What the Future Holds for the Universe and Us? Christian Theology in Conversation with Stephen Hawking

Stephen Hawking used his worldwide fame to warn of several future existential threats to humanity. The pessimism of some of these scenarios was interwoven with a belief in science as savior and an increasing skepticism of the value of religion and belief in God. Yet, alongside the challenge of how the power of science can be used responsibly, there are also challenges that are beyond the power of science. For example, the future futility of the universe due to its acceleration, which is driven by dark energy. The long-term future is a cold and lifeless state. Here, science as savior is unable to provide optimism. Likewise, it challenges religious views of a creation getting increasingly better. This article argues that Christian theology, which takes seriously the bodily resurrection of Jesus and includes the New Testament’s understanding of new creation, is a fruitful conversation partner with this scientific picture. In addition, it recognizes science as a transformative gift of God to be used alongside and for God’s purposes.