Re: Arthur Eddington on Science and Religion
jeffery lynn mullins (jmullins@wam.umd.edu)
Wed, 6 Mar 1996 09:13:38 -0500 (EST)The question of the Christian faith of Eddington is interesting, because
he is often quoted as saying that "The idea of a beginning to the universe
is repugnant to me" in books dealing with how the Big Bang theory confirms
the Genesis account. You can find the quote in Hugh Ross's books and
others, such as William Lane Craig's *The Existence of God and the
Beginning of the Universe* and in Jastrow's God and the astronomers, if
memory serves me correctly. The context of the quotes in these books
would lead to the impression that Eddington was an atheist because he
wanted the universe to be without beginning (i.e., eternal). The mention
of Eddington being a Quaker was thus a shock to me after reading this
quote in so many books on the origins of the universe (both from secular
and Christian authors). It would be very interesting to find out what
Eddington believed and if there was some contradiction in his faith and
his philosophical leanings, and why he had the conviction that a
beginning to the universe was repugnant (assuming the quote is true).
Jeff
On 4 Mar 1996, John W. Burgeson wrote:
> >>British Quaker/astronomer Arthur Eddington's views are the subject of a
> paper...>>
>
> Aha! That is the key! The word "Quaker." It was Eddington who inspired
> me as a young physics student at Carnegie Tech in the late 40s. I was
> not a Christian, but found his writings inspiring. It was during
> a sermon by another Quaker (in a Brethern church) more than
> ten years later where I became a Christian! I had not
> put the two together... .
>
> Burgy
>
>