THESIS PROPOSAL: FIRST DRAFT

The Development of Cosmological Theories and Their Correlation with Biblical Scripture In Distinct Historical Periods of Christianity

Margaret Burcie

June 16, 2024

RTCH 680 – B01: Research Methods

Submitted to Dr Nicholas Dodson

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS THESIS DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE INSTITUTION AND THE THESIS READERS.

Abstract

(To be completed in the final draft)

You must submit a one-page thesis summary with the final draft explicitly identifying your conclusions and primary arguments. Refrain from talking about the thesis but encapsulate the argument of the thesis in several paragraphs. The program director must approve this abstract, which will be distributed to the graduate faculty, apprising them of the public defence. It will also be sent to abstracting services. It becomes page three of the final copy of the thesis.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents. 4

Section 1 – Introduction. 5

1. Statement of the Problem.. 5
2. Statement of Purpose. 6
3. Statement of Importance of the Problem.. 6
4. Statement of Position on the Problem.. 7
5. Limitations/Delimitations. 7

Section 2 – Method. 9

1. Research Methods. 9
2. Tests or Questionnaires. 9
3. Data Collection. 10
4. Data Analysis. 11

Section 3 – Proposed Development of Thesis. 13

1. Working Outline for the Thesis. 13
2. Proposal for Chapter Division. 16
3. Proposed Summary of Each Chapter 17

Section 4 – Results. 19

Section 5 – Working Bibliography. 20

Section 1 – Introduction

a. Statement of the Problem

The relationship between cosmological theories and biblical interpretation of the universe is an enduring subject of debate. Different scientists have proposed scientific cosmological theories such as the Big Bang theory, the Steady State theory, inflation, and dark matter and dark energy models at various periods to explain the universe’s origin. Similarly, religious mythologies from other cultures (e.g., Sumerian, Greek, Korean, Hawaiian, etc.) have emerged to describe the spatial layout of the universe and the perfect fit of everything in their space. In most instances, a creator is inferred, and the term “creatures” is adopted to emphasize these theories. This thesis acknowledges the diversity of religious and cosmological theories but will focus specifically on the development of scientific cosmological theories and their correlation with biblical scripture and Christian theology.

Through time, the scientific understanding of the universe has evolved, and so too have the interpretations and responses within the religious realm. For example, while literalist Christians used to believe that God created the world in six 24-hour days exactly as stated in the Bible, a non-literalist faction has emerged and agreed with the scientific interpretation of the origin of the universe. However, they still hold that God was responsible for the first elements that led to events such as the Big Bang.

The problems that this thesis will address are as follows:

• Investigating how cosmological theories such as the geocentric model, heliocentric model, and modern theories like the Big Bang have been understood and interpreted in different eras of Christian history.
• We are examining how these cosmological theories have been reconciled with or challenged biblical scripture and how such interactions have shaped theological discourse.
• Assessing the implications of these cosmological developments for contemporary Christian thought and their potential to inform ongoing theological and scientific dialogue.

b. Statement of Purpose

This thesis aims to Examine the development of cosmological theories and their correlation with biblical scripture throughout distinct historical periods of Christianity. By examining this interplay, this thesis intends to better understand how Christian thought has influenced these theories.

This analysis also aims to clarify common misconceptions about the historical relationship between science and religion. It will demonstrate theological adaptability and resilience in response to scientific discoveries. Lastly, the analysis will offer insights into the ongoing dialogue between modern cosmology and Christian theology.

c. Statement of Importance of the Problem

As I embark on this study, I understand that my goals align with those of many who have done such studies: to deepen our understanding of the historical and ongoing dialogue between science and religion and advance our understanding of the origin of the universe.

Exploring the development of cosmological theories and their correlation with biblical scripture lies is essential for me because it has great potential to unravel the mysteries of the universe.

Both theological and scientific endeavours have many questions about the nature of the universe and humanity’s place within it. The foundation of theology and religion is to answer this question, including what will come after life. Such findings can have profound implications for scientific inquiry and theological reflection.

Throughout the development and evolution of religion and science, they have disagreed on many issues, including the universe’s origin. Therefore, addressing this topic will provide fresh insights into how religious and scientific perspectives can coexist and inform each other.

