extremely slowly compared to clocks in the rest of the universe. This time dilation occurred specifically on Day 4 of Creation when the heavenly bodies were created. Therefore, light from the most distant sources reaches Earth within the biblical timescale as measured by local atomic time, but takes billions of years as measured in cosmic time.
Biblical Foundation: "For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy." (Exodus 20:11)
4. Does CGR challenge the Copernican or cosmological principle?
The Copernican or cosmological principle assumes that the physics observed locally is the same for the entire universe at all epochs of time. However, CGR challenges this principle by proposing that Earth was at the center of the expansion during Creation Week, resulting in unique time dilation effects. If this principle is incorrect, then the standard model built upon it becomes invalid.
Biblical Foundation: "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it." (Psalm 24:1)
5. How does CGR explain light travel time and redshift?
In a spherically symmetric expanding universe, light travels through space that has undergone rapid expansion. The one-way speed of light is affected by time dilation caused by this expansion. Light from distant galaxies can traverse vast distances within a matter of days or years as measured by Earth-based atomic clocks due to massive time dilation during Creation Week. This explains why we observe redshifts in the light from these galaxies.
Biblical Foundation: "He stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters." (Psalm 104:2)
6. How does CGR account for the cessation of expansion?
CGR proposes that the expansion of the universe only occurred during the Creation period and was switched off at the end of Creation Week. The Creator, who is omnipresent, stopped stretching out the fabric of space, leading to the cessation of the expansion. Therefore, while we observe residual effects of the expansion, the universe may no longer be expanding or accelerating.
Biblical Foundation: "The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved." (Psalm 93:1)
7. Does CGR propose an alternative explanation for the age of the universe?
Yes, CGR suggests that the universe appears to have great age due to our perception being biased by its vast size. Although cosmic clocks measure billions of years since Creation, Earth clocks indicate a much shorter timescale. This discrepancy is attributed to massive time dilation during Creation Week. Therefore, CGR provides an alternative understanding of cosmic time and challenges the mainstream view of an ancient universe.
Biblical Foundation: "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." (2 Peter 3:8)
8. What implications does CGR have for our understanding of creation?
CGR offers a unique perspective on the creation of the heavenly bodies and their relation to time dilation. It suggests that during Day 4 of Creation Week, when God created the stars and galaxies, the universe underwent a rapid expansion accompanied by massive time dilation. This aligns with biblical accounts of God stretching out the heavens. CGR provides a mechanism for light to travel to Earth from the most distant galaxies within the biblical timescale, allowing us to witness the events of Creation Week.
Biblical Foundation: "He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness, and treads on the heights of the earth—the LORD God Almighty is his name." (Amos 4:13)
In conclusion, CGR presents a compelling perspective on a 5D spherically symmetric expanding universe that is compatible with a young cosmos as described in the Bible. By incorporating massive time dilation during Creation Week, CGR provides an alternative explanation for the appearance of great age in the universe. While this theory challenges mainstream cosmology, it offers a fresh perspective rooted in conservative biblical interpretation. It highlights the wonder of God's creation and invites us to explore the mysteries of the cosmos from a faithful Christian viewpoint.
Biblical Foundation: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." (Psalm 19:1)