Investigation into Financial Support for Big Bang Research in Religious Institutions

The question of how much money religious institutions allocate to Big Bang research is complex and largely unresolved. While direct financial statistics from such institutions are hard to come by, we can explore the landscape and the perspective of those who study and reject the Big Bang theory.

Overview of Financial Support

There is very little concrete data available regarding the financial support provided by religious institutions for Big Bang research. This is partly due to the notoriously difficult nature of accessing such information. However, some high-profile examples do exist, such as the Vatican's astronomical observatory, which while not directly researching the Big Bang, contributes to the broader astronomical community that accepts it as a foundational fact.

Expert Opinions and Publications

A notable contribution to this topic is an article by Henry Morris, Ph.D., titled Big Bang -- The Bucks Stop There, published in the magazine of the Institute for Creation Research. This piece provides a critical perspective on the financial support for Big Bang research, suggesting that the mainstream cosmological theories are heavily funded while alternative theories are marginalized.

Eric Lerner's book, The Big Bang Never Happened, offers another viewpoint. Lerner argues that scientific researchers who reject the Big Bang theory in favor of Steady-State or Plasma theories face significant financial barriers. According to Lerner, “cosmic research requires much money, and they can't get any”. This statement highlights the funding disparities between mainstream and alternative theories.

Controversies and Critiques

Eric Lerner's work has been met with criticism, notably from Ned Wright, a professor at UCLA's Division of Astronomy and Astrophysics. Wright's critique of Lerner's book is detailed on his website, Errors in the UCLA Division of Astronomy and Astrophysics. However, Eric Lerner has countered these critiques on his own website, The Big Bang Never Happened, without a response from Wright to the criticisms.

Conclusion

The question of financial support for Big Bang research by religious institutions remains a contentious topic. While primary data on such allocations is scarce, the works of Morris, Lerner, and others provide valuable insights into the funding dynamics and scientific debates surrounding cosmological theories. As the dialogue continues, these discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the future of scientific research and debate.