In this presentation Dr Stoeger emphasizes what quantum
cosmology may eventually be able to tell us about the very early universe -- how
the Big Bang happened -- and what quantum cosmology will never be able to tell
us, i.e. the ultimate source of existence and order: How anything at all exists,
rather than nothing; and how it is ordered and has this particular order. He
then presents the essentials of "creatio ex nihilo'" as the most successful --
but still inadequate -- philosophical model of the source of existence and
order. This model relies on a self-subsistent Creator upon whom all things
depend for existence and order. This does not necessarily require a beginning in
time, only a ongoing relationship of ultimate dependence. Another metaphor which
is used is that of participation -- all that exists participates in the
existence of the Creator.
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