My undergraduate degree in theological studies allows me the credibility to not only exploit this topic at the Master’s level but also present my interpretations for peer scrutiny in my scholarly contribution. My background in biblical studies adds to my extensive research experience in Christian apologetics. I have also engaged deeply with primary biblical texts and secondary literature, equipping me with the necessary skills and knowledge to undertake this thesis. My previous works have also focused on the intersection of theology and apologetics. As a scholar, these credits have given me a solid foundation for exploring this topic.

d. Statement of Position on the Problem

My position is that the scientific cosmological theories and biblical scripture reveal a pattern of conflict and integration, which challenges the common perception that science and religion are constantly at odds. Throughout history, Christian theology has shown a remarkable capacity to understand, welcome new ideas, and adapt to and incorporate scientific ideologies in cosmology. In this thesis, I will establish that the relationship between cosmology and biblical interpretation is less complex than thought, but embracing both can lead to a deeper understanding of science and faith.

e. Limitations/Delimitations

I will limit my exploration to examining cosmological theories and their correlation with biblical scripture within the context of Western Christianity, from the early church period to the modern era only. I will also focus my analysis on significant cosmological developments only (e.g., geocentric and heliocentric models and the Big Bang). Therefore, I will not delve into other speculative or less influential theories.

Additionally, the study will not cover non-Christian cosmologies or theological interpretations outside of mainstream Christian denominations. Assumptions include the acceptance of historical and theological sources as accurate reflections of the periods they represent and that these sources provide a comprehensive overview of the prevailing cosmological views and their theological implications.

Section 2 – Method

a. Research Methods

My research methodology will be library-based because I will primarily compare and analyze the results of existing scholarly research and biblical texts. I will also apply a literature review of secondary literature in this exercise. My goal will be to gather scholarly interpretations relevant to my topic. My target literature will include commentaries, theological treatizes, journal articles, and books that address my topic’s theological, historical, and apologetic dimensions. I will identify divergent views and gaps in literature through comparative analysis, especially in theological and apologetic analyses. A comparative study of how light is interpreted in other parts of the Bible, such as the Old and New Testament writings, will also help.

b. Tests or Questionnaires

The nature of this thesis is qualitative and will primarily focus on textual analysis. Given that quantitative data collection will not be used, this thesis will not utilize any standardized tests or questionnaire tools. As elaborated, the study will explore the development of cosmological theories and their correlation with biblical scripture in distinct historical periods of Christianity through exegetical, theological, and apologetic lenses. Therefore, the research methods will focus on a detailed analysis of biblical texts and critical engagement with existing scholarship rather than developing or applying tests and questionnaires. However, if supplementary data collection is necessary, I will create a qualitative questionnaire tool and interview biblical scholars and theologians to meet this objective. However, at the moment, given the current scope and objectives of the thesis, such tools are unnecessary.

c. Data Collection

The data collection process will be the most challenging part of this exercise. First, I will collect data from primary biblical texts emphasizing cosmological concepts (e.g., Matthew 5:45, Genesis 1 and 2, Job 26:7, Colossians 1:16-17 · 2 Timothy 1:9, Psalm 148:5 · Isaiah 40:26).

I will then delve into a more profound secondary literature collection. In this process, I will consider scholarly books, journals, and all relevant theological treatizes applicable to the discussion. I will rely on online sources from reputable scholarly databases, including Google Scholar, JSTOR, ATLA Religion Database, and Project MUSE. I will only use sources I can access full-text for free because my resources are limited, and I may be unable to purchase all sources or necessary subscriptions.

My plan for data collection is as follows:

The initial phase will take a month. In this phase, I will read and highlight biblical verses from the Bible, gather biblical commentaries that explore these verses, and place my comments on soft copy versions of the Bible. This month, I will also conduct a comprehensive literature review to compile a bibliography of relevant sources.

In the second phase, which will take two months, I will continue my detailed textual analysis and expand the literature review. I will then compare and contrast interpretations from different scholars and gather and analyze historical and theological contexts.

