El desafío de la entropía a la teología

Abstract

The theory of the “Big Bang” today does not pose major difficulties in reconciling science and Christian faith, since there is no essential correlation between scientific cosmogony -which relate to the beginning of the universe- and the act of divine creation -which postulates instead (such as St. Thomas has reflected) its ontological origin-. Now when we look at the other temporal end, considering the problem of the ending of the universe, we find that there is a major consensus among cosmologists regarding a future cosmic thermal death, under the action of the gradual but inexorable force of entropy, that is: a slow and irreversible process of degradation of energy, culminating in a final dissolution of the universal physical harmony and subsequent permanence of a matter devoid of structures capable of generating life. The entropy therefore raises a genuine challenge to theology: while the action of the first refers to a cosmic panorama of death, the second argues, rather, the future fulfillment of the entire material universe. Here is an actual overlap between the fields of science and faith, which poses a stimulating debate.