The Cycle of Life and Death in the Cosmos

As a Christian, my beliefs are deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible, which assert that everything in the universe has a life and a death. This perspective stands in contrast to the notion that life and death are merely transient forms that constantly change, like a merry-go-round. Personal experience has solidified my belief in the former, as I have witnessed numerous cycles of life and death over the span of my life.

Viruses: Neither Life Nor Death

From a scientific viewpoint, viruses defy the traditional definition of life. They lack the cellular structure necessary to sustain life on their own and therefore do not fit the criteria typically used to define living organisms. However, their active and inactive states demonstrate that they play a significant role in the cycle of life and death within the universe. An active virus can indeed lead to the death of its host, exemplified by the devastating nature of the coronavirus.

The Eternal Cycle of the Universe

One of the most fundamental concepts in cosmology is the idea that nothing ceases to exist in the universe. The universe acts as a recycling system, where matter transforms from one form to another. This concept is supported by the latest theories and findings in astrophysics. There is no static end or death for the universe; instead, it continues to undergo cycles of change and transformation.

Endings and Beginnings

Every end marks a new beginning in the universe. This interconnected cycle ensures that all forms of matter and energy are continually reimagined and reconfigured. Just as viruses illustrate the active and inactive states, all matter in the universe undergoes similar transformations. Each ending does not imply an absolute nullification but rather a transition into a new form or state.

The Ultimate Fate of the Universe

Current scientific understanding suggests that the ultimate fate of our universe might be a “heat death,” where all energy and matter become uniformly spread out, leading to a state of maximum entropy. For organic entities, including humanity, the concept of immortality remains a mystery. We may never truly know the answer to whether any entity can survive beyond the eventual death of the universe.

The Universal Entity

From a broader perspective, it can be argued that everything in the universe, including the universe itself, is part of a larger, self-conscious and intelligent entity. Our bodies, for example, are merely temporary vessels for our consciousness and intelligence. Upon our physical demise, the question of what happens next remains unanswered by science, yet all matter is inherently connected within this self-sustaining cosmic system.

A Cosmic Perspective on Life and Death

Life and death are not the same for all things within the universe. Biological beings, like humans, experience a distinct form of death compared to stars or the universe as a whole. However, even a star's death signifies the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. The cosmos is composed of all objects, from the tiniest particle of dust to the most gigantic stellar fissures. The idea of a cosmos is not a separate entity but rather a collective concept encompassing all matter and energy in existence.