The final phase should take four months. In this phase, I will synthesize my findings from textual analysis and literature review, develop and refine my theological and apologetic arguments, and complete the writing and revision of the thesis.

d.  Data Analysis

The data analysis for this thesis will involve several systematic methods to evaluate and synthesize the collected resources. In my interpretive analysis, I will conduct a detailed analysis of key passages in the Bible using the English Standard Version translation of the Bible. I will then analyze the passages’ grammatical structure, word usage, and literary context. Then, I will synthesize the findings by comparing them with existing exegetical scholarship to identify unique insights or common themes.

The analysis of secondary literature will be an arduous task. After systematically reviewing the secondary sources, I will identify and categorize thematically and highlight critical arguments. I will then integrate these themes into a coherent framework highlighting the light motif’s theological and apologetic significance.

My analysis will rely on qualitative coding to organize the data into thematic categories. I will then integrate historical insights with theological analysis to provide a well-rounded interpretation of my topic and formulate robust apologetic applications of it. My plan for data analysis is summarized in the table below. The plan is an extension and will intersect with the period I have prescribed for my data collection above.

Table 2.1 Data Analysis Plan

Section 3 – Proposed Development of Thesis

a. Working Outline for the Thesis

The outline below is based on the outline I developed earlier for this exercise. However, this outline needs to be considered complete and will, therefore, be revised as the study continues.

1. Introduction
2. Background on Cosmological Theories in Christianity
3. Definition and scope of cosmology in theological context (McGrath, Christian Theology 262: An Introduction; Lindberg, The Beginnings of Western Science, 385)
4. Historical overview of cosmological theories in Christianity (Grant, Planets, Stars, and Orbs. 363; Russell, Cosmology: The Science of the Universe)
5. Goals
6. To explore the development of cosmological theories across different historical periods (Lindberg, The Beginnings of Western Science, McGrath, Christian Theology, 29-30, 539),
7. To examine the correlation between these theories and biblical scripture (Barr, Biblical Faith, and Natural Theology)
8. The Stake
9. Understanding the impact of cosmological theories on Christian theology and biblical interpretation (Osborne, The Hermeneutical Spiral; Barbour, Religion and Science)
10. Understanding the universe in modern times (Peebles, Cosmology’s Century)
11. Method
12. Research Approach
13. Historical analysis of cosmological theories (Grant, Planets, Stars, and Orbs; Russell, Cosmology: The Science of the Universe)
14. Comparative analysis of cosmological theories and biblical texts (Barr, Biblical Faith and Natural Theology; McGrath, Christian Theology)
15. Literature Review
16. Review of scholarly interpretations of cosmological theories in Christian history (Lindberg, The Beginnings of Western Science; Grant, Planets, Stars, and Orbs)
17. Examination of the interplay between science and scripture (Barbour, Religion and Science; McGrath, Christian Theology)

III. Chapters

Chapter 1 – Cosmology in the Early Church

1. Early Christian Cosmological Views
   1. Creation accounts and their interpretations (Genesis 1-2) (Barr, Biblical Faith and Natural Theology; Osborn, Death Before the Fall)
   2. Influence of Greco-Roman cosmology (Lindberg, The Beginnings of Western Science; Grant, Planets, Stars, and Orbs)
2. Theological Implications
   1. Early Church Fathers and their cosmological views (Augustine, The City of God; Origen, On First Principles)
   2. Integration of cosmology with biblical interpretation (Barr, Biblical Faith and Natural Theology)

Chapter 2 – Medieval Cosmology

1. Cosmological Theories in the Middle Ages
   1. The Ptolemaic system and its acceptance (Grant, Planets, Stars, and Orbs; Lindberg, The Beginnings of Western Science)
   2. Biblical interpretation in medieval cosmology (Aquinas, Summa Theologica, 220,227; Augustine, The Literal Meaning of Genesis)
2. Theological and Scriptural Correlation
   1. The synthesis of Aristotelian cosmology with Christian doctrine (Aquinas, Summa Theologica; Barr, Biblical Faith and Natural Theology, 179)
   2. Medieval exegesis of creation (Osborne, The Hermeneutical Spiral)

