Cosmología y Escatología, una estimulante confrontación. Los paradigmas derelación entre la ciencia y la fe, y su aplicación al tema del final del universo

Los paradigmas de relación entre la ciencia y la fe, y su aplicación al tema del final del universo

Abstract

One of the deepest questions that both cosmology and eschatology could pose concerns the ultimate fate of creation: Where is heading the cosmos? Which will be its final destination? What could be expected about the survival of our remote descendants?

Modern cosmology forecasts for the distant future a gradual and inexorable extinction of stars and galaxies, and, eventually, a final sterile stage where all life will perish. In contrast, the Christian faith announces a universe having “birth pangs”, from which will born “a new heaven and a new earth” in a joyful consummation of all creation.

This article proposes to take up the challenge of this apparent paradox. It begins summarizing the current state of cosmology, and then outlines some of the major answer attempts from science and theology. Finally, some ideas are propose in order to harmonize the scientific prognosis of irreversible death and Christian hope of everlasting fullness for this cosmos we inhabit.