An Introduction: Our Universe and Questions It Suggests

This is a simple introduction for nonspecialists in astronomy, theology, or philosophy to set the scene for the thematic section “Theology and Philosophy Engage the New Cosmology.” The objective of the section is to give an up-to-date account of a current understanding of the universe and its origin and to discuss theological and philosophical questions that arise from that scientific understanding. Three authors describe different aspects of astronomy, a further four describe related philosophical issues, and the final four authors focus on theological responses. This introduction presents a simple overview of the current scientific understanding of the origin of the universe and its evolution and nature. It also raises philosophical and theological questions of origin, purpose, and design, as well as putting forward the case for a retrieval of natural philosophy.