Chapter 3 – Cosmology during the Renaissance and Reformation

1. Transition to Heliocentrism
   1. Copernican Revolution and its theological challenges (Kuhn, The Copernican Revolution; Lindberg, The Beginnings of Western Science)
   2. Responses from the Church and reformers (Luther, Table Talk; Calvin, Commentary on Genesis)
2. Theological Adjustments
   1. Reinterpretation of scriptural cosmology (Galileo, Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina; Barbour, Religion and Science)
   2. The impact on Christian doctrine and apologetics (Osborne, The Hermeneutical Spiral)

Chapter 4 – Modern Cosmology and Christianity

1. Developments in Cosmological Theories
   1. Big Bang Theory and its theological implications (Hawking, A Brief History of Time; Davies, The Mind of God)
   2. Cosmology in the light of modern science (Russell, Cosmology: The Science of the Universe; Barbour, Religion and Science)
2. Contemporary Theological Reflections
   1. Integration of modern cosmology with biblical creation (McGrath, The Foundations of Dialogue in Science and Religion; Polkinghorne, Science and Providence)
   2. Ongoing debates and reconciliations (Barr, Modern Physics and Ancient Faith; Lennox, God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God?)
   3. Conclusion
3. Summary of Findings
   1. Recapitulation of the development of cosmological theories (Grant, Planets, Stars, and Orbs; Lindberg, The Beginnings of Western Science)
   2. Correlation between cosmological theories and biblical scripture (Barr, Biblical Faith and Natural Theology; McGrath, Christian Theology)
4. Implications for Theological Study
   1. Impact on contemporary Christian thought (Barbour, Religion and Science; Polkinghorne, Science and Providence)
   2. Future research directions and unresolved questions (McGrath, Christian Theology; Barr, Modern Physics and Ancient Faith)

b. Proposal for Chapter Division

The outline above outlines my proposed chapter divisions,  which I will use in this thesis.

c. Proposed Summary of Each Chapter

Chapter 1 – Cosmology in the Early Church

This chapter will explore the cosmological views of the early Christian church, focusing on creation accounts in Genesis and their interpretations. It will examine the influence of Greco-Roman cosmology and how early Church Fathers, such as Augustine and Origen, integrated these views with biblical scripture. By establishing the foundational cosmological perspectives of early Christianity, this chapter sets the stage for understanding the evolution of these ideas in subsequent periods.

Chapter 2 – Medieval Cosmology

This chapter will delve into the cosmological theories of the Middle Ages, particularly the acceptance of the Ptolemaic system and its alignment with Christian doctrine. It will discuss the synthesis of Aristotelian cosmology with Christian teachings, as seen in the works of Thomas Aquinas, and the medieval explanation of creation. This chapter illustrates the church’s efforts to harmonize scientific understanding with theological principles, highlighting the interplay between faith and reason during this period.

Chapter 3 – Cosmology during the Renaissance and Reformation

This chapter will address the significant shift in cosmological views during the Renaissance and Reformation, focusing on the transition from the geocentric to the heliocentric model. It will analyze the theological challenges posed by the Copernican Revolution and the responses from the Catholic Church and Protestant reformers like Luther and Calvin. This chapter shows how emerging scientific discoveries began to disrupt established theological interpretations, prompting a reevaluation of the relationship between science and scripture.

Chapter 4 – Modern Cosmology and Christianity

This chapter will explore developments in cosmological theories from the Enlightenment to the present day, including the Big Bang theory and its theological implications. It will examine contemporary efforts to integrate modern cosmology with biblical creation narratives and the ongoing debates within Christian theology. By addressing these modern perspectives, this chapter highlights the continuing dialogue and reconciliation efforts between science and religion, demonstrating the adaptability and resilience of Christian theology.

Conclusion

The conclusion will summarize the findings of the thesis, recapitulating the development of cosmological theories and their correlation with biblical scripture across different historical periods. It will reflect on the implications of these findings for contemporary Christian thought and suggest future research directions to address unresolved questions. This section will emphasize the significance of understanding the historical relationship between cosmology and theology in fostering a more informed and constructive dialogue between science and religion today.

