Pope Pius XII and LaMaitre
This was pure science. But the idea that it might have something to say about God creating the universe was apparent even though that was never Lemaître’s intent. Pope Pius XII referred to his findings as a scientific validation of the Catholic faith. Lemaître was put in the spot of having to clarify and disagree with the pope.
As far as I can see, such a theory remains entirely outside any metaphysical or religious question. It leaves the materialist free to deny any transcendental Being. He may keep, for the bottom of space-time, the same attitude of mind he has been able to adopt for events occurring in nonsingular places in space-time. For the believer, it removes any attempt at familiarity with God . . . it is consonant with the wording of Isaiah's speaking of a "Hidden God," hidden even from the beginning of creation. (10)
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