A Vatican Observatory scientist specializing in high-energy astrophysics and theoretical cosmology offers an APU public lecture focusing on the fit between God’s creation and the Big Bang Theory.

The Rev. William Stoeger, S.J., Ph.D., is coordinator for science and technology programs at the Vatican Observatory in Tucson, Ariz. His talk is from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Monday, Feb. 11, in Grant Hall Theater at Alaska Pacific University.

Stoeger’s presentation stems from his interest in the intersection of science, philosophy and theology.

His visit is sponsored by the APU Cardinal Newman Chair in Theology. Stoeger’s topic is “God’s Creation and the Big Bang Theory: How They Fit Together.” The event is free.

A Q&A with Stoeger is here.

Ordained in 1972, Stoeger earned his doctorate in astrophysics from Cambridge University in 1976. He served as a research associate with the theoretical gravitational physics group at the University of Maryland before joining the Vatican Observatory staff in 1979. His research interests concentrate on attempting to build more adequate bridges between theory and cosmologically relevant astronomical observations.

Big Bang theory is the prevailing model explaining the origin of the universe nearly 14 billion years ago. Basic tenets are grounded in a broad range of observed phenomena. The model sometimes is contrasted with scientific creationism, which seeks scientific support for the Genesis creation narrative.

Alaska Pacific University is an accredited liberal arts and sciences university offering two-year, four-year, master’s and doctorate degrees for on-campus and online studies.