Section 4 – Results

First, I aim to demonstrate that throughout history, Christian theology has shown a remarkable capacity to adapt to and integrate scientific advancements in cosmology. This adaptability indicates a dynamic relationship between science and religion rather than inherent conflict. Secondly, this thesis will establish that major cosmological theories, from the geocentric model to the Big Bang theory, have significantly influenced biblical interpretation and Christian doctrine. These influences reveal the evolving understanding of the universe within the framework of Christian theology. Thirdly, by examining how theological responses to cosmological developments have evolved, the thesis will argue that Christian thought has not only endured but also innovated in the face of scientific progress. This resilience underscores the strength and flexibility of theological discourse. Fourthly, this research will challenge common misconceptions that science and religion are constantly at odds. The thesis will highlight the potential for constructive dialogue between these fields by presenting historical cases of cooperation and mutual enrichment. Lastly, this thesis will demonstrate the ongoing relevance of this historical interplay for contemporary discussions between science and religion. It will show how understanding the past can inform present and future efforts to reconcile scientific discoveries with religious beliefs.

Section 5 – Working Bibliography

Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologica. Translated by Fathers of the English Dominican Province. New York: Benziger Bros., 1947.

Augustine. The City of God. New York: Penguin Books, 1984.

Augustine. The Literal Meaning of Genesis. Translated by John Hammond Taylor. New York: Paulist Press, 1982.

Barbour, Ian G. Religion and Science: Historical and Contemporary Issues. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1997.

Barr, James. Biblical Faith and Natural Theology. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1993.

Barr, Stephen M. Modern Physics and Ancient Faith. Notre Dame, IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 2003.

Calvin, John. Commentary on Genesis. Translated by John King. Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, 2009.

Cohn, Norman. Cosmos, Chaos, and the World to Come: The Ancient Roots of Apocalyptic Faith. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2001.

Collins, Yarbro. Cosmology and eschatology in Jewish and Christian apocalypticism. Vol. 50. Brill, 2021.

Davies, Paul. The Mind of God: The Scientific Basis for a Rational World. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1992.

Galileo. Letter to the Grand Duchess Christina. Translated by Stillman Drake. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1957.

Grant, Edward. Planets, Stars, and Orbs: The Medieval Cosmos, 1200-1687. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1996.

Hawking, Stephen. A Brief History of Time. New York: Bantam Books, 1988.

Hilber, John W. Old Testament Cosmology and Divine Accommodation: A Relevance Theory Approach. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2020.

Holmes III, Urban T. A history of Christian spirituality: An analytical introduction. Church Publishing, Inc., 2002.

Kuhn, Thomas S. The Copernican Revolution: Planetary Astronomy in the Development of Western Thought. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1957.

Lamoureux, Denis O. “Evolutionary creation: A Christian approach to evolution.” Evolutionary Creation (2009): 1-512.

Lennox, John. God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? Oxford: Lion Hudson, 2009.

Lewis, C.S. The Problem of Pain. New York: HarperOne, 2001.

Lindberg, David C. The Beginnings of Western Science: The European Scientific Tradition in Philosophical, Religious, and Institutional Context, 600 BC to AD 1450. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2007.

Luther, Martin. Table Talk. Translated by William Hazlitt. London: H.G. Bohn, 1857.

McGrath, Alister E. Christian Theology: An Introduction. 6th ed. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 2017.

McGrath, Alister E. The Foundations of Dialogue in Science and Religion. Oxford: Blackwell Publishers, 1998.

Osborn, Ronald E. Death Before the Fall: Biblical Literalism and the Problem of Animal Suffering. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2014.

Osborne, Grant R. The Hermeneutical Spiral: A Comprehensive Introduction to Biblical Interpretation. 2nd ed. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2006.

Pagels, Elaine. The Origin of Satan: How Christians Demonized Jews, Pagans, and Heretics. New York: Random House, 1995.

Polkinghorne, John. Science and Providence: God’s Interaction with the World. London: SPCK Publishing, 1989.

Russell, Jeffrey Burton. Cosmology: The Science of the Universe. San Francisco: Freeman, 1982.

Schroeder, Gerald L. The science of God: the convergence of scientific and biblical wisdom. Simon and Schuster, 2009.

Wright, N.T. Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church. New York: HarperOne, 2008.