There are two main theories for the origin of the universe: intelligent design and random chance. Intelligent design proposes that a higher power created the universe, while random chance suggests the universe was created by a random event like the Big Bang. Previously, a third theory that the universe always existed was accepted, but has been disproven by Einstein's theory of gravity and Hubble telescope discoveries. Both main theories have flaws - intelligent design lacks scientific basis, while random chance contradicts established laws of physics. The theories can be summarized as creation occurring as described in Genesis, and random chance proposing the universe was initially compacted matter that exploded in a big bang.

1. Where did the universe come from? And why does it matter? Where did the universe come from!?

2. I was sitting in my office one day… When a curious thought crossed my curious mind… I wonder where the universe came from…

3. Being the curious guy that I am… I did some research… *click click click cluck click* What I discovered even I was not prepared for…

4. The first thing I discovered… Was that there are two legitimate theories for explaining the origin of the universe. These theories are as follows:

5. #1: Intelligent Design Intelligent Design is the idea that someone or something created the universe. The most common such theories are those of Religious faiths such as Christianity

6. #2: Random Chance Random chance is the idea that the universe created itself as the result of a random event. The most common theory of Random Chance is the Big Bang Theory

7. But could there have always been only two theories? Surely human ignorance has created more than a few believable and solid theories!

8. Well, believe it or not… BUT THERE WAS ONCE A THIRD COMMONLY ACCEPTED THEORY!

10. Indeed… This theory didn’t have a specific name, but the idea was that the universe was always there.

11. “ But Austin, why is this theory no longer accepted?” -Henry

12. Well my foolishly naïve friend… Not only has Einstein’s theory of Gravitation disproved that, but so have the discoveries made by our own Hubble Space Telescope.

13. So, we have three (two) theories…

14. But what flaws do these two main theories have?

15. Flaws of Intelligent Design Claims that a higher being (Often referred to as a “God”) created the universe, which has no scientific basis whatsoever

16. Flaws of Random Chance Random Chance goes against some basic and established laws of physics and nature such as: The Law of Causality (observed effects require a related cause) The Law of Conservation of Angular Momentum (observed phenomena like retrograde motion in our solar system are impossible without an intervening cause) The Laws of Thermodynamics (Conservation of Matter/energy and Increased Entropy).

17. “ So if I were to summarize these two theories into a short answer that someone may want to take notes on…?” -Henry

18. The two theories can be summarized into this: Creation is: The theory that creation occurred in the ways that are described in the christian, jewish, or islam book of Genesis. Random Chance (Or “The Big Bang”) is: The idea that the universe was compacted into a little cosmic ball that subsequently exploded with a big bang into everything that exists today.

19. I feel like I’ve learned a lot about the Big Bang, but not too much about this “Creationism” idea.

20. You’re right! Here’s a little more about the idea of “Creationism”

21. Creationists… Often agree with the ideas of Charles Darwin, the man on the left. It was commonly accepted 1929 when it adapted ideas of the Christian fundamentalist and literalist movements and made something combining the two.

22. Of course, nowadays there are newer Creationalists, or “Neo-creationalists” They are a newer version of the creationalist movement that is arguing against scientists. They agree with standard creationalist theories but argue that scientific theories of evolution and creation do not leave room for religious interpretation(s).

23. But even neo-creationalist ideas aren’t taught in schools. A long time ago, origin form creation ideas were taught, but the Scope Trials outlawed such a practice.

24. So Henry, did you learn anything? “ Why yes, I learned so very much about theories of the origin of the universe!” -Henry

25. The End Any questions?