Aboleo said:
Desert Fox, in your opinion where would you say that matter originated and how? It occurs to me that the probability of matter simply forming without the assistence of some kind of more subtle energy would be impossible. Einstein's famous equation, E = mc2, teaches us that matter and energy are interchangeable. Is it then possible that matter is energetic in nature?
Aboleo, this is a great question and one that I am not knowledgable enough to answer. However, I may provide a few educated hypotheses on this matter.
The beginning of matter, I am not sure how it happened, but if I did, you would see me in Stockholm pretty soon I guarantee it
.
I once heard a physicists speak about matter and dark-matter, which is like negative energy. Apparently, in the beginning, the universe of overlapped by dark matter and eventually the dark matter pulled away, which resulted in matter, and simple particles being formed. Like quarks and such. As we know, these small particles can combine to form elements like Hydrogen, which can form bigger elements via fusion reactions that require intense amounts of energy. I did not understand even 10% of his lecture, but that is all I know on the topic of the "creation" of matter. This is definitely a very interesting field to explore, and I would love to learn more about it through my studies.
Second, I agree perhaps something "assisted" matter, but I am convinced that assistance was not provided by an all-powerful divine being, or anything of that sort. For one, the presence of a divine creator does not answer the question at hand because it simply replaces the universe/Big Bang/anonymous energy with God/creator/etc. So the question is not answered, but rather just tweaked into "what made God/creator/etc."
This question is for creationists and evolutionists alike to delve into because neither side has adequately answered this question.
However, I support evolution because I have read and been exposed to much evidence through my studies that provides me at least some basis for what I believe in. It is grounded in evidence and fact.
MOREOVER, what separates science from creationism is that scientific FACTS are real facts because of these traits:
(A) They are applicable: you can take these facts and apply them to create something new. For example, with the evolution, we can take the facts we know, and apply them to the genomes of animals and species that are in the lineages we construct. We can apply this knowledge that is based in fact and coupled with this ....
(B) They are TESTABLE: Yes, your facts and claims must be testable by a community of experts. This is where the scientific method comes in. I don't know if everything or anything we know right now is absolutely right, but it has survived countless tests and based on statistics we must accept that it is not falsified.
An important thing I always try to remember in science is that a hypothesis is never "proved," but rather, we can at most "fail to reject" a hypothesis. When the rejection rate is extremely low, we take it to be true. This is sthe beauty of the scientific method. It is based on facts, and tests, and therefore, is liberal and open to change and eternal progress.
I cannot say the same for faith-based arguments and theories that are grounded in rhetoric and empty beliefs.
When I put these two things on a scale, it tips overwhelmingly to the side of evolution and science, and this is what I believe.
As for the matter question, check out that link I posted for Obsidian about the origins of the universe and such.
