The Origins of the Universe:
A Philosophical, Theological, and Scientific Discussion

4:00 pm, Wednesday, November 10, 2004, in Wallenberg Hall
Augustana College, Rock Island, Illinois

Dr. Scott Dodelson, University of Chicago, Fermilab
 Dr. Chris Fasano, Physics Department, Monmouth College
Dr. Gary Mann, Religion Department, Augustana College
Dr. James Sennett, Professor of Philosophy
Lincoln Christian College and Seminary

Panel Discussion Moderator:  Dr. Cecilia J. Vogel

The Physics Club at Augustana College is sponsoring this special panel discussion.  The public is invited.  Admission is free.  Here are some possible questions for the panel discussion:

1.  What is the nature of the first cause of the universe?  Was there a first cause and how was it a cause?  This is meant to be addressed by some of the philosophical cosmological arguments as well as by what physics knows about the origin of the universe (the big bang) and what theology tells us.

2.  How can something be created from nothing; are there physical models, is this logically possible, can we believe this through faith, or is it not the case?

3.  Was the first cause temporal?  What is the nature of space and time in the early and current universe and why do we think that this is so?

4.  Was the first cause God?  How do we define God as a cause?  Does the argument invoke this type of God or something else entirely, or is there a means of both existing?