I love the big bang theory. It seems the more "we" learn, the more evidence tends to point towards it. As we say down here in the south, one big ol' cataclysmic event. What's not to love - Even if you believe in "Intelligent Design" or you believe in the "Laws of Physics" - there's a little something for everyone.

What I really love is the prospect that the Big Bang may be cyclical - a gradual expansion of all things in the universe, a gradual contraction of all things in the universe, and **BANG*** yet ANOTHER big bang. So as to answer the question, what was there before the big bang - chances are - another big bang! And in between there could have been a whole other conformation of the universe - quite likely with intelligent life and the like.
Humans get so bogged down in the whole "time" issue, I think - To me, time is just a human construct to help us think about things. There doesn't have to be "a beginning" and "an end" just like a chapter book. And you can have the same mind numbing thoughts when you think about what's beyond the boundaries of the universe - or is it just open space, and if so, is that part of the universe, - or is there "another" universe next door.
How can you not love it?

Thank You PDM. I am always open to suggestions. Everything I know has come from the world around me and my desire to question and never discriminate. I like a quote by Paul in the new testament where he says that he respects all religions but subjects himself to none.

The Creator is an eternal being that created such a vast universe; I find it hard to believe such a being could have the limitations placed on it by our limited perception. My theories bring out the truth in people,they either accept the possibilities or question other possibilites.

infiniteprocessprophet

What you are saying is something new and seem to have a heavy dose of an older religion - Hinduism. Esp the way you try to describe God is very similar to what ancient Hindus called BRAHMAN.

What does Galacticus say on this ?

I quite like your point! leaves anything for everyone!

check this out:

the theory is that before the 'big bang' was YLEM!

check this:

Wikipedia:

@ipp:
Sorry just saw your post - well i do not 'think' so, I BELIEVE that it may very well be so - a continiuum - everlasting, omniscent, as the concept of brahman tries to picture.

And there is 'something' beyond/before brahman - vishnu and he's dreaming th 'cosmic dream...resting on ananta (7 headed = 7 senses or..7 'gates'?) and this serpent is resting on the immessurable ocean of eternity...and it goes..

I still find it surprising that the Big Bang heory was put forward by a RC priest.

PDM, that is very interesting. The RC has had access to much information, any idea where I can read up more on that?

Have a look at my post, earlier on this thread:

http://www.wineintro.com/forum/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=13;t=000122#000009


I hope the links are still active.